I have tried negotiating scholarship but that was of no use as both said that is the maximum they can offer.
I have spoken to current students of both schools (especially international ones). Students from both schools praise their respective curriculum and classes. UT places a lot more in tech (mostly product management roles). Kelley also places well in tech(consulting roles). But off late the internship offers haven't been that great for both schools especially for internationals.
I like people at Kelley. Very helpful. they respond well to queries and emails especially current students. The atmosphere is really good and I feel I would enjoy being there. But is it worth choosing over a brand like UT?
So I basically have to go with school that offers the most in terms of academics and has a decent reputation. The problem is both programs are really good. Even though one is ranked slightly above the other. Hence the confusion.
Rohit6
I don't know if you're already doing this but I would suggest getting in touch with folks at both schools and see how "comfortable" they sound with the situation. Best is if you talk to people who have similar professional background as yours and r international too. That will help the most.
I really dunno how much the difference is between the two in terms of cost of attendance but if it's not negligible, I'll choose the one that's more affordable i.e. Kelley. I have attended many info sessions of Kelley since 2012 (when I started my MBA journey) and I hold a good impression of them. On the other side, one of my profs at NUS was from UT Austin and I'm sure that as a university that's better than Kelley but the difference isn't that significant, specially for MBA.
I would also negotiate with both these schools for additional scholarship and see if any of them increases there offer.
srg20
I have been admitted to the following programs:
1. Kelley FT MBA ($$)
2. McCombs FT MBA ($$)
I am an international student.
Background: 5 years work ex in tech as a software programmer.
Post MBA goal: Tech strategy and consulting
I am open to working anywhere in USA. And Geography is not a preference.
Both programs are really good and cater exactly to my requirements. Both offer intensive courses in tech and strategy. Both place equally well in consulting (atleast tier 2 firms).
McCombs is ranked slightly better when compared to Kelley. But I am really impressed with the Me Inc program and Academy offerings that Kelley offers.
McCombs on the other hand is in Austin,Texas, which is home to many good companies and comes with UT brand. It has some good exchange programs with other business schools. Also, good weather is something that would be advantageous in some way.
Tuition and other expenses wise, Kelley would be slightly cheaper (including tuition, living, and other expenses). Since I am an international student and considering that internship offers have not been great this season at both schools for internationals requiring a visa sponsorship (uncertainty in US policies regarding immigration and H1B), I am inclined to choose a school that works out well for me in terms of both quality of education and ROI. Worst case scenario, I might have to come back to my home country and look for a job here (In this case, both schools are equally placed in terms of how well recruiters know both these schools and the difference is expenses would really matter if i am not earning in USD)
Which one do I choose?