Cornell Johnson ($) vs. McCombs (Full Ride)

Question

Hi All,

Kinda have the gut feeling I want to choose Cornell but I figured I'd get some 3rd-party opinions (I've also applied to Kellogg round 2 and would go there over anything if admitted, but for now, cornell and mccombs are my options). I'm interested in brand management, probably CPG but open. Coming from a financial services background, so I'm a career switcher. I dont mind being far for school, but i do (in the scope of the next decade) want to end up back in the Northeast, where my family is. I'm worried I will get trapped in the southwest if I go to McCombs, and that their brand isn't recognizable enough in the rest of the country. Cornell gave me about 20%, full ride from mccombs...proving very hard to give up, but I worry i've chosen McCombs more for location/cost than anything else.

EDIT: FYI, have visited both schools twice at this point, attended McCombs preview weekend

Thanks!

Luck4Tuck · Answer

I would visit both schools if you haven’t before. If you haven’t been to Austin before it’s like combining San Francisco and Nashville. Pretty awesome place for young people and the city has a growing business climate. 
You are correct that Cornell’s brand is going to be much stronger on the east coast but it’s to you if that difference is worth $100k.

Good luck and congrats on getting into two great schools.
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Mgraynap · Answer

Thanks for the advice! And yes feel free to follow up, just PM me

Maupassant9 · Answer

It's a brand that will stick to you for life. If money is not important don't miss the chance get an Ivy league MBA on your resume.

bb · Answer

Congrats on your admits! 
Ranking-wise I think there is not that much difference.

At the same time, I think you have legit concerns about Texas and Cornell's network (esp undergrad). 
McCombs is big in Tech placement and fairly regional. It is a hard choice and depends a bit on your network in the North East. Can you leverage that recruit for a job there?

It is hard to choose immediate $100K impact vs. potential future job recruiting and value from the alum network. Has to be your gut and whatever you feel more comfortable with. Some people throw caution to the wind and others are very rational with their decisions. I have changed my gut feel personality multiple times and sometimes i change it based on what else happened that day.

If you are a proactive and self-starter, I see picking Texas. If you need a fire under you to deliver results, then go for Johnson. 
Good Luck!

Mgraynap · Answer

THanks for the input!

Cornell Johnson ($) vs. McCombs (Full Ride)

McCombs or Cornell

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