Ross vs. Haas

Question

I'm a nonprofit applicant who's considering both Ross and Haas. And given how similar these two schools seem on paper (public, progressive, blue and gold/maize!), I was surprised not to find a comparison between them in the forum archives.

That said, I'd love to hear your opinions on their relative merits, what distinguishes each from the other, and the kind of person who thrives most in each environment.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!

mc · Answer

I'll be applying to both schools also, although for I have different interests than you.

A few couple differences:

1) Ross admits more than twice as many students (500 vs. 240, I believe)
2) Ross, because of the terrible Detroit economy, has done a great job getting graduates work all around the country, while 60% of Haas grad stay in the Bay Area, and almost 70% stay on the West Coast. So Ross is probably the better option if you aren't sure that you want to live out west.

I'm sure there's many other differences, but those are the main ones I can think of off the top of my head that would be relevant to your situation.

asimov · Answer

1) Almost all schools have stronger brand in the region, so Ross for midwest, and Haas for west coast.
2) I feel that Haas will provide good opportunity in the tech sector, since it's in the heart of silicone valley.
 I feel that Ross will be a good school for environmental focus because of the Erb Institute.
3) Tradeoff: Haas has higher ranking but much smaller alumni network, which can be important when trying to get those informational interviews.

Other than that I think both schools are very similar in everything else.

Av · Answer

Academically and culturally the schools are very similar, which is why you'll see a lot of us applying to both. Aside from the obvious difference in weather, Haas' location can be very valuable if you're looking for a job in that region.

If you're interested in both schools and you have the time, apply to both. Their application questions are pretty similar

bakfed · Answer

I think ultimately what comes down to is where you want to work, though I'm not saying that Haas students will not be able to find jobs on the east coast (and vice versa). But it certainly makes it easier for you to hunt jobs if you're already in the region. Having said that, I'd recommend you to apply both. If you do get in both schools, then you can make your final decision.

GoBruin · Answer

I concur you should apply to both, I would also include Yale to form the usual trinity. Yale, Ross, Haas are known as the non-profits.

Since I've been here I've totally felt the non-profit and sustainability focus of the school, we have compost trash cans and water bottles are all made from plants. The guess speakers for last night were a founder of a non-profit charter school for under performing students and the head of a foundation that feeds women, mothers, children and seniors. So they drill the importance of right from the beginning.

Also there are quite a few activities available to you to join:
Ross is hosting the national Net Impact conference
Board fellows program - be a non-voting member of a local non-profit
Social Venture Fund - a fund started by students to fund startup who have a idea of how to improve social welfare
Community development team - consultation for a non-profit

You will also meet a lot of cross listed dual degrees at ross, ERB for sustainability, and Ford school of Pubilic policy.

There's more, I've only listed the stuff I'm interested in and that I've looked into even though I'm focusing on consulting. And I agree with the post above about learning from detroit. Yesterday we went to help a high school that is designed for only teen mothers and pregnant teens who since the school started has had a 100% acceptance rate for college. You may never see a place that needs more help than detroit.

Npmba · Answer

Thanks everyone for your terrific advice - I think I'll do just that!

One final question, if you don't mind: Beyond the formal programs themselves (regional orientation, extracurricular offerings, etc.), what do you know about their respective cultures? In other words, is the feel on campus very similar or do they have distinctive traits (e.g., one's a party school, one's more academically focused)?

necoo · Answer

1) Almost all schools have stronger brand in the region, so Ross for midwest, and Haas for west coast.
2) I feel that Haas will provide good opportunity in the tech sector, since it's in the heart of silicone valley.
I feel that Ross will be a good school for environmental focus because of the Erb Institute.
3) Tradeoff: Haas has higher ranking but much smaller alumni network, which can be important when trying to get those informational interviews.

Ross vs. Haas

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