The Business School judgements and stereotypes!
This is THE thread for "Which business school should I choose question?" Regardless of whether you are just thinking about the GMAT, done with it, writing applications or thinking about which school to apply to, THIS is the place for you. I invite applicants, current students and alums to contribute to this thread with information, arguments and some friendly banter. But before that, here are a couple of interesting data set that I collected in the past few days!
HBS
Strengths:- Ultimate BSchool authority with very few people questioning its Top spot in the rankings. Regardless where you are in the world, everyone knows Harvard
- Reports about students being pretentious jerks and snobish, generally appear not true. We found the percentage of jerks to be actually somewhat less than other programs
- One of the main strengths is the eclectic and very diverse student body with folks from politics, performing arts, and many other backgrounds
- Guaranteed employment (?)
Cons- Program Size - it the largest full-time programs in the nation - very easy to be lost in the sea of students and grads
- No merit scholarships
Stereotypical Essay Topic: Of which Fortune 500 company are you going to become the CEO and why would you pick that company?
GSB (STANFORD)
Strengths:- The undeniable Top 2 school in the nation and often considered a second Top 1. Many HBS admits choose Stanford without feeling that they downgraded.
- Small program esp compared to HBS
- The place to be for Venture Capital and Silicon Valley networking; also strong in social enterprise
- Has a unique Sloan program
- Guaranteed employment (?)
ConsStereotypical Essay Topic: Why? (100,000 words recommended)[/list]
WHARTON
Strengths:- Finance, Finance, Finance
- Very strong job placement and pretty much guaranteed employment
Cons- Program Size - huge
- Philly
Stereotypical Essay Topic: Of which Fortune 500 company are you going to become the CFO and why would you pick that company?
BOOTH (CHICAGO)
Strengths:- Finance - that reputation has stuck with Booth regardless of what the school tries to do or alums say though not as strongly pigeon-holed as Wharton
- Polsky entrepreneurship center and New Venture challenge have helped many startups come to life (e.g. Bump app)
- Strong network in Chicago and Fantastic job placements
Cons- Program Size - between the Full and Part Time programs, there are close to 3,300 students
- Class bidding system can be a pain
- Wind
Stereotypical Essay Topic: Provide a detailed statistical analysis of why Chicago-Booth is #1 in BWeek and never higher than #3 in USNews. Do the math in your head.
KELLOGG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
Strengths:- Long term rep as one of the top 5 B Schools in the world.
- The most spouse friendly campus. Significant others can join clubs and audit classes
- Chicago goodness bring in them recruiters
Cons:- Reputed to go easy on the academics
- Chicago weather
- Not so good Fin Aid support
Stereotypical Essay Topic: Sell your resume in less than 50 words.
SLOAN SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
Strengths:- Rigorous academic programs.
- The engineering school
- Flexible curriculum outside the 1st semester core with the ability to cross register for almost no additional cost at HBS and all other Harvard graduate schools.
Cons- The perception that students lack soft skills.
- The engineering school
- Not seen as a general management track school
Stereotypical Essay Topic: Draw and explain the On load tap changer circuit in an Induction Motor.
COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL
Strengths:- Amazing Location in the financial hub of the world (NY)
- Most diverse student body in terms of minorities and women
- Strong finance program
Cons- Stern offers a Columbia MBA program which is easier to get into
- Students are known to be not so polite
- Commuter crowd.
Stereotypical Essay Topic: Tell us everything you like apart from business and academics.
TUCK SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Strengths:- Strong culture leads to amazing student enthusiasm
- Cult following in GMAT Club
- Extremely helpful alum network
Cons:- Limited social options in Hanover
- Limited class size
Stereotypical Essay Topic: Reflect on how living in NH can be the most satisfying experience of your life.
FUQUA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Strengths:- Maybe the best health care management program in the country.
- Strong team culture
- Great brand name
Cons:- Fairly young program
- Reportedly unambitious
Stereotypical Essay Topic: Tell us ALL your short term, near short term, middle term, Long term, Far long term plans. Also attach an affidavit of your Will.
HAAS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Strengths:- Great location and silicon valley proximity
- Small class size and tight culture.
- Berkeley has very strong international brand name.
Cons:- Weak ties to the financial sector
- Extremely selective program
Stereotypical Essay Topic: What matters most to you and why? (We are sure you have written that essay with more enthusiasm)
YALE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
Strengths:- World class brand name.
- Arguably the best social enterprise program in the country.
- Relatively strong job placement for the rank.
Cons:- Newer program means little real rep with employers or alumni to lean on.
Stereotypical Essay Topic: Write about your only work experience at Peace Corps.