Ok guys, you helped me get in, help me figure out what to do. I really need your input, need to make a decision fast. No $$ from any school, so the playing field is pretty level, other than INSEAD, being that it's a 1 yr program, is cheaper.

Post-MBA goal: GM/corp strategy (flexible on industry) in the northeast in the US. Before you tell me to go to Ross, hear me out.

1) INSEAD

Pros:
- probably the best choice for my career LONG-TERM (short-term is arguable). I really like the idea of a global career and a transcultural alumni network
- lower opportunity cost
- plan to do the exchange with Wharton and position myself for recruitment in the US through Wharton. I have a Canadian passport and therefore getting an authorization to work in the US is a mere formality, but I doubt a lot of employers know that
- I love the culture and what the school is about

Cons:
- probably not the best choice to land a GM gig in the US right out of school. The way I think about INSEAD - it's the best choice for my long-term goals, not so much for the short-term


2) Ross

Pros:
- excellent GM recruitment and an extensive alumni network
- one of the most intelligent and down-to-earth student bodies I've ever encountered. I love Rossers!

Cons:
- not a huge fan of the location
- 2 year (higher opp cost compared to INSEAD)


3) Cornell

Pros:
- decent GM recruitment
- location: not that Ithaca is the most amazing and happening place in the world (I don't mind it, that's about it), but I'll actually have a good shot at saving my relationship. This is the biggie here. My boyfriend is from NJ (only a few hour drive), so we can see each other often if I go to Cornell. None of the other options allow for that.
- I like the Ivy brand and Cornell had strong recruitment (MBA1s for internships) in the areas that interest me. They place a huge percentage of their grads in NYC, and that's where I want to be post-MBA.


Cons:
- not quite as highly ranked as Ross or much less INSEAD
- while I've met a lot of amazing people at Cornell (great people on this forum and outside of it), the overall impression that I get is for a bit of a younger crowd than say Ross. I'll be turning the big 30 pretty soon and generally prefer the more focused, mature crowd (not that there aren't a lot of people like that at Cornell, just speaking in aggregate in comparison to say Ross - just an impression I get)
- 2 yr (higher opp cost compared to INSEAD)


I know that at the end of the day it's about where I want to be post-MBA and whether I'm prepared to risk my relationship and to what extend. Just really confused right now and don't want to make a decision based on emotions, hence I need your help. Any input would be immensely appreciated as always. I'm sure I'm not the first and won't be last person facing a similar predicament, so any wisdom and sharing your experience/perspective would be helpful, I hope to others as well.

First of all, congrats on the admits! It's a tough decision for sure. I think it would make sense to start from your own priorities. From what I read, there're several, including strength of program, location, personal relationship, and cost. How would you rank those priorities? I would say put a number next to each of those priorities and see how each program stacks up against them.

Personally, I would say Ross - I'm headed to AA myself. But it's different for each person. Best of luck with your decision!
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Welcome to the Johnson family. I am also looking at GM post graduation and feel that Johnson does provide the opportunity to tailor your education to specifically where you want to be.

Regarding the age thing, that was important to me also. At 29 with a wife and 2 kids, I didnt want to be surrounded by only 24/25 year olds. No offense to you young folks, but it is nice to have life in common with people outside the classroom.

So congrats, especially on your persistence with Johnson and the WL. I think you should attend based solely on the amount of effort you put in. We can start the official JOHNSON SCHOOL LOW UNDERGRAD GPA CLUB.

all things being equal, i'd say go with your gut and your heart. in this case, it looks like the winner is cornell. congrats and good luck
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