Last visit was: 22 Apr 2026, 16:29 It is currently 22 Apr 2026, 16:29
Home
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Back to Forum
Create Topic
Add a Tag

Which school might be best for me?

37% [20]
50% [27]
11% [6]
You may select 1 option
Total votes : 53
avatar
shadow711711
avatar
Joined: 14 Jan 2014
Last visit: 26 May 2017
Posts: 15
Own Kudos:
8
Location: United States
Concentration: International Business, Finance
Schools: Haas '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A) Tepper '16 (A$) Darden '16 (A) CBS '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (A) Wharton '16 (S) Marshall '16 (A$) McCombs '16 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q46 V40
GPA: 3.46
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Haas '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A) Tepper '16 (A$) Darden '16 (A) CBS '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (A) Wharton '16 (S) Marshall '16 (A$) McCombs '16 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q46 V40
Posts: 15
Kudos: 8
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) Updated on: 02 Apr 2014, 23:07
Originally posted by shadow711711 on 02 Apr 2014, 13:17.
Last edited by shadow711711 on 02 Apr 2014, 23:07, edited 1 time in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I was just admitted to Anderson (great news of course!), Tepper last week. I want to eventually go into the tech industry, but on the finance side (would love to eventually get involved with venture capital if I can), most likely in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Tepper gave me a $40K scholarship and Anderson gave no money. The one thing that draws me to Tepper a bit is their strength in data analysis and quantitative strength. Perhaps I could stand out a bit with some knowledge of Big Data analytics and the such as I really think that is the future of business and finance (finance particularly seems like an industry ripe for disruption).

Other than that, I feel Tepper is somewhat strong in the tech industry only for people with engineering backgrounds that eventually become a "product manager" at Google, or something along those lines (i.e. maybe not as strong for people like me who want to do business development in tech industry).

Anderson is of course pretty strong in this area and probably has some decent tech connections as well.


Thanks everyone!!
User avatar
mgg234
User avatar
Joined: 20 May 2013
Last visit: 07 Jul 2025
Posts: 603
Own Kudos:
318
Given Kudos: 55
Location: United States
Concentration: Strategy, Finance
Schools: CBS '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A$) Duke '16 (A) Kellogg '16 (M) Booth '16 (WD)
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V44
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: CBS '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A$) Duke '16 (A) Kellogg '16 (M) Booth '16 (WD)
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V44
Posts: 603
Kudos: 318
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 02 Apr 2014, 13:34
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
If I was in your shoes, the choice would be between Tepper and UCLA - USC is barely even top 30 at the point and has horrible job placement figures. $60k scholarship is useless if you can't find a job.

Between Tepper and UCLA, I'd pick UCLA since you want to stay in Cali and it's a tier above Tepper.
avatar
shadow711711
avatar
Joined: 14 Jan 2014
Last visit: 26 May 2017
Posts: 15
Own Kudos:
8
Location: United States
Concentration: International Business, Finance
Schools: Haas '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A) Tepper '16 (A$) Darden '16 (A) CBS '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (A) Wharton '16 (S) Marshall '16 (A$) McCombs '16 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q46 V40
GPA: 3.46
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Haas '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A) Tepper '16 (A$) Darden '16 (A) CBS '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (A) Wharton '16 (S) Marshall '16 (A$) McCombs '16 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q46 V40
Posts: 15
Kudos: 8
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 02 Apr 2014, 13:35
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
mgh234
If I was in your shoes, the choice would be between Tepper and UCLA - USC is barely even top 30 at the point and has horrible job placement figures. $60k scholarship is useless if you can't find a job.

Between Tepper and UCLA, I'd pick UCLA since you want to stay in Cali and it's a tier above Tepper.
Show more

I agree, I think it is between Tepper and UCLA at this point.
User avatar
farful
User avatar
Joined: 09 Sep 2013
Last visit: 24 Nov 2020
Posts: 412
Own Kudos:
413
Given Kudos: 155
Status:Alum
Location: United States
Schools: Tepper '16 (M)
GMAT 1: 730 Q52 V37
Schools: Tepper '16 (M)
GMAT 1: 730 Q52 V37
Posts: 412
Kudos: 413
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 02 Apr 2014, 13:44
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I'm just curious but why is Darden out?

I really don't know enough about the three schools or the tech industry/finance side, but the way you talk makes it sound like you want to attend Tepper. I would just make sure by talking to current students / alumns that Tepper can get you to where you want. Otherwise Anderson (based on employment data only) does an excellent job in the tech industry in California.
avatar
shadow711711
avatar
Joined: 14 Jan 2014
Last visit: 26 May 2017
Posts: 15
Own Kudos:
8
Location: United States
Concentration: International Business, Finance
Schools: Haas '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A) Tepper '16 (A$) Darden '16 (A) CBS '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (A) Wharton '16 (S) Marshall '16 (A$) McCombs '16 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q46 V40
GPA: 3.46
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Haas '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A) Tepper '16 (A$) Darden '16 (A) CBS '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (A) Wharton '16 (S) Marshall '16 (A$) McCombs '16 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q46 V40
Posts: 15
Kudos: 8
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 02 Apr 2014, 13:55
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
farful
I'm just curious but why is Darden out?

I really don't know enough about the three schools or the tech industry/finance side, but the way you talk makes it sound like you want to attend Tepper. I would just make sure by talking to current students / alumns that Tepper can get you to where you want. Otherwise Anderson (based on employment data only) does an excellent job in the tech industry in California.
Show more

Good questions. In terms of Darden, I don't think it will be worth the money to go to Darden (I did not receive any money at Darden) as I don't believe they have a strong pull on the West Coast. If I was interested in staying on the east coast, I think the decision would be Darden vs Tepper w/ money.

Funny that you say it seems like I like Tepper more (although I understand as I just talked a bit more about them in my initial post). All things being equal, I would go to Anderson. I'd love to live in LA, especially Westwood (the neighborhood that Anderson is located), and most likely I would have Anderson connections throughout my career. Although, I am not sure how much of a big deal that is with Anderson , ie, not sure how tight their alumni network is, and it is #3 of 3 of the top schools in California (in other words, not THAT strong of a program)
User avatar
farful
User avatar
Joined: 09 Sep 2013
Last visit: 24 Nov 2020
Posts: 412
Own Kudos:
413
Given Kudos: 155
Status:Alum
Location: United States
Schools: Tepper '16 (M)
GMAT 1: 730 Q52 V37
Schools: Tepper '16 (M)
GMAT 1: 730 Q52 V37
Posts: 412
Kudos: 413
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 02 Apr 2014, 14:53
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
shadow711711
farful
I'm just curious but why is Darden out?

I really don't know enough about the three schools or the tech industry/finance side, but the way you talk makes it sound like you want to attend Tepper. I would just make sure by talking to current students / alumns that Tepper can get you to where you want. Otherwise Anderson (based on employment data only) does an excellent job in the tech industry in California.

Good questions. In terms of Darden, I don't think it will be worth the money to go to Darden (I did not receive any money at Darden) as I don't believe they have a strong pull on the West Coast. If I was interested in staying on the east coast, I think the decision would be Darden vs Tepper w/ money.

Funny that you say it seems like I like Tepper more (although I understand as I just talked a bit more about them in my initial post). All things being equal, I would go to Anderson. I'd love to live in LA, especially Westwood (the neighborhood that Anderson is located), and most likely I would have Anderson connections throughout my career. Although, I am not sure how much of a big deal that is with Anderson , ie, not sure how tight their alumni network is, and it is #3 of 3 of the top schools in California (in other words, not THAT strong of a program)
Show more

I think I'd lean slightly towards Anderson over Tepper. It's definitely a tough choice. I would say hands down Anderson if there was no money to consider, but the 40k with Tepepr makes it difficult. I just checked Tepper's employment and they send 25% of their graduates to the West coast which isn't too shabby. But again, Anderson is pretty well known for tech and because you want to stay in California, Anderson just makes a lot of sense.

Either way, you really can't go wrong. Make sure to attend both admit weekends and talk to as many current students and alumni that you can - good luck!
avatar
shadow711711
avatar
Joined: 14 Jan 2014
Last visit: 26 May 2017
Posts: 15
Own Kudos:
8
Location: United States
Concentration: International Business, Finance
Schools: Haas '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A) Tepper '16 (A$) Darden '16 (A) CBS '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (A) Wharton '16 (S) Marshall '16 (A$) McCombs '16 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q46 V40
GPA: 3.46
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Haas '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A) Tepper '16 (A$) Darden '16 (A) CBS '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (A) Wharton '16 (S) Marshall '16 (A$) McCombs '16 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q46 V40
Posts: 15
Kudos: 8
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 02 Apr 2014, 19:53
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
farful
shadow711711
farful
I'm just curious but why is Darden out?

I really don't know enough about the three schools or the tech industry/finance side, but the way you talk makes it sound like you want to attend Tepper. I would just make sure by talking to current students / alumns that Tepper can get you to where you want. Otherwise Anderson (based on employment data only) does an excellent job in the tech industry in California.

Good questions. In terms of Darden, I don't think it will be worth the money to go to Darden (I did not receive any money at Darden) as I don't believe they have a strong pull on the West Coast. If I was interested in staying on the east coast, I think the decision would be Darden vs Tepper w/ money.

Funny that you say it seems like I like Tepper more (although I understand as I just talked a bit more about them in my initial post). All things being equal, I would go to Anderson. I'd love to live in LA, especially Westwood (the neighborhood that Anderson is located), and most likely I would have Anderson connections throughout my career. Although, I am not sure how much of a big deal that is with Anderson , ie, not sure how tight their alumni network is, and it is #3 of 3 of the top schools in California (in other words, not THAT strong of a program)

I think I'd lean slightly towards Anderson over Tepper. It's definitely a tough choice. I would say hands down Anderson if there was no money to consider, but the 40k with Tepepr makes it difficult. I just checked Tepper's employment and they send 25% of their graduates to the West coast which isn't too shabby. But again, Anderson is pretty well known for tech and because you want to stay in California, Anderson just makes a lot of sense.

Either way, you really can't go wrong. Make sure to attend both admit weekends and talk to as many current students and alumni that you can - good luck!
Show more


Thanks for the advice! Yeah, I would LOVE to attend both admit weekend except: they both are on the same weekend, AND (which is the most infuriating part), Tepper's is AFTER their first deposit deadline. I've never visited Tepper before, so it may be worthwhile to plunk down the deposit and check it out.

If there are any Anderson or Tepper students (current or former) that are lurking around on the board, I'd of course would love any insight!
avatar
seekingmba123
avatar
Joined: 05 Feb 2014
Last visit: 01 Jul 2014
Posts: 20
Own Kudos:
3
 [1]
Given Kudos: 3
Posts: 20
Kudos: 3
 [1]
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 03 Apr 2014, 00:04
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
This is tough but it is down to Anderson vs Tepper.

In SF and your eventual goal of VC, it seems that Anderson is a best fit. You will find people at prominent VC firms with Anderson MBAs, but rarely ever a Tepper MBA. I think UCLA Anderson is a cut above Tepper and a solid program all around. While the $40K from tepper is enticing, UCLA Anderson (especially on the west) in the long run will make it way worth more than that amount. I'd go with Anderson.
avatar
shadow711711
avatar
Joined: 14 Jan 2014
Last visit: 26 May 2017
Posts: 15
Own Kudos:
8
Location: United States
Concentration: International Business, Finance
Schools: Haas '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A) Tepper '16 (A$) Darden '16 (A) CBS '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (A) Wharton '16 (S) Marshall '16 (A$) McCombs '16 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q46 V40
GPA: 3.46
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Haas '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A) Tepper '16 (A$) Darden '16 (A) CBS '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (A) Wharton '16 (S) Marshall '16 (A$) McCombs '16 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q46 V40
Posts: 15
Kudos: 8
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 03 Apr 2014, 16:25
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Also wanted to ask if anybody has any thoughts on Anderson vs Tepper for general management (in case my tech/start-up plans don't pan out). Would love to get into some sort of leadership development program in that case at a larger tech company in the Bay Area. Thoughts between the two schools' strengths in this area?
avatar
nosoupforyou
avatar
Joined: 30 Aug 2013
Last visit: 03 Sep 2014
Posts: 7
Own Kudos:
9
Given Kudos: 5
Schools: Anderson '16 (M$) Wharton '16 (WL)
GMAT 1: 740 Q49 V42
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Anderson '16 (M$) Wharton '16 (WL)
GMAT 1: 740 Q49 V42
Posts: 7
Kudos: 9
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 05 Apr 2014, 16:58
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
shadow711711

Thanks for the advice! Yeah, I would LOVE to attend both admit weekend except: they both are on the same weekend, AND (which is the most infuriating part), Tepper's is AFTER their first deposit deadline. I've never visited Tepper before, so it may be worthwhile to plunk down the deposit and check it out.

If there are any Anderson or Tepper students (current or former) that are lurking around on the board, I'd of course would love any insight!
Show more

Ask Tepper for an extension on the deposit deadline -- schools will sometimes extend the deadline as a courtesy to you, if you ask. Plus since they gave you $$, they obviously want you badly, so they will be even more likely to grant you an extension.
avatar
shadow711711
avatar
Joined: 14 Jan 2014
Last visit: 26 May 2017
Posts: 15
Own Kudos:
8
Location: United States
Concentration: International Business, Finance
Schools: Haas '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A) Tepper '16 (A$) Darden '16 (A) CBS '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (A) Wharton '16 (S) Marshall '16 (A$) McCombs '16 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q46 V40
GPA: 3.46
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Haas '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A) Tepper '16 (A$) Darden '16 (A) CBS '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (A) Wharton '16 (S) Marshall '16 (A$) McCombs '16 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q46 V40
Posts: 15
Kudos: 8
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 06 Apr 2014, 12:07
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
nosoupforyou
shadow711711

Thanks for the advice! Yeah, I would LOVE to attend both admit weekend except: they both are on the same weekend, AND (which is the most infuriating part), Tepper's is AFTER their first deposit deadline. I've never visited Tepper before, so it may be worthwhile to plunk down the deposit and check it out.

If there are any Anderson or Tepper students (current or former) that are lurking around on the board, I'd of course would love any insight!

Ask Tepper for an extension on the deposit deadline -- schools will sometimes extend the deadline as a courtesy to you, if you ask. Plus since they gave you $$, they obviously want you badly, so they will be even more likely to grant you an extension.
Show more

I did end up asking for an extension, and they agreed to push it until past their welcome weekend. So for anyone who is in a similar position: reach out to the school, explain the situation, and ask them!
User avatar
farful
User avatar
Joined: 09 Sep 2013
Last visit: 24 Nov 2020
Posts: 412
Own Kudos:
413
Given Kudos: 155
Status:Alum
Location: United States
Schools: Tepper '16 (M)
GMAT 1: 730 Q52 V37
Schools: Tepper '16 (M)
GMAT 1: 730 Q52 V37
Posts: 412
Kudos: 413
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 07 Apr 2014, 07:15
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hey, I see your other thread on Darden vs Anderson. Could you share your reasoning for rejecting Tepper? I noticed you also posted your question to Facebook Tepper's admit group - did you receive any feedback? And that's an interesting note on the deposit extension... I asked for one as well, and my request was ignored. Maybe that's the difference between an admit with scholarship and an admit without one :)
avatar
mrzod
avatar
Joined: 08 Feb 2013
Last visit: 06 Apr 2015
Posts: 26
Own Kudos:
2
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 26
Kudos: 2
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 20 May 2014, 13:52
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
What did you end up accepting? I was in your shoes and chose w/ Tepper.

Very happy with my experience thus far (going to 2nd year).

Tepper has a trek to the Bay Area in early January. Also, fyi, James Swartz is an alumni of "Tepper" and hooks up students w/ jobs at Accel start-ups.
avatar
shadow711711
avatar
Joined: 14 Jan 2014
Last visit: 26 May 2017
Posts: 15
Own Kudos:
8
Location: United States
Concentration: International Business, Finance
Schools: Haas '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A) Tepper '16 (A$) Darden '16 (A) CBS '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (A) Wharton '16 (S) Marshall '16 (A$) McCombs '16 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q46 V40
GPA: 3.46
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Haas '16 (D) Anderson '16 (A) Tepper '16 (A$) Darden '16 (A) CBS '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (A) Wharton '16 (S) Marshall '16 (A$) McCombs '16 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q46 V40
Posts: 15
Kudos: 8
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 20 May 2014, 14:22
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
mrzod
What did you end up accepting? I was in your shoes and chose w/ Tepper.

Very happy with my experience thus far (going to 2nd year).

Tepper has a trek to the Bay Area in early January. Also, fyi, James Swartz is an alumni of "Tepper" and hooks up students w/ jobs at Accel start-ups.
Show more

I decided to go with Anderson, mostly based on geographical location. It was tough to turn down Tepper's $$ though!
avatar
mrzod
avatar
Joined: 08 Feb 2013
Last visit: 06 Apr 2015
Posts: 26
Own Kudos:
2
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 26
Kudos: 2
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 20 May 2014, 14:26
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
All good options. I'm sure you'll do great! Congrats again.

Posted from my mobile device
User avatar
christinemmx86
User avatar
Joined: 30 Jan 2014
Last visit: 23 Jul 2014
Posts: 112
Own Kudos:
46
Given Kudos: 46
Concentration: Operations
Schools: Marshall '16 (M) Anderson '16 (A) Johnson '16 (A) Stern '16 (A) McDonough '16 (A) HBS '16 (WL) Berkeley Haas (A) Yale '16 (D) Stanford '16 (D) CBS '16 (A)
GPA: 3.45
Schools: Marshall '16 (M) Anderson '16 (A) Johnson '16 (A) Stern '16 (A) McDonough '16 (A) HBS '16 (WL) Berkeley Haas (A) Yale '16 (D) Stanford '16 (D) CBS '16 (A)
Posts: 112
Kudos: 46
CA applicant - Anderson (no $) vs Tepper ($) vs USC ($) 21 May 2014, 05:56
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I used to work closely with recruitment at a large and "highly desired" tech company that many MBA's cite as being their top choice of employment. For whatever reason (I don't think this reflects accurately upon the actual merits of the program) Tepper students rarely made it through. There was always something that kept our hiring managers from passing them along to interviews. (And I remember seeing their name frequently on resumes). That said we would evaluate LA/SC applicants at a similar tier and hold Berkeley/Stanford applicants to be of a different category. It doesn't align perfectly to what rankings or placement statistics might tell you but it was still about who you knew within the company. I'll say that there was never a shortage of MBA applicants from all ranges of schools. At the end of the day it was about who you knew - which was when Berkeley's overwhelming presence and prestige in the bay reigned supreme followed by USC with their fervent Trojan Network. We did have a lot of Anderson applicants as well but they didn't have the same level of connections as the other two. Cal and SC alums went the extra mile to support their programs internally it seemed.

I'll also add that we liked to hire a "diverse" group from different schools so sometimes larger programs like Anderson ended up being a detriment. We'd have a large number of applicants from UCLA but would end up interviewing the same # of them as we would from smaller programs like SC or Haas.

If you perhaps aren't looking to go into "Big Tech," I'm sure Tepper's tech focus earns its deserved place.

All 3 are great programs - I'd just consider how large and competitive a tech company you're hoping to get hired by.