debating offers with and without $$

Question

Hope I'm not duplicating an existing subject, but I'd like for people to discuss and give opinions on school choices based on money, rankings, culture, and other considerations etc.

I'm debating between Haas 1/2 scholarship vs. Kellogg (no or little $$). If it was a full scholarship then I'd have picked Haas over Kellogg without debate. However, the 1/2 $$ is debatable and makes my decision harder. Would you give up the Kellogg brand for 1/2 $$ at Haas? By the way, I still haven't heard from Kellogg about money, but if I was getting something generous, it would have been announced during the admission call. So for the sake of this discussion, let's assume that there's no money from Kellogg or at most 10K.

Here's the next phase of the dilemma, if I get admitted into Wharton this week, then the debate changes. Kellogg and Haas seem to be on the same league, but I'm not sure whether you can add Wharton in that mix (with or without $$ at Wharton).

What are your thoughts?

falibay · Answer

What do you plan to do after school? I think that could help you make a decision. If it is marketing or enterpreneurship, the decision may be easier.

liubhs02 · Answer

Personally I would choose Haas over Kellogg because I like the California culture and weather better.

However, without knowing what you would like out of your MBA and judging purely based on ranking and reputation, I would choose Kellogg. Kellogg's brand is much stronger than Haas, especially in Chicago and East Coast. The alumni base for Kellogg is much bigger, so it makes networking easier. The 1/2 tuition, which would only amount to $45K over two years isn't a big enough incentive to bridge the gap.

mba2009app · Answer

I omitted this info purposely. I think that I will do fine at any one of these institutions regardless of my focus. I doubt that I'll be far more successful at one place than the other; most top 10 programs will give you about the same opportunities. But to answer your question. I'm looking to go into entrepreneurship. If I'm not successful in entrepreneurship post-mba, I'll go into tech. I'm currently in tech, so I'm not worried about getting a job at any of those schools.

falibay · Answer

I think you have a stronger case with Haas, especially with the money.

bostonsparky · Answer

Hi mba, I'm in a very similar situation to you, have a half-ride to Duke in the bag and am awaiting to hear from Kellogg and my Wharton WL. I can't fault you at all if you choose Haas because entrepreneurship and tech are 2 of its biggest strengths. Honestly I think it really comes down to a location thing. For me I'm definitely an access-to-a-big-city-person, which is why I'd probably take K or W over Duke regardless of $$. If I were you I'd definitely put a big emphasis on where you want to spend the next 2 years and perhaps later, yes you can always move after grad but why make things hard on yourself. I say this because you truly have 3 can't lose options academically. Good luck with whatever you pick!

riverripper · Answer

For what you want they are pretty much on par, maybe Kellogg has a slightly more recognized brand overall. I would submit the Kellogg financial aid stuff and see what you get. If you get nothing, easy decision go to Haas. They both are great for what you want, and you are looking at 45k over two years. However, if you get 15k+ from Kellogg you are talking a much smaller difference and dont factor the money into your decision as much. Go by fit a lot more...reach out to current students of both schools and clubs you are interested in to get an idea of what support the schools give you.

I am no expert on Kellogg's ent. offerings but I do know they sponsor internships for people to work at start-ups. They pay you 10k for your internship and help set you up with solid start-ups...I have a few friends doing this and they are really excited about it. Probably not a reason to choose one school over the other but its one of those things you should figure out what the schools do.

mba2009app · Answer

riverripper, thanks for the insight. So far Haas is ahead of the game. So here's phase two of my blessed dilemma. I just got admitted to Wharton. For what I want to do, the program doesn't really matter. I should do fine anywhere. What are your thoughts?

riverripper · Answer

Personally I still say Haas with that much money for what you want to do makes the most sense. If either other school comes up with scholarship money then go by fit (Kellogg and Haas are probably more similar to each other than they are to Wharton)...if you dont get a cent from either go to Haas and enjoy your two years. If you have to pay the deposit at Haas to get time for scholarships from the other drop the money but dont withdraw from the others until you know what they will offer.

debating offers with and without $$

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