Hello,
I am from Europe with consulting (non-MBB) background. I have two offers from these awesome schools, but can not decide where to go.
My post MBA goal is consulting - priority A, tech (big firms, not start-ups because I will need a visa) - priority B. My thoughts:
Kellogg (+)
1) One of the best school for consulting with lots of people going into MC (most of them to MBB)
2) Larger class -> more connections / alumni base
3) Lower cost of living compared to Berkeley
4) Support partners, so my wife will be able to attend lots of classes
5) Big city with lots of job opportunities (incl. one of the biggest consulting offices in the US)
6) Bid points that allow to secure interview with MBB
Kellogg (-)
1) Weather - not very critical for me, but SF is obviously a better place to live
2) No scholarship -> huge debt
Berkeley (+)
1) Scholarship (20k) - small one though; But cost is quite important for me
2) Lower tuition (~16k for two years)
3) Weather
4) More opportunities for tech, but not sure because it seems that there is no difference for tech giants that recruit on campus, while start-ups are unlikely to sponsor visa..
Berkeley (-)
1) Higher cost of living than Chicago. In my estimate it is ~20k for two years (may be more for two people)
2) Lower ranked, less prestige
3) Smaller and more concentrated alumni base (mostly on West coast) which makes it more difficult to find a job outside of California
4) Bid points do not apply to MBB on campus recruiting -> it is likely that some consulting firms (esp. MBB) will not invite me for interview
What are your thoughts? Which one would you recommend?
I'll try to negotiate a scholarship with Kellogg, but I do not believe that they will provide some.
Thank you in advance,
Plkv