HEC vs ESSEC

I received admits from HEC and ESSEC with a 45% excellence scholarship from ESSEC. With the option for apprenticeship, I do feel that ESSEC would be less financially draining. However, HEC is much more world renowned and has greater average salaries according to the websites.

Would someone like to give me any input that might help me make a decision?
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Both are great universities. I think if finances are a concern then go to ESSEC otherwise HEC. The choice would be much clearer if you think about your post program goals and see which uni helps you achieve them.

aryamaagarwal:

We normally skew towards "brand over bucks," but the gap here feels very significant. Ultimately, to pick HEC over ESSEC you would have to really make back all that money and that (a) might not happen or (b) may not occur for a long time. If your financial situation is tight, it could be beneficial to go with the lower-ranked but still great program given your current situation. Life has many twists and turns and sometimes a marginally better brand isn't always a game changer.

Lastly, have you considered approaching HEC about matching the scholarship you received from ESSEC? They probably won't but perhaps they will give you some funds to close the gap. Something to consider with little to no consequences.

Congrats on both acceptances!

-Admissionado

Hello aryamaagarwal hope this finds you well. Here are my very honest thoughts

1. If you are French/European, you cannot go wrong with either. There is a preference for region and language (native speakers) in professional opportunities.

2. If you are a non-native and hope to work outside France eventually, HEC has a better global standing and has consistently shown great rankings in recent years.

3. To leverage the school's alumni network for finding better professional opportunities later, look at the presence of alumni in leadership positions, especially in the region or industry you are interested in. The MBA program ranking, in my opinion, affects the overall perception of the school, and a better-ranked MBA program would allow MiM grads to take advantage of the brand prestige. My vote goes to HEC again, but I urge you to evaluate your financial position.

Congratulations on the admits

Best wishes
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Thankyou for your response. I am Indian and I did consider all these points you mentioned. The MBA ranking of HEC does make it stand stronger. I had a tough time thinking which to choose as eventually, I would like to move out of France for other opportunities. However, I have chosen ESSEC because of the financial restrictions and also because of it's curriculum. Though even HEC has a good MIM structure, but I am more inclined towards ESSEC's and I think I will be able to explore my strengths and weaknesses at ESSEC. Just payed the admission fee today. I hope I'll be proud of my decision after coming to France.
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I was not sure if I should have spoken about my scholarship from ESSEC to HEC. But now that yo say it, I think I could have given it a shot. However, I did mention in the need based scholarship how I passionately need one without which I won't be able to join HEC. Haven't got a reply yet. And ESSEC's deadline for paying the admission fee is here. So I finally decided to let go of HEC and stick to ESSEC.
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@aryamagarwal I think it is very mature of you to consider highly important factors in making this decision other than just the brand. Be proud! Many many congratulations and best wishes.

Posted from my mobile device
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@aryamagarwal I think it is very mature of you to consider highly important factors in making this decision other than just the brand. Be proud! Many many congratulations and best wishes.

Posted from my mobile device[/quote]

Thankyou so much!!
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