Tepper (full $$$) vs HEC Paris (0 aid) vs NYU (R2 no resp yet)

Question

Hi ladies and gents,

I can't believe the whole lead-up process to my MBA has culminated in  options   and a decision to make!

I have an "unconventional" background in some ways: I'm a US citizen of Liberian descent, econ and psych double major in undergrad and have worked in nonprofit/education since graduation. Spent a year in France teaching English, and have been working full time since my return in 2012.

I'm looking to do social impact/social entrepreneurship, but would pursue tech or consulting if I ended up at a program where those were significant strengths. I applied to Ross and Goizueta, and unfortunately wasn't accepted after interviews at both schools. Alas, life goes on.

I have also applied to NYU Stern, but haven't even gotten an initial response on an interview (apparently they got more apps than they ever have and are trudging through them).

Regardless, I can't be disappointed with the fact that I have been admitted to Tepper and HEC Paris - they are very good programs!

I have lived in France previously (teaching) and speak fluent French, so my heart says go back.

Tepper, however, has offered me a full scholarship through a Consortium Fellowship; in addition to the tuition fees being covered, the Consortium provides a host of other networking/career opportunities that I wouldn't be able to take advantage of if I chose HEC. There is an Orientation Program attended by recruiters where some students land internship placements before they even start school!

What would you do in my shoes? I have to decide by April 1, and don't know if I will hear from NYU by then but I'm considering Stern a "no" at this point.

Thanks in advance for thoughts, advice, and constructive comments.

someone1 · Answer

I would go for a full scholarship... $100K in the pocket can get you started in a better shape out of school than your peers.

Great decision/schools to pick from. go with your heart!

dek_s · Answer

thx someone...any other thoughts? I'm going to reach out to see if HEC will increase scholarship b/c of Tepper offer.

bb · Answer

You probably know more about HEC than most here - I don't know a whole lot about it yet, but i was fairly impressed by trolling LinkedIn. Granted their data is somewhat inaccurate since I was pulling in 3,600 results for Tepper (their graduating class size is 200, so not sure how they counted 3,600 in 6 years) but my guess is it includes all the EMBA, Part Time and other folks who may have done some courses/classes that are not really an MBA. HEC had 20K - really? Something is seriously off here.... unless they are counting weekend professional development courses. Nevertheless, this info is better than nothing. Which mix do you like better?

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nachobioteck · Answer

I'd go for Tepper. The program is very good + money makes it even better. Another thing to consider is the added network that you'll get by being part of the Consortium. All the people I've met have left OP with internships for the next summer (that's before you even start your studies!). That will allow you to explore more and be more relaxed your first few months in business schools.

someone1 · Answer

Depending on where you want to be at the end of the day... HEC (if Europe), Tepper (if the USA)... being equal (if no scholarship involved) - I'd say you sounded like you wanted to be in the EU.

However being a "business" student - there's 10,000 ways that I could think of for the 100K differential in tuition that I'd rather use the money for...

Hence - Tepper still wins it for me.

Tepper (full $$$) vs HEC Paris (0 aid) vs NYU (R2 no resp yet)

Which would you choose?

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