Kellogg or Fuqua

Question

First of all, I've read through  another thread  on this topic that was focused on marketing.

I'm an American NESCAC grad with Econ/PSCI background and am fluent in Chinese. I've spent five years in China in accounting/controls for a major express company and operations management for a container logistics company. I'm planning on a career switch to consulting, but this could certainly change. I would like to get back to Asia at some point (HK would be perfect), but this isn't my only objective.

I was admitted to Fuqua 2nd round (paid deposit) and was ultimately admitted to Kellogg (1st rd. waitlist) just last week. As I have previously posted in the Fuqua forum, I was really impressed with the admitted students from China and also feel that the program is a good fit (my time at BDW seems to confirm my analysis). Because of the late admit, I was unable to attend DAK and have only visited Kellogg when classes were not in session.

Kellogg seems to have a similar culture, and is essentially equally good or better in most of the rankings that I have looked at. Obviously the 55 McKinsey hires reflects well on job prospects post-grad, though Fuqua has clearly placed many grads at the top firms over the last couple of years (and places more in the South/TX, which works well with my wife's work). I like the smaller size of Fuqua, am impressed by the facilities, and Durham is a good place to take my wife and infant son. Kellogg's facilities are a step down, but they seem to be absolutely top-notch when it comes to strategy and greater Chicago is an easy transition for me (with the sole exception of winter, which my wife hates). Unfortunately, I have not yet made the connections with Kellogg students and admits, so I can't directly compare experiences.

I'd appreciate any advice/things to consider from our forum members. I'm ecstatic to have the choice between these programs, but just want to ensure that I make an informed decision (I realize that there isn't a  wrong  decision at this point).

woomba · Answer

Assuming that you're focusing only on Management Consulting, Kellogg will definitely open more doors than Fuqua in the 'hotter' metropolitan locations. Kellogg is also generally considered to be more prestigious.

MC recruiting tends to be regional so it's generally easier to recruit into offices closer to the school that you're attending than going for a location that another B-school already has its hooks on. More prestigious B-school grads will have an easier time switching offices but will still have a harder time than a B-school that's closer.

That said, if you're interested in staying in the Research Triangle or the Atlanta area after you graduate, Fuqua is a very good choice and may actually be superior for placing graduates into these locations than Kellogg...and with the lower cost of living your salary will go a lot further in those areas as well.

I'm not so sure about international opportunities but my guess would be that the larger class size for Kellogg helps with networking with Alumni.

ss87 · Answer

Assuming there is no extra scholarship involved, I would go with Kellogg..

old1442 · Answer

doesnt seem like the reasons you favor duke are strong enough to say no to kellogg. great school. arguably top 5. congrats on both acceptances.

rocket1741 · Answer

I am currently waitlisted at same schools, and if I get into both, I will pick Kellogg, without a doubt. I also visited Duke and really liked the place and the student body, but feel that Kellogg has a much more stronger name brand than Duke - Kellogg is a top5 school, and Duke barely is mentioned among top10. I have also heard that after HBS, Kellogg sends the most number of students to McK/Bain/BCG and if you can present yourself well in social settings, you will get an interview invite. At Duke, you will have to compete with other students for the interview slots, since there is more competition and fewer seats. Also, I have heard that once you leave Consulting, Kellogg alumni network really helps you find good industry positions.

I currently reside in Dallas, and have met few folks at McK/BCG/Bain, so its very doable to get to that office from Kellogg. I think most of Duke's recruiting is for Atlanta offices, so you will have a harder time getting into different offices.

Obviously, if you pick Duke, my chances at Kellogg with increase. lol

I currently reside in Dallas, and have met few folks at McK/BCG/Bain, so its very doable to get to that office from Kellogg. I think most of Duke's recruiting is for Atlanta offices, so you will have a harder time getting into different offices.

Obviously, if you pick Duke, my chances at Kellogg with increase. lol

hanpin17 · Answer

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lb2015 · Answer

Agree with those who say Fuqua. It sounds like the right school for you for a number of reasons--location, size, family considerations, career opportunities, etc.

In my high school guidance counselor's office, there was a big poster that read, "The best school may not be the best school for you." Cliche? Yes, but totally applicable in your case.

Zomba · Answer

Thanks for the feedback, everybody. I'm gonna spend some time talking with some current/former students that know me and will not rush to make the final decision.

Update: I've chosen Kellogg. After talking with a few current students, I feel that the program is a good fit. I hate to back out of a commitment, but Kellogg is pretty much as good or better than Duke in each of my areas of interest, and they have a better reputation and alumni network overall.

Kellogg or Fuqua - Consulting, career switch

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