Indiana Kelley V. Wisconsin Madison ASAP

Question

My decision...

Indiana Kelley... recieved 2/3 tution
Overall very good program ranked #18 by B-week. 
I want to do Investment Management and with CFA L1 down (likely L2) by matriculation, they are pretty confident they can place me at most firms.
Indiana housing is cheap

Wisconsin-Madison
Strong securities analysis program which indicated that they had 2 to Fidelity last year (rarely seen outside the top 15)
Very focused program with alot of real world experience

I'm feeling Kelley a bit more right now. I think it looks like a really good school that will give me the most well rounded education while still promising to get me where I want to go in investment management.
Wisconsin however could be cheaper in the end if they give anything more than maybe 5k and they have some valuable connections.

What do ya all think?

eazyb81 · Answer

Are you dead set on going buy-side right after b-school, or would you consider sell-side for a few years to help make the transition easier?

Mark4124 · Answer

I'd perfer buy side, but if sell side would get me to a good place thats cool... I know Kelley puts some to Goldman sell side.

eazyb81 · Answer

If that's the case, then I would go with Kelley. IMO, the near-elite program will open more doors than Wisconsin's niche focus, although the odds are probably higher that you would gain buy-side entry straight out of b-school with the ASAP program. That said, it is risky to put all your eggs in that basket, and it's getting to the point where buy-side jobs for new MBA grads are restricted to the ultra elites and/or those with prior IM experience. 

I have the same IM goals, and if it were me, I would go ahead and take the admit from Kelley. Bust your tail to get a buy-side equity research position, but if it doesn't happen just go to an IB for a few years to gain experience then make the move.

Mark4124 · Answer

Interesting perspective... I am indeed scared of the niche focus of ASAP, but I worry that I might be giving up an opportunity if they can say dump you right out into Fidelity Equities.

cnc2 · Answer

Mark, 

If you are passionate about IM and will accept nothing less, Wisconsin is your place. Please review the recently published employment stats from Wisconsin. It lists the specific placement statstics of the ASAP Program.

I believe that while Indiana has a higher status in terms of rankings, ASAP has the a longer history and more experience with placing students in the IM field.

Indiana Kelley V. Wisconsin Madison ASAP

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