Kellogg vs Ross vs Tuck

Question

Hey everyone! I was lucky enough to get accepted to Kellogg, Tuck, and Ross during R1. For the sake of this poll, let's assume I have the same financial aide packages for each school.

The plan is to pivot into consulting after b-school. I am indifferent to geographies both from a school perspective and from a career perspective and I have visited all three schools and feel each is fantastic.

If you were in my position, which school would you attend?

jumsumtak · Answer

Great options. Pretty even between Tuck and Kellogg. Consider other variables -

Would you prefer a smaller, tight-knit class or a bigger, more outgoing bunch of people ? Would you prefer to stay in Hanover (rural) or Evanston (more urban + a quick ride to downtown)? Your partner's preference (if any). How you felt during your visits and admit weekends/definitely go to admit weekends etc.

Apart from this, also look at other industries/options that you may want to try out while in school. For instance, if you are interested in Healthcare, Kellogg has a pretty good major (you get the idea).

bgp2587 · Answer

All these schools are actually (relatively) similar. I think you can quickly knock off Ross - it's simply a slightly worse feeder into MBB (although still pretty good). With Tuck and Kellog, you're dealing two of the schools with the highest percentage of class going to top consulting firms. I would say that they're a wash from that perspective. You will have ample opportunities to get a consulting job at both.

Basically, it comes down to what you want. The experience will be slightly different, as Kellogg is still close enough to Chicago to make it significantly less insular than Hanover. That's not good or bad, it's just a preference thing. How do the curriculums stack up based on your interests? Where do you want your network?

In the end, these schools are essentially peers. You will not make a bad decision, so weigh the intangible factors and go with what you feel is best for you. Partner considerations also definitely matter if applicable.

kingfalcon · Answer

I agree with everyone else in saying that ultimately Tuck and Kellogg will give you an equal shot to get into MBB. I know you said you're indifferent on geography, but I'd spend some time thinking about where you'd like to live after school. Because while both of these schools could take you to any office for MBB, you may find yourself wanting to stay where your network is strongest and where your classmates are going. As someone who is interning in a different region than most of my classmates, I can say that it is certainly something worth considering!

ekomenda · Answer

I thoroughly appreciate everyone's thoughts thus far regarding my decision.

A little more background:

I attended a very large school in a big city (west coast) for undergrad, so I'm not necessarily turned off by the idea of having a similar experience for b-school (or a completely opposite experience for that matter as well). I am also bringing a partner (and a couple of kids) with me to school. We love the Chicagoland area and really enjoyed visiting Kellogg during DAK. We are coming to Hanover for ASM in April, and I think we could certainly fall in love with living in a more remote area as well.

Ultimately, I could see us heading to an office either back west (or south), but both my wife and I are also completely open to living in the northeast as well.

Talking to alumni from both Tuck and Kellogg, it appears that both schools have a good presence at most consulting offices throughout the US (of course Kellogg has a larger footprint given its numbers) so I don't think either school will gate my ability to work at certain office.

I honestly just think it will boil down to which school feels more like "home" for my family. For folks who have picked either Tuck or Kellogg, I'd love to hear your rationale as to why you chose the school you did.

SM2014 · Answer

A first word problem I hope to have...the only thing I have to add, it is in your best interest to speak with students at each school who were accepted by MBB (both internships and full time offers), and determine how their stats compare to yours. I have friends who were former recruiters at Bain, and they have said they have fairly established GMAT cut-offs that vary depending on the school you attend. So, for example, it may be easier to get an interview at Kellogg with a 720 (arbitrary GMAT score), than at Tuck and especially Ross. I don't see a GMAT score in your profile, so if you're rocking a 760, my post is probably useless. Otherwise, I hope this helps.

bdepp · Answer

I think it's just going to come down to "feel" for you on this one. MBB prospects are the same at each school. Student body will be great at both places. Kellogg's proximity to Chicago is big for some people, but if you're truly indifferent about that, then it will likely just be a gut feeling that will make your decision for you.

bb · Answer

Not to hijack the thread, Bdepp - would you mind sharing where you are planning to go? You have quite a portfolio of options. Have you made up your mind/leaning a certain way or you will let the schools Woo you? 8-)

bdepp · Answer

I'll officially make my decision this weekend, but it would take a big change of heart for me to not pick Kellogg. I'll definitely update my own thread in this forum to let people know what I decided.

It would be nice if Kellogg tried to woo me with some $$$ though!

Kellogg vs Ross vs Tuck

Which school would you attend?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards