HELP: Yale SOM vs H/S/W & Columbia Round I

Question

Hi everyone,

I applied to just (haven’t applied to any other b-schools) Yale SOM ext. Round 3 for the class of 2022 and was accepted with some scholarship money. Yale SOM isn’t granting deferrals, so I have to take my spot or pass entirely. I’m wondering if folks can give me their takes on if I should accept the offer and start school in a month or apply round I to GSB, HBS, Wharton and Columbia and roll the dice on passing on the Yale SOM offer. Does my profile stand a good chance of getting into one of those four programs? Should I wait?

Thank you all very much for all the time and help. I’m happy to provide more info if helpful.

Undergrad: Yale/Columbia/Brown/Dartmouth Rowing Captain and National Champion; Elected Class Representative; 3.52 History Major and Business Management Minor
GMAT: 710 (Q 49; V 38)
Work Experience: 2 years GS/MS/JP Investment Banking in top 3 firm group; 1 year at Blackstone/Carlyle/TPG as a Private Equity Associate before recently starting own pre-revenue, pre-funding business (will matriculate with four years of WE; 2 IB; 1 PE and 1 Start-up).
Extracurriculars: Strong
Recs: Strong from GS/MS/JP and Blackstone/Carlyle/TPG

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bb · Answer

Welcome to GMAT Club. You have a strong profile. The question however is how does it compare to other applicants to the schools you are targeting. Will you stand out or will you be a part of an over represented group?

Many are considering that competition will be tough during the R1 and R2. It is not exactly clear yet which demographics will be more competitive or less so.

While I could not promise you that you will get into Harvard, Stanford, Wharton but the fact that you got into Yale with a scholarship, indicates you will likely find a home in top 10 by December. In the grand scheme of things in the craziness going on around us, which of the top 10 schools you’ll be going to is probably the least of our worries. However, how is the timing? I would focus more on the timing and on your personal situation. If it’s the perfect time for you to go to business school, I would go and not waste a year. If you feel you can use another year for your start up and would rather not do classes in the fall online, I would wait it out.

Good luck with the decision!

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bluelion150 · Answer

Thank you bb, that’s helpful. Really appreciate the prompt reply.

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atlantadiego3 · Answer

I'd skip SOM if they are not giving full funding. You can do better.

goaliedude22 · Answer

I would improve the GMAT and apply to stronger schools. There is a big difference in the caliber of schools you could get into versus SOM. Also the zoom experience specifically for first years is not a great experience. I am currently at H/S/W and will be taking a "gap" year in order to get the in person experience.

However, on the flip side due to the economy there may be more and stronger applications for next year. Also other students may be thinking the same thing and forgo attending b-school in the fall and using that time to strengthen their application.

bluelion150 · Answer

Thank you Atlanta Diego and Goalie Dude. I’m planning on taking the GMAT later this month and shooting for 740+— if I do apply round I this fall that should help.

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Regenerate · Answer

With a 710, you've got a good chance. With a 740+, you've got a great chance.

I think if I were in your shoes, I'd pass on the offer from Yale.

bluelion150 · Answer

Thanks Regenerate, very helpful. Will definitely shoot for the 740, then

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HELP: Yale SOM vs H/S/W & Columbia Round I

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