Oxford, Georgetown or UCLA for Consulting

Question

I have a background in Law and I have been admitted to both Oxford (1 year), Georgetown's (2 years) MBA programs. Waitlisted in UCLA.
My GPA ranks top 5, but my GMAT low (650). I want to hear your opinion towards the objective of entering MBB or Big 4 consulting firms in Europe/UK/and USA. (Originally Latinamerican, residing and work permit in Spain).
Aspects I'm considering are (i) duration of the program, will a 1 year MBA be enough for my desired career shift? (eg. Oxford); will a 2 year MBA (georgetown, eventually UCLA) will provide better tools for such a shift? (ii) tuition fees (time required to payback loans, different prices between the 1 year and the 2 year MBA options).
Oxford appeals to me because of the program and the University; my attendance to the place and meeting its people really made an impression, but I fear the program's young age and the fact of it being just 1 year could be an important downside. I find Georgetown's MBA (especially for both its location in DC and the brand name of its unversity) also very attractive, but I am not convinced of its position as an MBA. What frightens me about UCLA (Great school, best MBA regarding reputation and ranks, close to Latin America, my birth place) is the fact that it is very far from Europe; will that punish too much my desire for consulting back in Europe, after the MBA?
Thanks!

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

My general belief is the closer you can be to where you want to eventually work is always the better move. Georgetown does not generally place many in MBB, UCLA has better placement but more locally. Oxford and the greater university wide reputation will probably give you the best chances of placing in MBB in europe, so if that is your goal then I would lean towards Oxford especially given the impression the program has already made on you.

johngt · Answer

Thanks!
How does Oxford Said place as a transition option for consulting, given that it is only one year, and chances of internships are low?
Any insight regarding the advantages/disadvantages between 1 year and 2 year programs?

Duke234 · Answer

Definitely an interesting position to be in. First, I would just keep in mind that a 650 is low for MBB. You may want to retake the exam and try to get something closer to 700.

As for schools - if you really want to be in Europe, go to Oxford. You seemed to have the best vibe there and honestly, fit can be the most important factor in making a decision. I don't think Georgetown or UCLA place heavily into MBB (from looking at their career reports). Big 4 consulting - I think either way you would have a shot - really comes down to location at that point.

Law + 700 GMAT + top 5 gpa + Oxford should give you a solid shot at a good consulting gig.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

You highlighted a major risk of the Oxford option, now if you were choosing between Oxford and clear MBB feeder programs like HBS and Kellogg it would be a lesser alternative. But given your other options are non-feeders and in the US I think it is still more likely of placing overseas in MBB with the 1YR option than it would be with your other options. My recommendation would be to connect with current students and alums if possible or career services at Oxford to discuss this but you will certainly have to hustle a bit and develop these relationship with firms as early as possible. One positive is you know exactly what you want to do so you don't have to waste that time, but you will just have to make the most of the interviews you receive as you will most likely have one shot given the 1YR program

johngt · Answer

I'm not sure to have understood the reply. Do you mean Oxford is still a better chance for an overseas placement at MBB than both Georgetown and UCLA? What would you say about Darden, compared to the previous three?

Thanks

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Yes, that is what I am saying. Darden actually is historically known to send more students to MBB than the other US programs listed so your odds at landing a job would be higher here. If you have an admit here then your chances would probably be higher than even Oxford at this point

Oxford, Georgetown or UCLA for Consulting

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards