Ross vs Yale SOM for Renewable Energy

Question

Hi everyone. I need some advice. I was extremely fortunate to be accepted to both Yale SOM and Ross, but I'm having a very hard time deciding between the two. I've been racking my brain over the past week over the pros and cons of each, and still can't come away with a clear winner.

I visited both campuses during interviews, and felt that I meshed better with the students at Yale than I did with those at Ross. However, this was during a time of significant stress, and I was only able to meet a very small subset of the student body, so I don't want to put too much weight on that. Additionally, I applied to the dual degree MEM (Masters of Environmental Management) and MBA program at Yale, and was accepted to both. If I end up at Ross, I will very likely apply to the Erb Institute for Global Social Enterprise for the similar MS/MBA program. I had heard previously that the degree was too science-focused, and primarily for those going into research, which I why I didn't initially apply. However, I feel that I need more to supplement my sparse renewable energy industry knowledge than taking a few electives during my MBA.

I've created a list of pros/cons for each school below.

Yale:
+Joint degree more in line with goals (I think)
+Small school
+Dean Snyder
+Felt like best "fit"
+Small class size
+Most Global school
+Integrated Curriculum
-Small alumni network
-New Haven
-Ranked and perceived worse than Ross

Ross:
+Large alumni network
+MAP
+Seems like a more fun campus and social scene
+Action-based learning
+Higher ranked and perceived than SOM
-Large school
-Dual degree may be too science-focused
-Construction

I am not certain where I would like to live after school, but it will likely be on one of the coasts. From everything I have researched both schools have a good presence on both coasts.

I was also admitted to Darden, but they do not seem to have a very good presence in the renewable energy industry, so I will likely not be going there.

If you can provide any advice I would be incredibly grateful!

bernie88 · Answer

I'm not too familiar with the dual degree programs, but my vote would be for Yale. If you're looking to be on the coast, I think SOM carries a lot more weight than Michigan. With regard to your point on ranking/perception, I would disagree that Ross is better perceived. Great school, but the Yale name carries a lot of weight, and I'd be surprised if SOM wasn't ranked a few spots ahead of Ross in 5 years.

Flyte · Answer

To the OP you won't go wrong either way; however, for energy specifically, Ross outperforms Yale SOM.

To bernie88, I like Yale SOM a lot, they are doing really interesting things and occupy a unique niche, but people have been predicting SOM to rise for years and it hasn't really happened. Ross has a much longer history and is viewed more favorably in business in general. Could this change? Absolutely. But, they haven't yet.

aerien · Answer

Ah, Flyte , slow and steady wins the proverbial race

OP, you seem to have really liked Yale -- at least we made a good impression on you on interview day. And you're already admitted to the joint degree program with FES (Congrats), so that's a certainty that you have relative to Ross. I think the Ross program with Erb is a great program and depending on what you do, it could provide you with more of a targeted route for your specific career interests. I don't know the details of their program or what you're interested in to make that call. I'm personally of the camp where "fit" is key. I think you're leaning towards Yale in that regard, but before you make that decision try to go to both Welcome Weekends. I believe they're on different weekends this year. Take that time to meet people at the Erb Institute and at both SOM and FES to better compare the programs and your fit within them. If you want to chat with any SOM/FES joint degrees here, let me know and I can put you in touch. And remember, you have no wrong choice here. Follow your heart!

BibbityBoppityBoop · Answer

It's been a while, and I finally have some time, so I figured I would post an update.

I ended up going with Yale SOM, but it was perhaps the most difficult decision I've ever made. I went back and forth almost constantly between the two, and eventually it came down to several personal reasons, cost, and the environmental schools (since I am pursuing a joint degree). My personal life has been very chaotic the past few months so I had to put off making the decision for a while, hence the delay in responding to the advice in this post.

If I were going for a straight MBA I think the chances are good I would have matriculated at Ross, although I still can't be sure here. However, throughout conversations with alumni, current students, and a significant amount of research, I came to the realization that Yale's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies was a better fit than Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment. This is not to knock Michigan's school at all, but I personally liked the building, the students, and professors more at Yale. Since I'll be spending a year and a half at the environmental school, this really pushed me towards choosing Yale.

Lastly, Yale ended up giving me more in scholarship money, and considering the amount of debt I'm going to be in, especially since it's a 3 year program, the cost played a significant role.

I absolutely loved both schools, and am still somewhat in shock that I got into both. Thanks a bunch for the replies aerien, Flyte, and bernie88!

Ross vs Yale SOM for Renewable Energy

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