almond wrote:
Quick question since I am a bit of an amateur at all of this. I received offers of admission to Kellogg, Wharton, and HBS for Round 2. I got a significant scholarship with Kellogg and a fellowship for Wharton, but I want to go to HBS. HBS does their financial aid a little different it seems, so I do not know at this point what it would cost after grants, etc.
Is there any negotiating power by using the other two offers with HBS? I am thinking like what is typical with job placement - have an offer in one place for better $$ and use it to negotiate with the position you want. If this is at all possible, who would I contact at Harvard? Any ideas are appreciated - getting a little sticker shock at the tuition at all of these schools!!
Harvard does not given merit based aid so chances are they won't match (plus as was said someone very well qualified would jump at your shot). That being said, have you received any information yet on possible need based aid? Harvard's average need based aid is about $20k.
I don't think any of us can really give you solid advice without knowing what you want to do. For some disciplines, Kellogg is the best of the group (and would be giving you the most money). However for many high paying jobs, such as Consulting or PE Harvard is your best bet, even with the debt. Wharton of course is also a finance powerhouse, but is strong in other areas as well (though maybe not as strong as K or H, depending on focus).
I also think Wharton and Kellogg are a lot closer than Harvard and Wharton. Perhaps not in terms of what you will actually learn, but in terms of network and earning potential. Harvard and Stanford are just head and shoulders above anywhere else. That being said, if you are good enough to get into HBS and into K and W with money, you'd probably end up being successfully getting an online MBA.