Johnson Vs Rice (80% Scholarship)

Would completely echo Ket310 and emphasize the Texas aspect. I view Rice as a real gem in terms of quality of students and strength of Rice brand for those "in the know." It is obviously hampered by size and scope, but it is a strong program.

My argument is if you want an outside shot at MBB consulting but fine with consulting generally and/or want to remain in the Northeast, go to Cornell.

If you are not 'MBB or bust' and would be fine with other areas of consulting, and are genuinely comfortable with a strong chance you'll end up in Texas, Rice makes sense.

The 'all things equal' argument is for Cornell, but the Rice argument given the above circumstances is a good one.

Congrats and good luck!

Congrats on your admits. I always recommend to international folks to take the scholarship opportunity as paying $150K in tuition and another $50K in living expenses is HARD to pull off. Some of course believe the opposite and that international students need the best shot they can get and thus a higher-ranked MBA program is better. Johnson is technically Ivv league due to the Cornell's (undergrad) standing.... Depends if you are on the aggressive or defensive side i guess. Also depends if you are planning to stay in the US or go back (not sure how many people know about Rice/Jones in India)... but Rice college is pretty famous as an undergrad institution in the US as well and has strong Oil & Gas network with Houston being strong in that (though it's been a few touch years for the Energy industry).

Having said that, consulting is going to be a competitive industry and likely a better opportunity at Johnson but only a number of consulting companies sponsor and hire internationals so that makes the competition even tighter. None of the international folks I have been in touch this year got Consulting internships for example. If you feel like consulting or bust type of thing, then sure, Johnson is the better program but if you are looking for an opportunity not to save $130K, and not to have a $2k/month student loan payment after you graduate, Jones is starting to look very attractive. At the same time, job opportunities will be more likely to come by via on campus recruiting at Johnson - you are paying for a better name, better classmates, better experience, prestige, and on-campus recruiting with a variety of clubs and treks and alum network that spans the globe. It all depends if you feel bullish or bearish about yourself

You have many advice above and I agree with them all. However, I would urge you to connect to current international students in Rice and talk with about your aspiration and how school could help you. You will get almost real picture of the situation.

I suggest Johnson.

There's a fairly large difference between a top 10, top 15 and top 25 program in terms of quality, career support and placement post-MBA. Johnson as a top 15 program with fairly good historic placement should help better than Rice, which is more of a regional program. Rice has a great Texas presence, but it's hard to say how good their international student placement is....where as Johnson is well versed in placing int'l students in consulting. If you had been a local Texas applicant, it would have been a tougher decision, but as an int'l Johnson will serve you better.