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Dhruv0212
Joined: 08 Mar 2022
Last visit: 20 Feb 2026
Posts: 2
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 4
Location: India
Concentration: Finance, Strategy
Schools: Kelley '25 (A$$) Rice Jones '25 (A$$) McDonough '25 (A) Anderson '25 (WL) Kenan-Flagler '25 (D) Simon '25 (WL)
GMAT 1: 730 Q50 V40
GPA: 3.7
Schools: Kelley '25 (A$$) Rice Jones '25 (A$$) McDonough '25 (A) Anderson '25 (WL) Kenan-Flagler '25 (D) Simon '25 (WL)
GMAT 1: 730 Q50 V40
Posts: 2
Kudos:
5
24 Mar 2023, 02:44
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Bookmarks
Hi Guys,
I am an Indian national and I have received admits from the following B-Schools for my Full-Time MBA program starting Fall 2023. The cost of attending the program is definitely an important data point, but willing to trade for a better location and job opportunities. All the 3 Schools fair almost the same in the rankings (Please correct me if I am wrong). I am confused among the 3 schools and need some advice for making an informed decision.
1. McDonough - No Scholarship
2. Kelley - $80k Scholarship
3. Rice - $70k Scholarship
My Academic and Professional Background:
1. GMAT - 730
2. Years of Work Experience - 6 Years (3 Years Full-Time and Internship each)
3. Functions Worked In - Investment Banking - Mid Office (Credit Suisse), Corporate Treasury (Reliance) and Audit (KPMG)
4. Undergrad and Grad - Bachelor and Master in Commerce
5. Professional Qualifications - CA and CFA
Post MBA Target Industry - Investment Banking (M&A)
I have evaluated the following Pros and Cons for the 3 Schools (based on my research and conversations with current students)
MCDONOUGH:
Pros
1. Location advantage of DC and proximity to the East Coast (especially NYC) as I aim to work on the East Coast post-MBA
2. Better placements in Investment Banking as compared to Kelley and Rice
3. Being in DC will allow me to network better with Bankers (especially physically visiting the Banks for networking and interviews)
Cons
1. Cost of Attendance since no scholarship is granted. McDonough will cost me approx. $190k i.e. $110k and $70k more than Kelley and Rice respectively)
2. Not as big a Brand name as Kelley's
KELLEY:
Pros
1. Cheapest option of the 3 Schools (Net cost i.e. post scholarship is approx. $80k for 2 years)
2. Brand Name of Kelley
3. Smaller class size (will allow me to connect better with my peers)
Cons
1. Average placements for Investment Banking as compared to McDonough (I believe Kelley is better for Marketing and Consulting placements)
2. Bloomington's location is a concern, which affects networking as well
3. Even where students end up getting into Investment Banking, fewer placements on the East Coast
RICE (JONES):
Pros
1. Economical option as compared to McDonough because of the scholarship (Net Cost is approx. $120k for 2 years)
2. Well-known and recognized B-School
Cons
1. No major placements on the East Coast in Investment Banking
2. Fewer number of International Students in the MBA Class
3. Texas is dominant for Oil and Gas industry, hence not sure of the placements in Investment Banking (sectors other than Oil and Gas)
It will definitely be helpful if anybody can validate my points mentioned above and provide suggestions on the selection from the 3 schools.
Looking forward to the responses and thanks in advance.
Regards,
Dhruv
I am an Indian national and I have received admits from the following B-Schools for my Full-Time MBA program starting Fall 2023. The cost of attending the program is definitely an important data point, but willing to trade for a better location and job opportunities. All the 3 Schools fair almost the same in the rankings (Please correct me if I am wrong). I am confused among the 3 schools and need some advice for making an informed decision.
1. McDonough - No Scholarship
2. Kelley - $80k Scholarship
3. Rice - $70k Scholarship
My Academic and Professional Background:
1. GMAT - 730
2. Years of Work Experience - 6 Years (3 Years Full-Time and Internship each)
3. Functions Worked In - Investment Banking - Mid Office (Credit Suisse), Corporate Treasury (Reliance) and Audit (KPMG)
4. Undergrad and Grad - Bachelor and Master in Commerce
5. Professional Qualifications - CA and CFA
Post MBA Target Industry - Investment Banking (M&A)
I have evaluated the following Pros and Cons for the 3 Schools (based on my research and conversations with current students)
MCDONOUGH:
Pros
1. Location advantage of DC and proximity to the East Coast (especially NYC) as I aim to work on the East Coast post-MBA
2. Better placements in Investment Banking as compared to Kelley and Rice
3. Being in DC will allow me to network better with Bankers (especially physically visiting the Banks for networking and interviews)
Cons
1. Cost of Attendance since no scholarship is granted. McDonough will cost me approx. $190k i.e. $110k and $70k more than Kelley and Rice respectively)
2. Not as big a Brand name as Kelley's
KELLEY:
Pros
1. Cheapest option of the 3 Schools (Net cost i.e. post scholarship is approx. $80k for 2 years)
2. Brand Name of Kelley
3. Smaller class size (will allow me to connect better with my peers)
Cons
1. Average placements for Investment Banking as compared to McDonough (I believe Kelley is better for Marketing and Consulting placements)
2. Bloomington's location is a concern, which affects networking as well
3. Even where students end up getting into Investment Banking, fewer placements on the East Coast
RICE (JONES):
Pros
1. Economical option as compared to McDonough because of the scholarship (Net Cost is approx. $120k for 2 years)
2. Well-known and recognized B-School
Cons
1. No major placements on the East Coast in Investment Banking
2. Fewer number of International Students in the MBA Class
3. Texas is dominant for Oil and Gas industry, hence not sure of the placements in Investment Banking (sectors other than Oil and Gas)
It will definitely be helpful if anybody can validate my points mentioned above and provide suggestions on the selection from the 3 schools.
Looking forward to the responses and thanks in advance.
Regards,
Dhruv
yashikaaggarwal
Senior Moderator - Masters Forum
Joined: 19 Jan 2020
Last visit: 29 Mar 2026
Posts: 3,089
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 1,510
Location: India
Schools: Cranfield (A) Warwick MiM "23 (M)
GPA: 4
WE:Analyst (Internet and New Media)
26 Mar 2023, 16:17
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Congratulations on your admits to McDonough, Kelley, and Rice! Based on your analysis, it appears that you have already identified the pros and cons of each program, which is a great starting point for making an informed decision.
Out of 3 schools, McDonough has the location advantage of DC and proximity to the East Coast (especially NYC). This is a significant advantage as the East Coast is a major hub for investment banking, and being in DC can give you access to networking opportunities and potential interviews with banks.
Kelly has a great brand name but I believe it has average placements for Investment Banking as compared to McDonough (I believe Kelley is better for Marketing and Consulting placements) However, Kelley is well-known and respected in the business world, which could be advantageous for your job search.
Rice is a good school overall, but doesn't hold major advantage over rest two.
Irrespective of decision, I am sure you will be okay.
Good Luck.
Out of 3 schools, McDonough has the location advantage of DC and proximity to the East Coast (especially NYC). This is a significant advantage as the East Coast is a major hub for investment banking, and being in DC can give you access to networking opportunities and potential interviews with banks.
Kelly has a great brand name but I believe it has average placements for Investment Banking as compared to McDonough (I believe Kelley is better for Marketing and Consulting placements) However, Kelley is well-known and respected in the business world, which could be advantageous for your job search.
Rice is a good school overall, but doesn't hold major advantage over rest two.
Irrespective of decision, I am sure you will be okay.
Good Luck.
