Top 7 no money vs. $100,000+ lower top 20

Question

At what point would you pass up a top 7 school for drastically lower debt (and likely a more enjoyable MBA experience, for better or worse)? I know I can't be alone out there in this consideration with a long-term goal of starting my own business/short-term goal of targeting a mid-size company with large upside to gain experience.

Specifically I'm curious to hear if anyone who has made the decision one way or another has any regrets or if they believe their decision really was the best for them?

Specifically I'm curious to hear if anyone who has made the decision one way or another has any regrets or if they believe their decision really was the best for them?

JimGMATAnswers · Answer

Can you be a little more specific about your options and your goals? This will help answer the question.

asimov · Answer

It depends on what you want to do after b-school. For some careers, a top tier b-school is your only ticket of admission. For other careers, it doesn’t matter what school you go to.

In general, the career opportunity drops off a bit after H/S, drops off a bit more after top 7-8, drops off significantly after top 14.

DCTech87 · Answer

Of Course! Specifically for me I'm looking to jump out of consulting either into VC/PE or into a midsize firm (20-100 Million market cap) with high upside potential and a slant towards high tech industry and products (personally I have an interest in energy usage and efficient operation). Eventually the goal will be to spin-off into my own company. Currently I'm weighing the accessibility, higher probability of greater earnings straight away and the likelihood of greater network strength at top 7 schools with the relative freedom of minimal debt, a still known commodity (at least at a strong regional level) and a focus on fostering start-up culture at lower-end top 20s. Looking back on gmatclub I found several threads discussing similar issues for schools several spots lower relatively discussing classmates who regretted their choices (I hope everything worked out for them!). It seems fairly clear that the best choice is the best overall program (let's face it, most of us are hoping to make enough to pay back all our debts within a handful of years), but I was hoping someone who had experienced either side might weigh in! I know I'm incredibly lucky to have this choice and really do appreciate any and all thoughts!!! :-D

old1442 · Answer

have u applied to schools yet? are you deciding? if so, between which - it would be helpful to know more details? otherwise, is this just a hypothetical question?

DCTech87 · Answer

Guess I was trying to avoid that part ha. In to Kellogg & CBS v. Mccombs for $$$

old1442 · Answer

have u applied to schools yet? are you deciding? if so, between which - it would be helpful to know more details? otherwise, is this just a hypothetical question?

Guess I was trying to avoid that part ha. In to Kellogg & CBS v. Mccombs for $$$

Glad you shared.. we're in a similar boat. I'm happy to chat. I'll PM you.

JimGMATAnswers · Answer

Having been through the process, I will tell you that non-traditional career paths are all about networking. Your best bet is probably to pack your bags for New York because it has the largest market for PE. The start-up community here is solid as well so I am sure there are VC opportunities if you look hard enough.

Top 7 no money vs. $100,000+ lower top 20

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