The London Business School 2011 Thread

While you guys wait for your admit decisions, I have a question for you... I got an admit to Oxford Said and I was in the process of applying for LBS R2. Now I am beginning to think twice about applying.

Since making a decision is always based on individual needs / objectives, I'll list mine: I have 8 yrs experience in the media and publishing business (in the US) on the business dev and strategy side. Long term I want to work with digital media and technology (hardware/software) firms on monetizing their products and services. I am very open to global opportunities. If not directly with the product firm, I am looking to work at strategy consulting firms who have media and tech clients.

I am not able to find a significant advantage of LBS over Oxford in getting me into the roles I want to pursue. Granted LBS is definitely superior to Oxford in its ranking and employer appeal as a top 10 MBA - but from what I gauge, the school helps as far as getting that interview, after which it's your capabilities all the way.

I am trying to decide if its worth the $50k difference (Oxford deposit, application fee, tuition fee diff, cost of expense of living in London for more time than at Oxford) plus the minimum 6 months of additional school work.

Any thoughts... from those who went through any sort of analysis or had conversations with other LBS/Oxford students?

I guess what I am looking for is:
- Is the LBS name going to make a difference every step of the way in my career over an Oxford name?
- If I interviewed with McKinsey along with an LBS candidate, would he get the preference all things considered equal?
- Does having an LBS stamp influence a potential employee over an Oxford stamp?

Any thoughts... opinions... would be appreciated.

Cheers...