Cornell or Darden

Question

Hi,

I am thinking of applying to either Cornell or Darden.
I plan to focus on general management and also take courses in operations/manufacturing.
I come from a mechanical engineering background (academic and professional)
Short-term goals: Management consulting or a general management program of a company
Long-term goals: Return to India to start my own company

Cornell: Ivy-league, has a semester in manufacturing, international reputation (especially, if I go back to India), good courses and good program in general management

Darden: Better MC placements, ranked higher or comparable to Cornell, not recognized internationally as much as Cornell, good program ingeneral management...

The reason I have to chose one and not both is because I already have quite a few schools shortlisted and want to apply to only one more school..
please share your thoughts..

Thanks!

Accepted.com · Answer

dogbert, For the reasons you cited among others I regard Darden as the stronger program. So if you must choose between the two, given your goals I would head for Charlottesville rather than Ithaca. Unless, of course, you're a big winter sports enthusiast.

Good luck,

dogbert · Answer

Thanks!

I guessing the reason I have to choose schools is because I already have Michigan, Carnegie Mellon, Chicago, MIT and Yale shortlisted. 
Do these schools make sense for me?

I am looking for a sixth 'lower-risk' school. So I was choosing between Cornell and Darden. I know Darden is a better and stronger program.. but given the need for a 'lower-risk' option, would Cornell make more sense?

Also, do you think that the schools I have shortlisted are good? Would you recommend any changes/additions?

Thanks again!

dogbert · Answer

Hi Paul,

May I aslo add a but about my profile:
1. Will have two years work ex (for this reason, I think I will be a better 'fit' at Cornell) at a Fortune 500 manufacturing company
2. GMAT 720
3. BS: Mech engg (Univ of Mumbai: first class)
4. MS: Mech engg (GPA: 4.0)

Thanks!

Accepted.com · Answer

Dogbert,

I see your reasoning for thinking Cornell would be a better safety school than Darden, but according to USNews, Darden's selectivity rate last year was an extremely generous 49.1% meaning you had a 1 out of 2 chance of getting in, while Cornell's was a more restrictive 34% (1 out of 3). Of course, those numbers are for last year, but I wouldn't automatically assume that Cornell is the better safety school. As for which school offers you the best fit, you will have to go with your instincts there. Cornell does seem more open to admittng younger applicants, but the average work experience of Darden admits is actually lower than Cornell (56 months vs. 60).

Regarding your list, the only school I'm unsure about for you is CMU. I don't see them as a major MC feeder school. Given your goals, consider adding Darden, Duke or Indiana. Your odds of admission at all three would be good I think.

Good luck,

dogbert · Answer

Thanks Paul...
Linda and you have helped me generously throughout the whole process...
Will keep you guys updated..

Thanks a lot!

Accepted.com · Answer

You're welcome.

Cornell or Darden

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