Kellogg, Fuqua, Ross, Tepper

Question

I've been lucky enough to get accepted to Kellogg, Fuqua, Ross, and Tepper in R1. While I'm thrilled with those results, it makes for a very tough decision. In the interest of hearing other people's views, it would be great if people could chime in with their opinions.

My background: male engineer from the midwest, undergrad at Michigan.

Post-MBA I'd like to get into a general management leadership development program preferably in the midwest or northeast. John Deere's LDP is a perfect example; they are a company that I am definitely targeting. I'm pretty open in terms of industry, but my prior work experience makes companies such as John Deere and Eaton logical fits. I read an article from a couple years ago that had a quote from a John Deere HR associate saying that they only hire for their LDP from Kellogg, Fuqua, and Booth. I don't know if this is still the case, but it's something that I'm keeping in mind.

The schools: I've visited all of them and have really liked all of them. I really didn't see a big difference in terms of culture; each school had really smart, down-to-earth, social people (or at least those were the kinds of people on the student admissions committees). The students I met at each school preached teamwork and talked about how many team assignments they had. So in other words, I was neither wowed nor turned off by any of the schools' students and/or cultures.

Here is my breakdown:

Kellogg: the highest ranked school of the four; best reputation in terms of business schools. Facilities are a bit outdated, but it’s not like the building is falling apart. I think I would have access to just about any company/LDP here. I also have an interest in marketing and there is no better place for marketing than Kellogg.

Fuqua: they definitely seem to be on the rise in terms of reputation, also, the Duke name is nice to throw around. Facilities are very nice. Location is both good and bad: I’d love the warmer weather, but Durham is the farthest from my family as well as my fiance’s family. Deere recruits here along with some of my other target companies. Offered me a small scholarship ($5-10k/year).

Ross: reputation in the business world is solid; lots of alumni. Did my undergrad here so I feel like I already have the Michigan network, however, I love Ann Arbor and the school as a whole, so I would have no problem spending another two years there. Building is great, best of the four. No Deere, but a number of other top companies with LDPs.

Tepper: national reputation is not as strong as the other three (with the exception of some specialized areas). Facilities are about the same as Kellogg, a little outdated but usable. A relatively large percentage of the class goes into general management LDPs (11% last year). Offered me a significant scholarship ($40k/year).

Another factor, which is small in the long run but feels bigger now, is a pre-term trip. Kellogg and Ross have them and Fuqua and Tepper don’t. I am getting married in June and not going on a honeymoon because of my fiance’s work/school schedule; we agreed that a pre-term trip could double as a honeymoon for us as well. Again, in the long term, probably not a big deal, but it would certainly be nice to take a vacation and get to know some classmates before school starts.

So… we have Kellogg, Fuqua ($), Ross, and Tepper ($$$). What do you think?

DefyingGravity · Answer

Since your career goals aren't well defined, I'd vote for Kellogg, the highest ranked school. They are all great programs, but Kellogg will open a ton of doors for you to explore.

Pre-term trips are awesome, but if you choose a school that didn't have one, couldn't you and your wife just plan your own vacation beforehand?

Posted from my mobile device

aerien · Answer

Kellogg sounds like a good fit for you. If $$ is a concern, see if they'll match your offers from other schools. Congrats on all your admits!!

bdepp · Answer

Planning our own trip is a possibility, but with the insanity that will be our lives in 2014, I just don't think it would get done. That's why we like the convenience of a pre-planned trip, all you have to do is show up (and pay of course).

CobraKai · Answer

Not to mention it's a great way to meet your classmates in a smaller group setting instead of meeting everyone in a barrage at orientation. I think larger schools like Ross and Kellogg do a good job with their pre-term trips and getting to know your classmates.

That said, I'd vote Kellogg. It's a powerhouse in every category and gives the most access to companies - both due to reputation and it's Chicago location. I visited there twice and was impressed with how many lunch-time and early evening company presentations there are. Sure the building isn't the nicest, but facilities aren't why you go to B-school.

Congrats on the admits!

hailmary · Answer

While I would love to see you at Fuqua next Fall, but given your desire to stay in Mid-West, I think Kellogg is the best fit.

kingfalcon · Answer

I agree with everyone here. I would have been leaning towards Kellogg already, but given that you want to stay in the Midwest and already have Michigan on your resume, I would heartily recommend Kellogg. I hear they are pretty awesome over there!

Ward2012 · Answer

I would vote Kellogg as well. But I just wanted to give insight about John Deere and what you read about the LDP. I know a couple Tuck alums who are are in the John Deere LDP program. Maybe the HR associate meant that they visit only those three schools for on-campus recruiting, but they'll take applications from anyone interested? Anyway, just wanted to share this.

bdepp · Answer

After many hours of deliberation, I've decided to go to Kellogg. They came through with a small scholarship and I think that, plus attending DAK, was what I needed to turn down the money from Tepper.

Thanks for everyone's advice, both in this thread and on the forum as a whole. It is truly helpful to see other people's decsion-making processes. In the end, though, I truly think this is a personal decision and more of a gut feeling than most people give it credit for. Everyone will have their pre-conceived notions, and those will contribute to what the gut feeling is, but you can only look at employment reports for so long before you realize that you will regret it much more if you pick one particular school over another.

domotron · Answer

Congrats on the choice bdepp!

1of2 · Answer

I would've decided between Kellogg and Tepper as well. I think you made a good choice.

Posted from my mobile device

Kellogg, Fuqua, Ross, Tepper

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards