Should nervous go to Darden for on-campus interview?

Question

Guys,
I need your advice. I received an invite from Darden to interview on campus. However, I am not sure if it's worth going because:
1) Darden is not my first choice
2) I am concerned about the case method only learning
3) Darden is famous for its work load
4) Darden is known for its Finance program and consulting; not so much for GM or Marketing (my areas of interest)

I think I will consider Darden only if they offer me a full tuition or close to full tuition scholarship.
Going to the on-campus interview means taking at least 1 day off work plus the cost of hotel, car rental and flight which will sum to about $400-$500 just to have a 30 minute interview.

Is it worth to invest all this money and time for a slim chance of getting big $$$ from the b-school? Please share your opinion. For the members who are not familiar with my profile/acceptances to other schools, please see the stats here:

111-t56921

Thanks for your help!

bsd_lover · Answer

I voted yes cos I dont wanna see a ding in your record.

solaris1 · Answer

Well if you don't interview nervous, you can be sure you won't be getting any $$$. You've put in all that effort into Darden's application, you due it to yourself to finish the process. Make sure you mention that you have great scholarships at other schools, yet you are still interested in Darden and have made the effort to interview on campus. If the school really wants you, they'll do their bit. If not, at least you tried.

And who knows, you might end up liking the place.

By the way it's a little scary that you are getting concerned about points 2, 3 and 4 at this stage of the application!

And who knows, you might end up liking the place.

By the way it's a little scary that you are getting concerned about points 2, 3 and 4 at  this  stage of the application!

edited to note:

Also, hopefully other members can chime in but it seems rather strange that a school with an extensive case based curriculum is NOT known for its strength in General Management. Is that really true?

R.E.D. · Answer

3) is almost the same for most of top schools. Pro is 2) only. Cons are 1) and 4). So, I voted "no". Also, I doubt the possibility of awarding a full-ride in R2... Logically it is the answer. As mentioned solaris1, we always have a number of what ifs and they make our position shaky and we start thinking after that could something be done better if I would have done/not done something. The best ways to override it, know to me, are: follow your own intuition or drop a coin.

nervousgmat · Answer

I visited Darden's Open House and liked the student environment a lot, which overshadowed the case-based learning and the Finance reputation. In addition, I didn't know back then that I would be accepted to a few b-schools so I applied to a range of MBA programs. It goes without saying that I had to compromise on one thing or another at some of the schools :-)

riverripper · Answer

I vote no, would you really choose it over some of the other schools you already got significant scholarships for? Doesnt seem like you really are excited about it like some of the others. Even if you got a scholarship you probably would take one of your other schools you already got money from over it. Save the vacation time and the money you would be spending on the airfare and hotel.

ncp · Answer

I concur.

kryzak · Answer

Tough one.. part of me is all about completing the process, but if you applied to Darden R1 (I forgot), then it's understandable that you don't want to finish it up now that you're in so many schools with $$.

My take, NO if you applied R1 and probably wouldn't go to Darden unless there's full scholarship (rare). Yes if you applied R2 (after your Kellogg admit) just to finish it up and never have to ask "what if."

nervousgmat · Answer

I applied for R2.

kryzak · Answer

Hrm... then I have the similar question as solaris1. I remember us asking you about finishing R2 apps after you got into Kellogg... I would probably go through with it, unless you REALLY don't see yourself going to Darden. Like someone said, you NEVER know if you might find something you love about the school, even though on paper it's not where you want to go. Many have been surprised that way.

mba2010 · Answer

I vote no. You don't seem very excited / it doesn't seem like a good fit and the chances of a full scholarship are slim at best. And even if you DID get a full scholarship, the former still applies.

You've already gotten significant scholarships from places you're more excited about.

AND if you withdraw, it doesn't count as ding.

nervousgmat · Answer

LOL!

sperinko · Answer

Wow ! What an enviable situation !!!!

Seriously though, I dont think you should attend the Darden interview. You don't exactly seemed to be thrilled with the case-method and IMHO, Kellogg and Ross offer better marketing opportunities and brand-leverage.

Will you actually consider GSB if you are admitted (given your lack of interest in Finance).

nervousgmat · Answer

Yes, I would I consider Chicago GSB. GSB actually has an excellent marketing program, although it's not as well known as its Finance program.

aaudetat · Answer

if it stresses you out, don't do it. if you're up for the ride, do it.

now that i'm in bschool and up to my neck in all kinds of nuttiness, i've found that it's sometimes just not worth it.

tsaditya · Answer

Please go on campus and ask them about my interview invite..

Steel · Answer

As someone who loves Darden, I still pulled my application once I got accepted to Kellogg. "Work-life balance" at Kellogg is much better and I think the experience in general is better at Kellogg.

Go to Kellogg! Save your money and time for KWEST

That said, Darden is a great school, and I don't think it would be the wrong decision to follow it through.

riverripper · Answer

Just imagine taking accounting as a case class...Darden is a great school but I think you really have to be a big fan of the case method. Plus it has a reputation of being very academically challenging, all top schools are going to be tough but there is something to be said about attending one of the "easier" schools. Especially with recruiters complaining schools are graduating people with great quant skills but lacking the soft skills.

toDoorNot · Answer

Hilarous..

kbulse · Answer

keeping in mind the cost of this decision may be it is better not to go, however what are you loosing? nothing! yeah I know 400-500$ is not an amount that can be neglected, but damn 1000 people will kill for such a chance, even I would give everything for opportunity like that. On the other hand you have a lot of acceptance in other school and realizing Kellogg ( if I am not mistake you are accepted in) it is unwise to choose other school. 
Anyway, weighing all the factors I answered "yes"

Should nervous go to Darden for on-campus interview?

Should nervous go to Darden for on-campus interview?

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