Emory $$ vs. Fuqua vs. Darden

Question

Dear all,

I read bb 's blog "Value of a top 10 MBA" and according to the matrix, I should be able to make the decision. But I'd like to hear more opinions if possible.

I got 70% scholarship from Emory, admitted to Fuqua (no $), Darden (no $), and KF (also no $). My post-MBA goal is Marketing, preferably in technology or back to FMCG.

Emory is a good school and also famous for its Marketing program. Placement is also top in the country. I like Atlanta too (can't cope with cold weathter).
However, I find the class size quite small and I don't feel the same proudful, vibrant student spirits like that of Fuqua. I'm not in the US so I only know about the schools via alumni.

My heart says Fuqua but my head says Emory. I don't want to graduate with a lot of debt (taken from my mother

)

At the moment I have 50k in cash (to spend on living expenses in 2 years). I also own a house, whose value can cover the rest of the cost, but I want to keep it as a safety net instead.

Is there much difference in term of academic among these three schools?

Any advice is much appreciated

By the way, if I take the 70% to Fuqua or Darden, what are the chances of getting 30% to 50% from them?

) At the moment I have 50k in cash (to spend on living expenses in 2 years). I also own a house, whose value can cover the rest of the cost, but I want to keep it as a safety net instead. Is there much difference in term of academic among these three schools? Any advice is much appreciated

By the way, if I take the 70% to Fuqua or Darden, what are the chances of getting 30% to 50% from them?

bb · Answer

Congrats on your great work and luck with the scholarship.

It is never wrong to check with Fuqua or Darren to see if they can help with the decision and perhaps offer an opportunity to get some help. It is late in the year so funding is scarce.

I don't know what to tell ya really. Emory looks great based on your picture and description. Fuqua is top 10 and there is more pride. That's natural. It won't be ideal however. Some classes will suck and you will have idiot classmates that you will make you doubt adcom sanity. That's present in all schools.

Look at it from a diff perspective. if you are bullish about yourself and your marketing skills, put your marketing skills to work and market yourself that'll let you earn 70,000 using your own wits at Emory. Should not be hard if you are not changing careers.

If you are feeling defensive, go to Fuqua and let the reputation help with job placements and help feel good about yourself and where you are.

Do you want a chance to make $70k?

Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum

cesarucv · Answer

Congratulations for your options. I would choose Emory because it is pretty decent school with good employment plus you got a scholarship there. If you dont care about money then go for Fuqua or Darden.

Good luck

Good luck

iVoRy · Answer

Congrats on your offers yodboy!
I think it would be a good idea to contact Fuqua and Darden to see if they can offer something to match Emory offer.
If they can, it would make your decision much easier.

crackHSW · Answer

Congrats on the admit to all the great schools. If you are an international student, I would definitely suggest to take the dollars. All the schools are almost equivalent in terms of reputation outside the M7. The $$ saved can help you to travel to networking events throughout the year, impromptu visit to companies of your choice and the dollar also helps to get big burden off your back before you enter the school. I can tell you from my experience that if you have to do TAships, work part time, etc. then you will definitely miss out on the MBA activities and other MBA events.
Unless you are looking for specific marketing roles or companies associated with Fuqua or Darden, I would suggest to take the dollars and enjoy the two years of your MBA.

3 years back I was in a similar situation and left an Ivy league University because it was very costly. I ended up where I would have eventually if I had taken the Ivy league admit.

yodboy · Answer

Thanks  crackHSW  ! Your advice is very helpful!

yodboy · Answer

Thanks everyone, it seems like we're all leaning towards Emory.

Mo2men · Answer

I would not add more But I would like to check with career office about marketing opportunities for international students as I know marketing for FMCG is for local students.

What is you second interest if marketing role does not come?

yodboy · Answer

Thanks for raising a valid point! Would product manager be considered as a job in Marketing? I understand it will also be very challenging to get a product manager job.

Other than that, I am not really interested in Finance. Consulting might be too much data analytical for me.

Emory $$ vs. Fuqua vs. Darden

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