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gmijaresshafai
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HBS vs Northwestern JD/MBA 02 May 2013, 06:54
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Law is a must for me. I want to practice in the short term (BigLaw 4-5 years, then transition to in-house or business in order to spend more time with my family).

My LSAT was piss poor. I got into Northwestern solely because of my GMAT. Honestly this is what it comes down to for me:

Northwestern JD/MBA (3 years)
Harvard MBA (and probably Emory Law immediately afterwards... no guarantees though) (5 years)

My fellowships/scholarships at each are comparable. The JD/MBA is my personal preference; my short and long term goals will utilize both and I know I will appreciate the different education.
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MBAAdmissionsCoach
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HBS vs Northwestern JD/MBA 02 May 2013, 07:08
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It's always hard to choose between two great options, isn't it? In your case, neither choice is a bad decision.

My expertise is in MBA programs and MBA admissions. I have worked with many JD/MBA students, but only from the MBA side. So, I come into this not knowing the rankings of Northwestern's law school or Emory's law school.

The JD/MBA at Northwestern seems to be the logical and most cost effective choice. Three years, a single relocation to Northwestern, and you start practicing law right away.

I believe anyone could make a solid argument for either option. Good luck!
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Dakells
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HBS vs Northwestern JD/MBA 02 May 2013, 07:09
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gmijaresshafai
Law is a must for me. I want to practice in the short term (BigLaw 4-5 years, then transition to in-house or business in order to spend more time with my family).

My LSAT was piss poor. I got into Northwestern solely because of my GMAT. Honestly this is what it comes down to for me:

Northwestern JD/MBA (3 years)
Harvard MBA (and probably Emory Law immediately afterwards... no guarantees though) (5 years)

My fellowships/scholarships at each are comparable. The JD/MBA is my personal preference; my short and long term goals will utilize both and I know I will appreciate the different education.
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Hey, can you clarify whether you've been accepted to HBS? It isn't totally clear from your post. So your options are Kellogg JD/MBA this year vs HBS this year and then Emory (potentially) after school? Also, how old are you?
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gmijaresshafai
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HBS vs Northwestern JD/MBA 02 May 2013, 07:14
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I have been admitted to HBS. I was wait listed at Emory Law this year. I am confident that after graduating from HBS in good academic standing I would be admitted.

I'm 24 years old.
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CobraKai
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HBS vs Northwestern JD/MBA 02 May 2013, 07:15
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gmijaresshafai
The JD/MBA is my personal preference; my short and long term goals will utilize both and I know I will appreciate the different education.
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I think you just answered your own question. The only "downside" to the JD/MBA is that it's so compressed and you spend most of your time at the law school, it's not your typical MBA experience, but it sounds like law is your priority, so that would make the JD/MBA appropriate.

You might be the first person in the history of man to turn down HBS for Kellogg, but these sound like good reasons to do so:

1) Northwestern's Law is stronger than Emory
2) Three years vice five years

On the other hand, going to HBS would give you the full MBA experience from the most recognized brand on the planet and keep your options open - you may find that you don't want to go to law school afterwards when you see the recruiting opportunities available at B-school.

Best of luck to you!
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HBS vs Northwestern JD/MBA 02 May 2013, 09:50
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Hmm that is a tough one then. I'm inclined to say JD/MBA at Northwestern since 5 years of being in school is A LOT, and also really expensive. To be making negative money for five years is a tough pill to swallow. Plus, though Kellogg is not HBS, it does have a great brand name. I don't know the cost difference between both routes but I imagine it would be substantial. You are young though so you would be done with everything before hitting 30 even if you did the 5 year route. But would you really want to be an associate at law firm at 30 vs at 27?

I do agree with cobrakai though in that HBS and a full time MBA could potentially open your eyes to other career options outside of law. I have a ton of friends who went to law school (not as highly ranked as northwestern though) who had a really tough time finding jobs they wanted. And those who did aren't necessarily thrilled with law. If you are really sure you want to do law then I would go with JD/MBA. But if you're thinking you might have other interests, then maybe HBS is the way to go. Also, just to throw it out there, there are some people who might regret passing up the chance at HBS. If you think you might end up regretting it, then that is something to consider as well. But in general I think the JD/MBA will give you more bang for your buck and allow you to start your career sooner (something that I think is a big plus).

As the others have said, can't go wrong! Congrats on having such an awesome choice to make!
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HBS vs Northwestern JD/MBA 02 May 2013, 10:03
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Here's another option which you may or may not have been aware of:

Quote:
Prospective students must apply to and be separately admitted to both HLS and HBS, each of which will independently review and admit applicants. Students can apply to both schools in the same admissions season, or apply to the second school while enrolled in the first year at the other.
Show more

If you go to HBS, you can apply to Harvard Law during your first year which allows you to finish both degrees in 4 years vice 5, and Harvard Law >> Emory Law.
https://www.law.harvard.edu/academics/degrees/special-programs/joint-degrees/jd/mba-program.html
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HBS vs Northwestern JD/MBA 02 May 2013, 11:13
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CobraKai
Here's another option which you may or may not have been aware of:

Quote:
Prospective students must apply to and be separately admitted to both HLS and HBS, each of which will independently review and admit applicants. Students can apply to both schools in the same admissions season, or apply to the second school while enrolled in the first year at the other.

If you go to HBS, you can apply to Harvard Law during your first year which allows you to finish both degrees in 4 years vice 5, and Harvard Law >> Emory Law.
https://www.law.harvard.edu/academics/degrees/special-programs/joint-degrees/jd/mba-program.html
Show more
The only problem with this is that the OP isn't getting into HLS with a "piss poor" LSAT.

Honestly, if you're dead set on practicing law and just want the MBA for its option value down the line, I'd head to Northwestern. IMO, for a law career, a Northwestern JD/MBA > Emory JD + HBS MBA.
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old1442
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HBS vs Northwestern JD/MBA 02 May 2013, 20:47
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kingfalcon
CobraKai
Here's another option which you may or may not have been aware of:

Quote:
Prospective students must apply to and be separately admitted to both HLS and HBS, each of which will independently review and admit applicants. Students can apply to both schools in the same admissions season, or apply to the second school while enrolled in the first year at the other.

If you go to HBS, you can apply to Harvard Law during your first year which allows you to finish both degrees in 4 years vice 5, and Harvard Law >> Emory Law.
https://www.law.harvard.edu/academics/degrees/special-programs/joint-degrees/jd/mba-program.html
The only problem with this is that the OP isn't getting into HLS with a "piss poor" LSAT.

Honestly, if you're dead set on practicing law and just want the MBA for its option value down the line, I'd head to Northwestern. IMO, for a law career, a Northwestern JD/MBA > Emory JD + HBS MBA.
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id say go to hbs and spend the rest of this year before school retaking the lsat