Last visit was: 14 Dec 2024, 10:29 It is currently 14 Dec 2024, 10:29
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Reviews
Social
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Back to Forum
Create Topic
Add a Tag

UCLA FEMBA vs Kellog PT MBA

You may select 1 option
View results
avatar
wipwemba
avatar
Joined: 11 Feb 2015
Last visit: 09 Jul 2020
Posts: 6
Own Kudos:
2
Given Kudos: 3
Location: United States (CA)
Concentration: Marketing, Strategy
Schools: Haas EWMBA '20 (D) Anderson FEMBA"20 (M) Booth PT '20 (D) Kellogg PT '20 (A)
GMAT 1: 610 Q45 V29
GPA: 3.1
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Haas EWMBA '20 (D) Anderson FEMBA"20 (M) Booth PT '20 (D) Kellogg PT '20 (A)
GMAT 1: 610 Q45 V29
Posts: 6
Kudos: 2
Kellogg PT MBA vs UCLA FEMBA - Admitted to both - Which one to attend? 26 Jul 2017, 18:04
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I recently got accepted to both Kellogg PT MBA and UCLA FEMBA. :-D :-D :-D :-D

Both are great programs with amazing potential and I have a little over a week to make a decision. I'm looking for some insights and pointers in making my decision.

My Background: I've worked as a Software Engineer in Database Ops for 10 years before recently moving into Product Strategy last year. My eventual goal as of now is to come back into Tech, working as a PM for one of the top tier Software companies in SF Bay area. I've done limited research into fields like consulting, strategy and marketing but I am unsure I would choose to move into them post MBA. I want to use the MBA as a soul searching process to select right post MBA career.

UCLA positives :

1. Close to SF Bay area.
2. Decent Tech presence next to Haas.
3. Lower tuition
4. Better private loan offerings with banks for an international student like me.
5. Easy commute, 1 hr flight from SF

Kellogg positives:

1. Bigger brand, part of M7.
2. Growing tech presence. I've heard all leading tech companies recruit from there.
3. The leader in marketing, strategy and top notch professors.
4. Kellogg MBAs have better soft skills and loved by recruiters.
5. Powerful alumni base.
6. Ability to finish course faster within 2 years.


I was able to narrow on some of the above positives for these two schools but I am still torn about my decision. Any suggestions or insights you have would be greatly appreciated. Also if you feel there is a gap in my research, please feel free to point out.

Would love to hear your comments and suggestions.
User avatar
bb
User avatar
Founder
Joined: 04 Dec 2002
Last visit: 13 Dec 2024
Posts: 39,369
Own Kudos:
76,728
 []
Given Kudos: 21,581
Location: United States (WA)
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V42
GPA: 3
Products:
GMAT Club Tests Forum Quiz
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V42
Posts: 39,369
Kudos: 76,728
 []
Kellogg PT MBA vs UCLA FEMBA - Admitted to both - Which one to attend? 26 Jul 2017, 18:10
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Congrats! Great job getting admits.

Kellogg is a rare program that extends the same benefits to FEMBA students as to the full time students (including recruiting events and career services).

I feel as an international applicant you want to get as much umph as you can.

The logistics is more complicated than with LA which you could even drive if you had to. I would see how much more hardship it would be to fly to Chicago.

I vote (strongly) for Kellogg as long as you can make logistics work.


Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum
User avatar
bb
User avatar
Founder
Joined: 04 Dec 2002
Last visit: 13 Dec 2024
Posts: 39,369
Own Kudos:
76,728
 []
Given Kudos: 21,581
Location: United States (WA)
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V42
GPA: 3
Products:
GMAT Club Tests Forum Quiz
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V42
Posts: 39,369
Kudos: 76,728
 []
Kellogg PT MBA vs UCLA FEMBA - Admitted to both - Which one to attend? 26 Jul 2017, 18:14
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
PS. One thing to add - if recruiting is not an issue for you and you are not going to leverage the career resources and such, the picture becomes a bit less skewed towards Kellogg but I still feel it is a meaningfully better experience than Anderson.


Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum
avatar
wipwemba
avatar
Joined: 11 Feb 2015
Last visit: 09 Jul 2020
Posts: 6
Own Kudos:
2
Given Kudos: 3
Location: United States (CA)
Concentration: Marketing, Strategy
Schools: Haas EWMBA '20 (D) Anderson FEMBA"20 (M) Booth PT '20 (D) Kellogg PT '20 (A)
GMAT 1: 610 Q45 V29
GPA: 3.1
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Haas EWMBA '20 (D) Anderson FEMBA"20 (M) Booth PT '20 (D) Kellogg PT '20 (A)
GMAT 1: 610 Q45 V29
Posts: 6
Kudos: 2
Kellogg PT MBA vs UCLA FEMBA - Admitted to both - Which one to attend? 26 Jul 2017, 18:17
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
bb
Congrats! Great job getting admits.

Kellogg is a rare program that extends the same benefits to FEMBA students as to the full time students (including recruiting events and career services).

I feel as an international applicant you want to get as much umph as you can.

The logistics is more complicated than with LA which you could even drive if you had to. I would see how much more hardship it would be to fly to Chicago.

I vote (strongly) for Kellogg as long as you can make logistics work.


Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum

Thanks bb. Actually, Kellogg has given me full access to their student resources and I do see very active Career Management Center. They've also had two students reach out to me already to gain more insight. I just got the UCLA admit today so don't know they'll do the same or not.

My concerns with Kellogg are the private loan options for International students and commute to Chicago. I might get lower loans and not full tuition and might have to pay some of my own pocket. Like you said, it totally boils down to logistics I guess.
User avatar
bb
User avatar
Founder
Joined: 04 Dec 2002
Last visit: 13 Dec 2024
Posts: 39,369
Own Kudos:
76,728
Given Kudos: 21,581
Location: United States (WA)
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V42
GPA: 3
Products:
GMAT Club Tests Forum Quiz
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V42
Posts: 39,369
Kudos: 76,728
Kellogg PT MBA vs UCLA FEMBA - Admitted to both - Which one to attend? 26 Jul 2017, 20:08
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
wipwemba
bb
Congrats! Great job getting admits.

Kellogg is a rare program that extends the same benefits to FEMBA students as to the full time students (including recruiting events and career services).

I feel as an international applicant you want to get as much umph as you can.

The logistics is more complicated than with LA which you could even drive if you had to. I would see how much more hardship it would be to fly to Chicago.

I vote (strongly) for Kellogg as long as you can make logistics work.


Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum

Thanks bb. Actually, Kellogg has given me full access to their student resources and I do see very active Career Management Center. They've also had two students reach out to me already to gain more insight. I just got the UCLA admit today so don't know they'll do the same or not.

My concerns with Kellogg are the private loan options for International students and commute to Chicago. I might get lower loans and not full tuition and might have to pay some of my own pocket. Like you said, it totally boils down to logistics I guess.


I think you should provide this (loan & cost of attendance) feedback to the Adcom of Kellogg as a helpful tip. I doubt they can do anything at the moment but you want them to be aware of this wrinkle. UCLA is probably doing all it can to attract students whereas Kellogg can be a bit more selective and choose where they want to focus their attention, so FinAid for international students was likely not a big priority on their radar.

P.S. We do have some financing options that you may qualify for and get $100 amazon giftcard along the way: https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-club-s- ... 45150.html
avatar
wipwemba
avatar
Joined: 11 Feb 2015
Last visit: 09 Jul 2020
Posts: 6
Own Kudos:
2
 []
Given Kudos: 3
Location: United States (CA)
Concentration: Marketing, Strategy
Schools: Haas EWMBA '20 (D) Anderson FEMBA"20 (M) Booth PT '20 (D) Kellogg PT '20 (A)
GMAT 1: 610 Q45 V29
GPA: 3.1
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Haas EWMBA '20 (D) Anderson FEMBA"20 (M) Booth PT '20 (D) Kellogg PT '20 (A)
GMAT 1: 610 Q45 V29
Posts: 6
Kudos: 2
 []
Kellogg PT MBA vs UCLA FEMBA - Admitted to both - Which one to attend? 09 Aug 2017, 16:00
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
bb
wipwemba
bb
Congrats! Great job getting admits.

Kellogg is a rare program that extends the same benefits to FEMBA students as to the full time students (including recruiting events and career services).

I feel as an international applicant you want to get as much umph as you can.

The logistics is more complicated than with LA which you could even drive if you had to. I would see how much more hardship it would be to fly to Chicago.

I vote (strongly) for Kellogg as long as you can make logistics work.


Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum

Thanks bb. Actually, Kellogg has given me full access to their student resources and I do see very active Career Management Center. They've also had two students reach out to me already to gain more insight. I just got the UCLA admit today so don't know they'll do the same or not.

My concerns with Kellogg are the private loan options for International students and commute to Chicago. I might get lower loans and not full tuition and might have to pay some of my own pocket. Like you said, it totally boils down to logistics I guess.


I think you should provide this (loan & cost of attendance) feedback to the Adcom of Kellogg as a helpful tip. I doubt they can do anything at the moment but you want them to be aware of this wrinkle. UCLA is probably doing all it can to attract students whereas Kellogg can be a bit more selective and choose where they want to focus their attention, so FinAid for international students was likely not a big priority on their radar.

P.S. We do have some financing options that you may qualify for and get $100 amazon giftcard along the way: https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-club-s- ... 45150.html

Thanks, bb. I have decided to join the UCLA Anderson FEMBA program this Fall. I also provided the feedback on lacking financial aid options to Kellogg.

I wanted to report back my decision and the factors which led to my decision. I live in SF and plan to work in Tech after my MBA.


The reasons for choosing UCLA Anderson FEMBA over Kellogg PT MBA are as below.

1) Location of UCLA Anderson and proximity to SF Bay area.

2) Bigger Tech presence and more networking opportunities for future jobs in Tech

3) Full Cohort based program (UCLA Anderson FEMBA) vs Partial Cohort program (Kellogg PT MBA). More bonding and friendships will probably happen in a full cohort program.

4) Lack of no cosigner students loans at Kellogg for International students. Kellogg provides an option of MPOWER but they offer loans only in second year. Prodigy does give out student loans to international students but only to those who have not been in the US for more than 7 years. Both cases rule me out for a loan. UCLA Anderson, on the other hand, has two great loan options for international students with no cosigner. Elements - 7.5% and Discover ~8%.

5) A better social scene at UCLA Anderson vs Kellogg in terms of Weekend MBA. Based on my interaction, I got to know Kellogg is struggling to get people to attend Happy Hours for their Evening Weekend MBA program whereas at UCLA Anderson it's more frequent.

6) The culture at Kellogg seemed more formal whereas at UCLA Anderson it was more laid back. This is a personal feeling I got meeting some of the students and attending events.

7) 6 hrs of time delta each weekend in terms of travel time to LA vs Chicago. I could use this time to spend it with my family, network with people, relax or do side projects.

8) 15k delta in tuition (UCLA vs Kellogg) and 35k delta for travel (LA vs Chicago) - Total 50k delta in MBA costs over 3 years.



What I am losing out.

1) Kellogg M7 brand. For some people, I think it makes a mountain of difference but for me, I felt that for a PT MBA this will not matter much. The positives of UCLA Anderson are just too many in my case.



I'd love to hear any different insights and perspectives.
Moderator:
PyjamaScientist
Admitted - Which School Forum Moderator
1117 posts