elbie wrote:
kingfalcon wrote:
elbie wrote:
Yup, I've read her blog and many of her posts here
Two questions I'd have for you:
1) Is the money the same at all three schools?
2) What originally appealed to you about the MMM option at Kellogg? It's a very unique program and definitely a differentiating factor here. Do you see yourself using the second degree in your chosen career field?
1) Money is zero at all 3 though I plan to try asking for some once I determine which my favorite is (I have $ at Ross so I am hoping to leverage that). It would certainly convince me to go to either Booth or Wharton.
2) I like MMM because I come from Tech and am interested in Biotech. The innovation focus is very appealing to me (coming from Silicone Valley) plus I think an Engineering degree would give me a bit more credibility with Engineers that I would be managing. This was probably my top choice before visiting Kellogg and Booth last spring.
- Booth blew me away with their dedication to welcome potential applicants and I felt at home with the "nerdy" culture.
- Kellogg facilities certainly can not compare and the students I met were mostly typical marketing-types that are the stereotype of the school - I did not feel a great connection with them. I think I likely would connect more with the MMM students, but I have only met a few alum - not enough to really be able to tell.
- Wharton.... I did not get a great vibe. They just seemed so proud of themselves for being Wharton - the admissions office barely lifted a finger to help me get a sense of the school - even when I was interviewing. My stock question to interviewers is "Why X school?" and the guy at Wharton said he had never been asked that before. That mentality just rubbed me the wrong way - but I think I should give it another chance because I think it would be different now that I am in.
I mostly wonder if it makes sense to choose Booth despite the fact that it is likely the worst of the 3 for what I want to do. There are so many finance people there that I likely will never utilize in my career network. Kellogg people are much more likely to work for companies that I want to work for, and I think Wharton too.
Another consideration - I don't drink and I think that might be a bigger problem at Kellogg and possibly Wharton?
Happy New Year Elbie and CONGRATS! I totally share the same feeling and struggle with you since I received the calls from Wharton and Chicago (with some money).
From employment point of view, I found it very helpful to talk to people who know the companies that you look to join, such as their recruiting team members, ex- or current employees, and headhunters. They might help you get a sense of whether your target companies favor a school over another and how people see Boothies and Whartoners at those companies in specific locations. I'd also try to gauge whether the faculty members have any work relationship with your target companies.
From learning and culture point of view, hmm I totally agree with what you said about Booth. Boothies I met are so friendly and helpful and how they reached out to me to extend a warm welcome (plus scholarship) did move me! While for Wharton, since I'd prefer to switch from consulting to finance in Asia. Wharton does have slightly better brand and broader network in this market still.. I'd also look at the course list to see which school offers a better curriculum according to your needs.
Just want to share what I am thinking as I have the same problem. I will prob attend both schools' admit weekend to see whether I like the people I meet and what I see on campus before I make up my mind. After all, they are all great schools so have fun solving this problem!