When I started my B-School applications process I really wanted only one thing - to be able to make the final choice of the school I would go to. Thankfully that wish was fulfilled but it is turning out to be one of the tougher decisions I'd be making for a while....
I've been admitted to UCLA & Duke and waitlisted at Cornell.
As I have now realized......the choice is not easy! The latest US news rankings have complicated things further.
So I now turn to you...fellow clubbers, for your views and opinions on where I should matriculate.
I've been an IT consultant for the better part of my career and am looking to get an MBA with concentrations in strategy and finance.
Goals - To get into management/strategy consulting, pay off loans ASAP and then explore available options inside/outside the US (read South East Asia/Europe)
UCLA:
Pros:I've been living 40 miles south of the UCLA campus for the last 3.5 yrs. so can call LA home (moving will be unavoidable though)
UCLA's reputation in the local market is nothing short of extraordinary - Will definitely give me access to any market within CA
LA is the second largest metro in the nation with the best weather one could ask for
Access to the silicon valley/bay area might prove to be a safety-net given my Tech background
The UCLA MBA program has been around for more than 75 years
Cons:The big 3 MC firms are not featured on UCLA's list of top employers...not sure how many BCG and Bain pick from UCLA
Almost 80% of the grads get employed within CA - makes it a very regional school - Brand recognition outside USA may be questionable
Bodine's point - above skewed statistic might limit access to markets outside CA to some extent
DUKE:
Pros:The weather is pretty good here too
Placement statistics suggest that Duke consistently places students across the nation with an even distribution - Makes it more of a national brand
Arguably the Duke brand is better recognized globally than UCLA - will help me in the event that I decide to move out
Placement statistics indicate all major MC firms recruiting at Duke in addition to a bunch of boutiques in the RTP area
Have family within driving distance
Historically better ranked than UCLA
Cons:Industry reputation tends to be in marketing and the Health sector, not so much in finance and strategy
Too many great schools both in the UE and E categories are in the east/midwest - increased competition?
The program is 35 yrs young
I'll avoid listing Cornell specifics since it is still not confirmed.
Cheers