Choosing schools

Question

Hello. I recently discovered this site, and I'm definitely learning a lot. Just a little background on me...for the last year, I was working as an engineer in Libya where I was helping modernize the country's housing and roads infrastructure. The recent civil war, however, forced all expatriates to leave Libya. Thankfully I made it back safely to the US, although I found myself having a hard time getting employment because of the job market. I have always considered getting my MBA, so naturally doing a full-time program at this time seems like a good decision.

Since I have already experienced the difficulties of unemployment, my priorities lie in increasing my job placement chances after graduation and minimizing my student loan. So I am looking at the schools with the highest job placement numbers (in industries I'm interested in) located in relatively low cost of living areas with relatively lower program costs. Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Iowa come to mind. The value in these programs are very compelling to me vs. the more expensive top tier schools.

What other things about the top tier schools should I factor into my decision?

losttraveler · Answer

Number 1 thing to consider, if you're unemployed, do you even have a shot. Unfortunately without being employed you're going to have a struggle getting in. The schools you listed have good placement in their regions so why not consider that?

cheetarah1980 · Answer

I don't think that being unemployed is a deal breaker if 1)your work experience prior to unemployment is quality, 2) the unemployment hasn't been prolonged (i.e. 6+ months), and 3) you've been actively progressing toward your career goal in spite of bein unemployed.

If those things are in line use the optional essay to explain why you're unemployed currently and what you've been doing with your time. There were plenty of unemployed people getting into b-school in 2008.

losttraveler · Answer

The problem is on paper... it looks like you want b-school because you can't find a job which is kind of what the OP is feeding into... b-school because I'm unemployed and think it'll help me get a job... that's the problem

Koppa · Answer

Well, there are about 3 companies that have said they will hire me once they get new projects...it could be a few months before they do though...if that matters.

The original question remains though...are there other compelling reasons that I should try to get into the top tier schools? Some of them even have lower job placement rates than the relatively less expensive schools.

MYCambridge · Answer

I think you should tell more about your background. With a 700+ gmat and high gpa, that would make you competitive enough to get in any of the schools you mentioned.

I think you do have a very interesting story.

extrastarch · Answer

Koopa,

What you need to do is to start your application process. Don't fret too much about what other people think if you have a good chance of going to school or not. Look at each school's job placement stats and go from there. Time is ticking, get that app in.

asimov · Answer

Job placement rate doesn't tell the full story. You need to look at the average salary, the types of jobs they are getting, growth potential of the jobs. Students at top schools aren't hunting for the same jobs as the ones in the lower tier schools.

If you want bang for the buck, you should move to Texas and apply for McCombs. Their in-state tuition is ridiculously low for a top-tier school.

If you want bang for the buck, you should move to Texas and apply for McCombs. Their in-state tuition is ridiculously low for a top-tier school.

Koppa · Answer

Finally, someone who had input on the original question.

Posted from my mobile device

Choosing schools

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