Stern v. INSEAD

Question

What are your thoughts on NYU Stern v. INSEAD? I know that Stern is better for US opportunities and INSEAD for non-US opportunities. How would you guys see the prestige and appeal of the two schools otherwise?

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

I think its hard to look at the brands independent of their geographic strengths but in a vacuum I would say INSEAD is probably stronger brand but again it is about which one is stronger for you. So what is your criteria for what you are looking for in a program?

lohiaabhi · Answer

Thanks for your reply Dozie. This is going to be my second MBA (the first one was straight outta undergrad in India many years back). I am looking for a holistic approach to the management education, fun and collaborative environment and career advancement. Career change - I have been working in corporate finance in big corporate houses in India for 6 years - want to transition into either investment banking or into consulting. Geography flexibility - I want to work in developed markets (Europe, USA, Singpore/HK). Would not want to work in ME or Africa. Cost - There is a difference of USD 60,000 between the two schools. I am not sure if I should give too much importance to this given an MBA gives returns over the long-term. School location - New York vs. Fontainbleau (a village in France). Not sure if this again should be a consideration given that MBA is a long-term investment and not just a 1-2 year rite of passage. Although INSEAD has a great reputation in Europe an Asia, I fear the job prospects in London after the Brexit; also London is extremely competitive since its the most sought after location. Also, from my talks with current students, Singapore is also an increasingly closed economy to outsiders. On the other hand, Stern has been a feeder school to investment banks, but its ranking has dipped considerably in the past few years (granted, a technical error for this year). Well, my head's been buzzing with all this and a lot more and I am stuck! Appreciate you thoughts!

vp101 · Answer

I would need you to choose between banking and consulting. If you want to go down the banking road, NYU; if not, and you want to enter consulting, then INSEAD. I also see that you're in for the Jan term at INSEAD, which means you'll have access to an internship period. So INSEAD could work well for the banking side of things too.

Curumo · Answer

INSEAD is a top 5 school worldwide, Stern - barely made it to top20 in US.
Unless you really want to work on Wall Street/Finance in NY, the choice is obvious.

Also don't forget about the opportunity costs (2 years vs 10 month program) and tuition+living costs in NY.

Red|L · Answer

I'd go for NYU Stern. First of all, I think a 2-year program is a better program for MBA. 
NYU Stern is in a fantastic location, NY City, and it has very good relationship with WS. 
I'd definitely would go for NYU Stern.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

With that in mind I would go Stern here. Even with a dip in rankings the school places extremely well on wall street and you are afforded all of the personal and professional opportunities that a school like NYU offers

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

if you have a good GMAT score, I would go with NYU. That is if you're interested in Investment Banking. It's really a hot recruitment at Stern, I know this because two of my 2015 admits there started out in a totally different function in industry and were sucked into hedge funds and investment banking internships this summer

I honestly would not think twice about the ranking situation. Before the technical error they were like number 11 or 12, perceptually, they are a top MBA, and I really think they always will be because, New York. I would think of it as Buy Low sell High.

You have a better chance of getting in because of the issue with the rankings this year.

I would have to agree that if you wanted to go into consulting, INSEAD would potentially be a better match, but of course there are plenty of other schools within the US that could help you get that done, without the brexit risk.

But that said I really don't see London shriveling up anytime soon.

Farrell Dyan Hehn, MBA
Admissions Consultant & Verbal Strategist MBAPrepCoach.com

rtbs15 · Answer

Biased here, but I would do INSEAD.

Careerwise, it will get you the job in London (NY it's more difficult but people do it every year); reputationwise I agree it is a matter of fit (I applied to both and withdrew once I got admitted), but I could tell you the diversity and caliber of the class is truly amazing. See it and appreciate it when Wharton and Kellogg students come to do the exchange. Not saying they are worse nor less intelligent, they are bright, but that extra experience INSEAD students tend to have make the discussions incredibly interesting. And lastly, economically it's a no brainer: Less than half of cost if you don't get to live in the Palladium in Stern. You could spend all that money doing other courses even to strengthen your position for your dream job.

ramp275 · Answer

How's Insead been? I'm accepted to Stern but I'm thinking about INSEAD now for the next round or may be the next year.

Stern v. INSEAD

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