LBS vs Fuqua

I think this is going to be a highly personal decision.
I would highly recommend visiting the schools/campuses if at all possible. I have not done that (one of very many of my mistakes while applying) and while it was not the end of the world, I was surprised when I arrived on campus - surprised with surroundings, the school location, and a few other things. Granted back there were no google street maps but there is a lot you pick up by visiting a school. Now, a new building or an old cafeteria do not decide or break a great leader but for a person moving abroad and leaving their personal network, friends, and thrusting themselves into a whole new world, it really helps if there are some friendly things around you - an uncle in London perhaps or a cousin in Chicago who you can visit for Christmas and Thanksgiving Divali.

Good Luck!

Thank you bb. Although I dont have any relatives either in US or in UK, I will definitely try to visit both the schools before I make my decision. Have to somehow squeeze it in the time I have.

Merry Christmas to you too!

Just putting some facts you might already have known.

First i like start with being Indian, now you will be in a position to arrange money around $ 1,50,000 considering all your expenses. since both school doesn't provide any scholarship, just check where you get some affordable loan without any collateral. I heard fuqua is having connection with bank to offer loan at nominal interest rate.

Second, up-to my knowledge both school have good placement in consulting , but if you have some experience already with consulting you can go for one year MBA (LBS). it will increase your chance.

Third, regarding US and UK, as BB told its a personal preference, US have some strict rules and they may rise the bar still further. I have no idea but UK regulation.

Fourth, as Indians, we pay close attention to age , if you around 30 choose 1-year MBA or you have time you can go for 2-year MBA

Financing is actually a good point and worth checking whether Duke has in-house financing or if you're going to have to rely on private loans or perhaps financing is not the big burning question at least for now. I believe prodigy finances both schools for Indian citizens but you still need to have 20 or 30% of the amount to qualify for the loan.

Thank you and merry Christmas to you too


Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum mobile app

Thank you ajmalsyeed987. I am 25 and currently working as a consultant. So that works for me, I guess. The main reason for choosing LBS was the hands on experience I will get. By taking a 15 month course, that aspect is completely negated. So not looking for that.

Coming to the expenses, I think it will be 100K (LBS) vs 180K(Fuqua) including tuition and living expenses (Numbers sourced from Prodigy Finance). While the cost of attendance (COA) is lower for LBS, the post MBA salary is similarly lower than Fuqua's.

I know I may be nitpicking here, but its very difficult to choose when you have to choose between 2 schools of such caliber. Had it not been for the stricter immigration laws, H1B requirements and Trump, I would not even have had slightest hesitation in choosing Fuqua. Now, not so sure.

I'd recommend LBS simply because it has a much stronger brand in India. Given current situation, you really can't bank on a job in UK/US, and in that scenario, if you have to come back to India, the LBS brand will serve you better.

LBS cause London > Durham

2 years to spend your life somewhere is nothing to sneeze at

Agreed 100%. Although NC isn't the backwards bible belt state it used to be, c'mon we are talking about London. LBS hands down.

Also how is it that LBS is so much cheaper than Fuqua? Isn't the fact that 1) London is an urban population center requiring a greater cost of living and 2) Pound currency trades at a much higher rate against the rupee than the dollar, make Fuqua the cheap alternative?

Can you provide more information on the breakdown in costs between LBS and Fuqua? I'd like to examine that