ISB or Schulich

Question

Hey Folks,

I am in a deep conundrum that you can assist with -

I had applied to a mix of top Canadian schools(Rotman Ivey McGill) and ISB. I have an admit from Isb and a waitlist from Rotman. My primary goal was to get into a b school in Canada, given it is a top school. I had not applied to Schulich based on its mixed reviews, Queens as it's deadline was past, and Sauder as it is not as strong as the other schools.

Now although ISB is a fantastic school, I was wondering whether I should defer my admit and apply to these other Canadian schools including Schulich. I don't want to make a stupid decision here. Please let me know whether I should take up ISB or defer it and apply for Canada again next year.

Thanks

MBADecoder · Answer

I'd ask these questions:
1. Do you want to move to Canada? 
2. If 1 is yes, are you okay to compromise on the b-school that you attend - (think Schulich versus ISB)
3. what are the career prospects in Canada in your area of interest?

Unless you feel very strongly about point 1, I'd not pass up an admit at ISB for anything but the top 2-3 b-schools in Canada. I'd also consider how you can improve your profile over the next year to guarantee an admission next year.

OreoShake · Answer

Thank you very much for your swift response. Yes I do want to move to Canada however I do not want to join a school that won't do justice to the hard work I have put in. If I convert Rotman this time, well and good, however I'm not so sure whether waiting another year just so I can apply to Schulich would make much sense. Can you please shed light on which are the top 3 schools in Canada as per your assessment?

Thank you
Oreo

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Thank you
Oreo

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MBADecoder · Answer

I agree with your analysis. I would not give away ISB for Schulich unless settling in Canada was my main motive.
So, in my personal opinion, I would place only Ivey or Rotman above an ISB admit. Do realize ISB has some of the world's best professors coming to teach here, and you may not have access to them otherwise.

Last year Schulich was offering the Mumbai campus (instead of the Canada campus) to most Indian admits- you should also check further on that. Waiting an entire year to study at Schulich Mumbai will be a let down for you.

OreoShake · Answer

Thanks for your thoughts Namita

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MBADecoder · Answer

You are welcome. Do let me know your final decision

Maupassant9 · Answer

ISB is a globally acclaimed program. Only Canadian b school that can be compared to ISB is Rotman. Period.

OreoShake · Answer

Thanks for your thoughts. Perspective helps in making an important decision such as this.

downsouth182 · Answer

You need to give us more information on what your goals are. Schulich is definitely not on par with ISB, but it is a decent school for marketing roles.

OreoShake · Answer

Hi,

Post MBA, I would prefer to get into strategy consulting. I currently have a niche consulting experience of supply chain management, however I would like to explore strategy.

Thank you!

downsouth182 · Answer

If you do want to do strategy consulting, you should only really consider Rotman and Ivey. The other schools are not considered target schools for consulting.

ISB or Schulich

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