Hi
mbaMission,
I am really struggling with the decision on where to accept, and was wondering if you might be able to shed some light/your experienced opinion. I've been accepted to Cornell (with a 30K scholarship for the full two years), Duke, and NYU.
My interests:pursue consulting at a big four type firm (management/strategy consulting). Though I may want to try banking, but not sure if I will like it/fit in that role (but want to leave the option open).
My thoughts on Cornell: (+) ivy brand, scholarship, good for consulting as well as banking, smaller school (I guess that could be a positive for recruiting season=less competition)?, strong alumni network, close to the city (-) during recruiting season, I've been told that you are basically required to travel to the city almost EVERY weekend (I personally don't think I would be able to handle the stress of an 8 hour weekend commute, interviewing, and coursework), the cold weather, desolate area, community environment didn't seem to be there so much when I visited (I could be wrong)
My thoughts on Duke: (+) LOVED the environment, students, and faculty when I visited, very strong for consulting, probably the strongest MBA program out of the three schools, strong alumni network (-) if I decide to pursue the banking route, not sure whether there will be good recruiting for this or not, very large school (bad for recruiting=more competition?)
My thoughts on NYU: (+) in the city-accessible to almost every company, whether banking or consulting (might be a negative too because then more competitive), great program (-) bc NYU is in the city, iam afraid the community aspect will be lacking because ppl will be coming in with already developed prior friendships and afraid the ppl will be living all over the city so they will come for classes and then retire back to their respective apartments (making community developent difficult).
What are your thoughts?