simonsanchez wrote:
GMAT773, I thought you said in a previous post that Thunderbird was your choice. What was the kicker that made you pick UW? I'm asking bc I'm interested in both schools. I'm a Utah resident, so the tuition break is N/A.
My main interest is Int'l Biz. What does UW have to offer in this regard worldwide. I've heard UW's main focus in SE Asia.
Thanks in advance for the feedback!
You are correct Simon. Thunderbird was my top choice until I decided to take a holistic approach to both a reputable (trans elite) MBA program and strong ties to the local business community where I intend to open a boutique consulting practice.
UW and T-bird are both known for their international focus (about half of our current class comes from East Asia) however, IMHO, Seattle is where the action is. Tacoma port gets over 70% of its container cargo from China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. There may be a south asian studies program here, but it isn't emphasized in the core. Nearly every class lecture makes a reference to Microsoft/IT or trade with East Asia. We also have quite a few exceptionally talented Indians here. All in all, the caliber of our small class never ceases to amaze me.
I think Thunderbird is more global in the sense that it represents MBAs from all over the world (not just Asia) and refers to other global business arenas (Europe, Latin America, Middle East etc) instead of focusing on the Pacific Rim. Thunderbird is also unique in that it is a stand alone campus with superb facilities.
I will agree with the comment above that Balmer needs a facelift (which we are in the process of getting at the tune of a quarter of a billion dollars) but hands down you will have a hard time getting a better ROI for under $50K (Thunderbird is $65K).
Other factors that graviated me towards UW:
1. Lifestyle: we got the mountains and the ocean here. You want fresh Alaskan lobster with your venison tenderloin, no problem. Mt. Hood is three hours south and Whistler is three hours north, with numerous other great biking trails zigzagging all over Northwest.
2. Weather: I've been here since July and never once had to use an umbrella. Sure we do get our seasonal downpours in February, but it rains far less than most people think. I'm looking out my apartment window across Lake Washingotn right now and it is cloudy (as usual) but not rainy. Besides, the summers are absolutely unbeatable.
3. Joint degree flexibilty: Uw allows for joint MBA/MHA or MBA/MA and even MBA/MAIS without having to take the GRE. This is a nice option for those who really want to specialize. JD/MBA requires the LSAT.
Keep in mind that we do have access to the BEST medical school in the country for primary care, the sixth best for research, and outstanding law, engineering and international relations schools. I think overall, undergrad included, the UW is ranked in the top ten universities worldwide. Aesthetically, the campus is damn pretty in the spring and fall too!
4. Cost of living: I don't know of any (single) classmates who pay more than $800 p/month for rent. The median is about $650. Phoenix was a bit more expensive.
5. Most importantly, job placement ratio: EVERYBODY who graduates here gets a job. Maybe not the ideal position with GS or McKinsey, but we are employed and most start out at six figures. Those doing biotech consulting (significant proportion of our classmates and large industry in the PNW) make double that. Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks, Costco, Nintendo, Nordstrom, Washington Mutual, Kurt Salmon, and a host of other companies actively recruit here.
I am in no way saying that T-bird is not a great institution, it is, just all things considered it was the perfect fit for my family and our long term goals.
PM me if you would like further questions answered regarding our program. Also, keep an eye on those rankings, we are about to move up about 8~10 spots once these new facilities come on line. Mark my words, UW will be a trans elite within the next five years.