Haas vs Darden vs potential LBS

Question

Hi All,

This forum has been an immense resource and helped me a lot in the application process. I have been admitted to Darden and Haas in R1, and need to choose between them soon. I am also hopeful of converting my waitlist at LBS but I am more inclined towards schools in the US.

Pre-MBA: 4.5 years in a boutique and smallish consulting firm working with the trading desks and risk departments of banks on financial technology problems.
Post MBA: first choice is strategy consulting, preferably at MBB; if that doesn't work out looking at a biz dev/ corporate strategy role in tech. Location agnostic. Would prefer to work in US for 2-3 years and then move back to Asia.

Darden is strong in MBB placement but not so strong in tech.
Haas is so-so in MBB placement but very strong in tech (not sure how many of these roles are biz dev/ corp strategy).

What do you guys think makes sense in my situation?

PS: I don't have financial aid from either of these schools

Thanks

MBAApplicant1 · Answer

Any inputs would be appreciated!

alphabeta1234 · Answer

If you dont have $ from either, go with Haas.

whiteshields1830 · Answer

Looking at your status, seems like youve already chose Haas? 
Id say thats the better choice over Darden as well especially since youre going to be working in the US and potentially moving back to asia (berkley is a more famous brand over there)

gbout3 · Answer

If you are targeting consulting, neither school is offering money, and you know that Darden has a stronger consulting program, Darden should be the choice. I would say the exception would be if you are iffy on consulting or you really want to live in California when you graduate.

MBAApplicant1 · Answer

Thanks for chipping in guys. I have decided to matriculate at Haas. After speaking to alumni and students it has become clear that Haas and Darden are equally good in consulting recruitment (I don't think one holds edge over the other). Where Haas won for me was its strength in tech (as mentioned in my previous post - tech is something I am interested to explore as well in b school) and the ability to tap into the wider and much stronger Berkeley network in Asia when I decide to move back.

Haas vs Darden vs potential LBS

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