Fellowships vs top rated school ???

I guess it also depends on your definition of "lesser" and what other apps are pending.

Apps pending at several "elite" schools...the fellowship is for a newer currently unranked school.

Everyone is different, but I would wait and take the debt. Of course, that's mainly because of my career goals.

I am a career switcher--moving from technical to business so I think it would behoove me to go to the best school that I possibly can.
I guess this is all hypothetical at this point since I havent gotten into my #1 anyways...if I don't get in there I will likely take the $$.

It really depends on which safety school you are talking about. If you can stand out from the pool at that school and some of your aspiring companies recruit there even in a down economy like now, you still have a good chance to get to where you want to be.

Stanford may or may not be the right choice for you. We have seen quite some Stanford graduates toiling on similar jobs as grads from schools a few spots below on the ranking table and changing jobs frequently. Stanford is great for innovative and unconventional students who have big ideas. For you as a career switcher, many other well known schools which focus on general management can be a better fit for you. So the choice may not be Stanford and the scholarship school, rather another top school vs the scholarship school.

As the high-paying positions are getting more competitive in the foreseeable future, being debt-free after two years of studies and a decent job could be a very good position with a higher NPV and less stress in your life in the end.

Good luck to you! If you get an interview in a few weeks from Stanford, it is a good sign.

Thanks so much! If you wouldnt mind I might send you a PM with the specifics to hear your thoughts.

Sure.

Just email us at admissions@manhattanreview.com and include as much detail as possible including your resume and a complete list of schools you are applying for.

Copy your original question and our replies into your email along with the url of this thread. That way it gets taken care of faster. Maybe take about 24-48 hours for the turnaround.

OK, will do. I have apps pending at 5 schools. The school in question is UCSD. There is not much info out about the program and the school is so new, I am also wondering about the options for electives and networking. Another concern is how the CA budget crisis might impact a new school....

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