Duke Vs. Darden 2012

Can you talk more about your background and post MBA career goals? It'll be much easier to provide insights...

** Moved to the appropriate forum **

Is anyone offering a scholarship?

I got the exact same scholarship offer from both schools. Doesn't make the decision any easier...

Tough break, regarding the two scholarships

Anyways, here's my two cents.
I think Darden provides a better MBA Experience, at least for what I'm looking to get out of my MBA.
The classroom experience is vastly superior to that of the two other schools I visited, which counts for a lot in my book.
There are also a lot of little things like the Darden Cup, the 100 case party and other Darden traditions, the smaller class size and small town in a warm climate, that add up to a better overall experience.

From a career prep standpoint, I want to go into General Management (not completely sure what area), so recruiting is very similar, but I think Darden's curriculum would prepare me a little better.

Darden's alumni network is probably stronger, but Duke's seems to be great too, and is slightly larger for recent grads due to the larger class size, and is possibly farther reaching, again due to class size.

The area where Duke makes a strong argument (in my mind, at least) is the brand perception. I'm from Michigan, where nobody has an MBA. When I tell people I'm favoring University of Virginia over Duke and Cornell, they just don't get it. I'm not sure whether the people I will encounter in my career (coworkers, partnerships, customers, suppliers, etc) will have any understanding of the comparative strengths of MBA programs. This would make a nice case for Duke. That being said, I really hope I never even have to mention the fact that I have an MBA more than 2 years after I graduate, let alone where I got it from. I hope that my work experience would be the more important factor at that point, but I can't control other people's perceptions and priorities.

Let me clarify - I am extremely grateful to have two offers on the table. It is just the fact that they are equal doesn't swing my vote one way or the other. Again - I am freaking ecstatic to have the two to pick from (especially after months of panicking that I wouldn't get in anywhere). But, I agree with all said and am 99% Darden at this point.

Re: Lions' point on Duke's brand recognition - I guess that is what I'm struggling with and was wondering what other people think. The opportunities are vast after attending either program, and fairly similar, so I'm less concerned with particular interests determining which program to attend and more on why someone prefers one or another on a personal level.

Hope I will see some of you Friday

Hi all, this comes a little late but would any of you know how strong each school is for healthcare?

I know Fuqua has an Health Sector Management add on, but Darden has healthcare specialization too. Niche topic. but if anybody can shed some insight on how the 2 compare for:
a) Recruitment into management consulting (healthcare specific)
b) Overall healthcare recruiting
c) Which program has a better reputation for healthcare in the US (or East Coast), that would excellent. I'm applying to both in September most likely, so wanted to get people's insights on the same.
Best
A.

I can't say anything about recruitment, but Duke is one of the top players in Healthcare specialization.
The main advantage of Fuqua would be its proximity to the RPT. Try visiting both schools and attend their classes.

Hi GMATmba, thanks for your response. I'm sorry, what did you mean by RPT? Yes, I'm scheduling class visits in August to find out in person what I'm best suited for.

-A.

RTP: Research Triangle Park. I am sure there is a better description on Wiki; RTP houses many many tech, biotech, and pharmaceutical companies. It'll give you a good access to those companies as a Dukie

Extremely helpful, going to follow up on this. Thanks so much!