Boston University vs UNC Kenan Flagler

Question

My interviewer at UNC just called to give me the news that I got into the MBA program there.

I already got an acceptance from BU with a $70,000 scholarship ($35,000 /yr)

Now I'm in quite a dilemma on which program to choose.

I am basically looking at pursuing an MBA specialising in Marketing & a bit of entrepreneurship.

Would love to hear your points of view and get some more information it would make it easier to make a decision.

Admissionado · Answer

Hmmm,
That is a tough call. UNC is certainly higher in the rankings, but it's not necessarily a class higher which would make the decision easy for you. And a full ride is very tempting. One thing you can do though, and delicately so, is to communicate with UNC the face that you are considering their offer but you have another very strong offer with full scholarship, making it understood that you would be more excited to join their school if only they might offer a bit of money. It's tricky to do, and you have to be VERY gentle and diplomatic... but it can work out for you sometimes.

Other than that, I would also put a lot of effort into finding out more about the school and its people to find which is the right fit for you personally, even visit both before you make your final decision, if that is feasible.

kidchaos · Answer

Thanks Jon. That is exactly my dilemma. Although the rankings are quite a bit apart there isn't much of a difference in terms of the actual program. Do you have any idea on the reputation of the two schools with recruiters? Because I think that is certainly a major deciding factor too. I have heard mixed feedback about the BU career services and I don't know much about KF except they haven't had great recruiting in the past 2 years or so.

Let me know if you have any insights on that. Meanwhile I might write to them like you suggested although so far I haven't received the official confirmation yet just a call from my interviewer on Sunday evening. I expect the official mail to come in today or tomorrow. Maybe they might offer me a little bit of aid which will make the decision even tougher :D 
There is also the matter of living in the Boston area vs living in Chapel Hill.

Admissionado · Answer

Yeah, I totally get you.
For these two schools, unless I ask specific clients who are there I have the same info as you probably - meaning the employment reports of the school. But I don't think in either case that it's a worry - meaning I have confidence that with a good background, wherever you will go, you will be very employable. From the stats, it does seem like UNC is a bit stronger both in employers and in post MBA salaries, but it's hard to judge what might happen to YOU from overall averages, and really, you need to dig deeper within your own industry and people with a similar background as you.

And then, yes there is the issue of smaller city bigger city, freezing cold weather, beautiful temperate weather and so on... but that's more up to you and your feeling. Each one has its advantages and dis-

Let me know if you have any follow up thoughts, and of course, eventually what you decide
(And either way, congrats! there are many who would be envious of your dilemma)

kidchaos · Answer

Like you said it's hard to judge whether I can get good employment depends entirely on the efforts I put in.

I will let you know when I make a decision.

Boston University vs UNC Kenan Flagler

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