Need help: Darden vs Fisher, Carlson, Rice ($$$)

Question

Hi guys, I have received (almost) all the offers from my applied programs:

- Offers:
Darden: admitted (financial aid package will come next week, hopefully with $)
Fisher: Full tuition + stipend
Carlson: full tuition
Rice: full tuition

- Background:
International student form Vietnam, 
5 years experience in audit + corporate finance + investment management (more of general management than investment)

- Goal: 
1st: Management consulting of second-tier companies (Deloitte strategy and operation)
2nd: Corporate finance.

I know that Darden is the best of the batch but the cost difference is quite substantial. 
Regarding to the other 3 (same ranking), my thoughts:
- Carlson has and edge in exposure to F500 companies but I hate the cold weather.
- Houston is wonderful and Rice seems to be popular regionally, but I do not have any energy experience. I do not know if I could compete with Indian students there. It also seems that the only choice I have at Rice is corporate finance at an energy company.
- Fisher offers me the best financial package (bascially free) and seems to be best all-rounded choice among the 3.

I have talked with some of my friends in the US but I still dont have enough information for a confident decision. the MBA program is a starting point of a career path to me so it is very important to make it right.

Any opinion and information would help here on the options that I have (Darden vs other 3 and among the 3), especially with the possible career chances after graduation.

Thank you so much for your support.

Nghiemhai86 · Answer

Hope that you guys are busy preparing for the start by now.

Still need help here.

goalieman688 · Answer

The easiest answer would be look at the employment placement statistics for each school. If you think you can get where you want with Fisher, etc. I would do it. you have a goal of a high paying career so the loans may not mean a ton for Darden

Toews2Kane · Answer

I'm not incredibly well-versed in the different corporate finance exit opportunities at the schools. However, I would imagine that if you really want to do consulting then you should likely choose the Darden route; however, if you're lukewarm on consulting and want to end up in a corporate finance position, the other schools should (with a bit more risk) be able to get you there.

mgg234 · Answer

Easy choice Darden, it's the only place that will get you where you want to go.

gmatfighter12 · Answer

MBA is only once, so for sure go with Darden. The loan will not be so bad after graduation. Moreover, you might as well get 50%-100% scholarship from Darden??!!

Nghiemhai86 · Answer

Thank you guys. I appreciate your opinion.

- For sure Darden is the best choice, but I think $70-100k could not be ignored.

- As an international student, the MC route is extremely tough. Thus, ironically, I have the thought that if I could make it at Darden, I could make it at other schools as well, if I couldn't, neither of them will get me there. I just couldnt conclude on the cost/possibility analysis.

Anybody with experience or insight from the schools?

Nghiemhai86 · Answer

Anybody have employment placement breakdown of the schools?

Psyched · Answer

Employment reports for...

Fisher
https://fisher.osu.edu/mag/2013/careerre ... eflip.html

Carlson
https://www.carlsonschool.umn.edu/mba/fu ... Report.pdf

Rice
https://business.rice.edu/uploadedFiles ... Report.pdf

In terms of ranking, hiring, everything really... Darden wins. I currently work in a group with 15 Darden alumni as management consultants, and they are all very well trained by the school. From a career path perspective, Darden will provide a great education and strong recruiting. However, my colleagues talk about the expenses of b-school from time-to-time, and it does take a toll, especially for international students.

If you want more thoughts feel free to PM me.

Nghiemhai86 · Answer

Thank you for your information. Very helpful. I went through those reports months ago, however, only Rice's provided useable information. Anw, no scholarship from Darden so its Fisher for me. Thank you guys. The next battle now begins.

Need help: Darden vs Fisher, Carlson, Rice ($$$)

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