SOM vs Sloan

Question

Hey guys,

I'm trying to transition into social impact consulting (such as Dalberg, Bridgespan, etc.) I am also considering traditional consulting, for the incredible experience and training, but my goal is to one day make it back to the social-impact/education space.

I'm torn between the two schools--

I really think Yale will have more likeminded people + I'm more excited about exploring classes at Yale (esp with law school).

But Sloan's rank and reputation are also compelling-- will that make that much of a difference in the long term? I like Yale SOM, but I don't know if it's unwise to turn down an M.

Any insight would be appreciated!

SiaAdmissions · Answer

urbanac

Yale will, indeed, have the like-minded individuals you are seeking, and there will be plenty of networking opportunities within and between the different schools. I've experienced firsthand the interconnectivity between the different schools that proved invaluable post graduation -- connect with students and professors in different programs and you'll receive invites to non-SOM events, allowing exponentially increased networking opportunities.

Happy to schedule a call to discuss further.

Best of luck!

bb · Answer

Congratulations on two fantastic admits!

Yale is huge into consulting and obviously social impact. 
 
I feel that while both programs are a great choice. However, I feel Sloan would be a better experience being in Boston vs Yale in New Haven. It is also a lot easier to travel to and out of if you are planning a lot of travel while in Bschool.

Both are very strong names that you can leverage for recruiting. It is possible you may be able to leverage the loan forgiveness at Yale too.

PS. You can a fantastic experience at both programs. See what’s calling your name. I would not dismiss Sloan just because Yale has the social reputation...

Posted from my mobile device

Wilch · Answer

I'd echo what bb said. I can say for sure you'll find like-minded people at Yale SOM. And you should absolutely look into the loan forgiveness program given where you want to be post-MBA. If you are eligible for it, it'll take the burden of student debt off your shoulders, which makes a huge difference.

maas · Answer

Congrats on getting into great programs!
I would say MIT Sloan hands down for this one! First of, MIT Sloan's Mission statement is “To develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world and to generate ideas that advance management practice.” These aren't just words in the air. Sloanies live and breathe these words! Etched in every wall, every classroom, every project, every study trek!
Companies such as The Bridgespan Group (Bain), Dalberg, New Sector Alliance (Accenture), Education First, B Lab, ClickHealth, Department of Energy, Endeavor, Education Pioneers, Helion Venture Partners, Stonyfield Farm, Millennium Promise, Samasource, United Nations, Women’s World Banking recruit at Sloan all the time. 
Sloan has the "Sustainability Certificate" and there are soo many students taking the courses for it, gearing towards careers in Non-Profit Consulting, Social Entrepreneurship, Non-Profit Management, Multilaterals and CSR.

I'd advise you to lookup the " MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative " to look at all the resources, classes, treks, groups, etc. Sloan pours many resources into this field, and have amazing faculty. Every year they give out the MIT Sloan Social Impact Fellowship (SSIF) to EVERY student who does an internship in the field. The Fellowship funds students interning over the summer at local, national, and international social impact organizations.
And if you want traditional management consulting, Sloan will open those doors no problem. Want law school classes? Sloan lets you cross-register with Harvard Law School (or any Harvard graduate level class <HBS, HKS,etc>, or broader MIT class) since the curriculum is so flexible after a first semester core. Don't turn down Sloan, its reputation alone will open any door you need. 
Best of luck!

whippersnacker · Answer

On a per capita basis, I do think SOM has MIT beat in terms of MBB offers. Additionally, they're huge on social impact, so you may find that combination attractive. I think you'll truly be able to find more of your "people" at Yale, but I understand that MIT is hard to turn down. It does have a Sustainability Certificate that you can do, but I feel its social impact is more tech-driven (see Legatum Fellows). If you want to go into developmental consulting, I think Yale is just a better fit for it.

mbawizard · Answer

I am a Yale SOM admit as well and have had the opportunity to meet with a number of alumni, current students and other fellow admits.
Your analysis with respect to SOM seems to be spot-on. SOM definitely seeks to build socially conscious leaders and you will find a number of like-minded peers.
The ratio of people getting into Management Consulting is very much on par/better than many other M7 schools and the CDO & Consulting Club seemed to be top-notch.
You will have great diversity within the class as well as the opportunity to take classes across Yale.
Other factors worth noting are that the faculty:student ratio is much lower than peer schools and in the words of the acting Dean, Yale has an environment where the faculty genuinely care about and interact closely with the students. The percentage of the school budget that comes from student tuition is among the lowest (if not the lowest) meaning that you will get more bang for your buck.
Sloan is undoubtedly a great school but given your career preference, SOM seems like the right choice.

SOM vs Sloan

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards