Fuqua ($$) vs Darden ($$$)

Question

I have been accepted by Fuqua, Darden and Kenan-Flagler for Fall 2015. I received full tuition scholarships to both KF and Darden and a 2/3 tuition scholarship to Fuqua. I have a desire to work with companies trying to break into emerging markets specifically Brazil and Argentina. This leads me to want to go into a consulting firm like MBB or Deloitte or a leadership development program/internal consulting role. Eventually I would like to move on to owning my own firm. For these reasons I have removed KF from my final decision. I am completely split between Darden and Fuqua.

Both schools place very well into consulting at top firms and GM programs
Both place well into locations I would like to work (DC/Southeast/Texas)

Though I have heard that over a lifetime $30K (Tuition difference between Darden and Fuqua) is not much but with these schools being so close in my mind the financial aspect has to be taken into consideration.

Pros and Cons for both:

Darden:
 Pros 
Case method style of teaching appeals to my learning style
Placement into consulting due to the case method seems to have a very slight advantage over Fuqua
Alumni and current students are very helpful, very tight knit
Most helpful student body and faculty I have ever encountered
Highly intelligent student body and conversations (First coffee is an amazing concept)
Full Tuition

Cons 
International appeal does not seem as strong as Fuqua
Do not like the isolation of Charlottesville

Fuqua:
 Pros 
Location is perfect (Originally from the area)
Strong International Appeal
Programs like Fuqua on Board and Volunteering opportunities allow me to give back to the community that fostered me.
Places very well into GM and LD Programs, a core school for many companies
Love the Team Fuqua concept

Cons 
Graduates have not been as responsive as Darden (Granted it is recruiting season)
Because Case Method is not as strong as Darden I am a little weary about case interviews with MBB

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Also does anyone know if Fuqua scholarships are negotiable?

domotron · Answer

As a current student, I can tell you $30k really doesn't make a big difference in the long run. You should ignore $$ in this case and look for the best fit. Where can you imagine yourself spending two years? Chances are that is the best place for you.

I am currently recruiting for consulting and honestly a case based learning system doesn't really translate to doing consulting cases in my mind. They are very different.

jumsumtak · Answer

Current Fuquan here and I'm recruiting for MBB as well. Just wanted to shed some light on the cons -

Cons
Graduates have not been as responsive as Darden (Granted it is recruiting season) - true. Duke n/w is super strong and pretty responsive in general. It's probably a really bad 2 weeks to contact any business school student. Feel free to drop me a message though

Because Case Method is not as strong as Darden I am a little weary about case interviews with MBB - Doesn't make an iota of a difference. Like, zilch.

Shoot me a PM if you have any questions. Good luck!

Because Case Method is not as strong as Darden I am a little weary about case interviews with MBB - Doesn't make an iota of a difference. Like, zilch. Shoot me a PM if you have any questions. Good luck!

Fuqua ($$) vs Darden ($$$)

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