Intern
Joined: 15 Oct 2014
Posts: 7
Given Kudos: 4
Concentration: Finance, Strategy
WE:Project Management (Manufacturing)
Poll: Anderson ($$) vs Ross vs Cornell?
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01 Apr 2015, 00:34
Hello,
I've been very fortunate to have been accepted at all 3 programs. My interests are primarily in investment finance research with a secondary interest in strategic consulting (market entry in emerging markets). My full time exp is entirely in Asia and I could see myself returning but it's not a requirement. Thanks for helping me get some more information.
Anderson
Pros:
1) I visited all 3 schools and UCLA left the best impression by far. The people and environment were both great
2) Scholarship for 50% of tuition! Huge plus.
3) I've only visited LA twice but I like it
4) Big city probably means better networking opportunities
5) Significant percentage of grads go into finance.
6) LA seems to be a great location to do work with emerging markets, being at the crossroads of Asia and Latin America.
Cons:
1) Seems to be sort of bland "all-arounder", compared to Ross which is identified as a consulting school and Johnson which is a finance school. Nothing really jumps out at me with Anderson, like "this is a great school to do (blank)"
2) I'm really worried about the comparative recruitment numbers. It seems like Anderson punches below their weight with big consulting or bulge bracket banks. The people I've spoken with at Anderson say that it's not a problem with the school, it's just that many students prefer to do something else. I don't know how true that is.
3) Seems very LA focused, don't know if the brand will travel well overseas or to east coast, if I ever decide to move.
Ross
Pros:
1) Seems to be the best regarded of the three
2) Good recruitment record
3) Seems to be continually improving. Their website and print materials definitely show a sense of refinement and polish. It's a small point, but I get a good impression from these things.
4) Admissions person I spoke with on campus was great.
5) Went to Umich for undergrad, so I am familiar with AA and like it.
Cons:
1) Michigan is sort of a wasteland for jobs, I wouldn't want to work there after graduation.
2) Not a great impression from most people I interacted with during application/visit process.
3) No scholarship
4) Went to Umich for undergrad, I don't know if doubling down on schools is a good idea.
Johnson
Pros:
1) Second favorite school of the five I visited
2) Good college town atmosphere
3) Really has a very prestigious feel, a lot of the people I interacted with were very professional and accomplished
4) Having an Ivy League school on my resume makes me feel nice.
Cons:
1) Ithaca is very remote. If I was studying chemistry or biology that might be fine, but business tends to require social interaction. NYC is a long drive.
2) Tends to rank comparatively below UCLA, which is offering a bunch of money
Immediately after visiting five schools, I was ready to sign the dotted line for UCLA. When they called and offered a scholarship, I was really excited. But now as the deadline nears, I want to be sure I'm not going to be making a big mistake. The usefulness in the degree leading to a great job is obviously the most important, and UCLA's career numbers are just kind of meh.
Would appreciate any help in trying to sort out this stuff, thank you!!