Hi,

I have a couple questions.

1. I am curious if there is any advantage to applying to Tuck's Early Action round. I understand that it is non-binding, unlike Columbia's early action round. The Tuck website states that this round is for people who feel that Tuck is their number one choice, do they give some preference (easier to get in?) to applicants who apply in this round?

2. My post MBA goal is to work with one of the Big 3 Consulting firms (McKinsey, Bain, BCG) in San Francisco, my home-town. I know there are many other factors that go into choosing a school and getting a job, however I am trying to get more information regarding brand, reputation, and career placement of these schools. I am targeting top 5 schools, however I am trying to find a few schools that may be a little safer but still in the top 10 or 15. I am considering Tuck, Haas, Michigan and Duke. I have checked out their career websites and employment reports. However, unlike the Top 5, these schools seem to be a little less explicit regarding exactly how many students they place at each company. I am wondering how you would judge these 4 schools in terms of brand, reputation and most importantly how would you rank them in giving me the opportunity to work with one of the Big 3 consulting and getting me back to San Francisco.

3. What other schools outside of the Top 3-5 would give me the best chance to get into one of the Big 3 consulting firms?

Thanks in advance!