nickiestardust wrote:
Hi Linda/Paul,
I have a very difficult decision to make and I don't know what to do!!! I would appreciate your input.
My first-choice school was Kellogg, and I was thrilled to have been accepted. However, I was just offered (through the Consortium) a full scholarship to UMich.
On one hand, it's hard for me to give up my dream to go to Kellogg, but on the other, I wonder how much of a difference there really is (in terms of prestige, job opportunity, etc.) between the two schools. I haven't heard yet about my award package from Kellogg, but I doubt it will be anywhere near a half- or full-tuition package.
My goal when I come out is to enter a CPG in brand management. Oh -- and I've visited Kellogg (loved it), but haven't seen Ross yet. I will be attending both admitted students' weekends.
Thanks for any input you guys can give me!
Nickie,
Congratulations on your Michigan scholarship. You ask a tough question. I believe Kellogg's brand is stronger than Michigan's, certainly internationally, and given that your career goal is brand management, Kellogg's longstanding reputation as a premier marketing program might help you on some level. There's also about a $6,000 difference (in Kellogg's favor) between graduates' average starting salaries, for what it's worth.
My recommendation is to visit Ann Arbor to see if that affects how you lean--maybe you'll fall in love with Michigan or maybe you'll return convinced Kellogg is for you. Otherwise, you will have to ask yourself which matters most to you: the financial help from Michigan or the connection you seem to feel toward Kellogg. If the money were not an absolute make-or-break factor for me, I would probably choose Kellogg.
Good luck,