McDonough for Strategy vs Apply Elsewhere?

Question

Hello all, long time lurker and first time poster.

I applied to four schools in R1, and got rejected by three (Fuqua, Ross and Darden). McDonough was my only acceptance, with no scholarship. I'm debating whether to go to McDonough or try again with other schools. I'm thinking Kenan-Flagler, Kelley, and Mendoza. Maybe even Tepper. I just did a free consultation with an admissions consultant who pointed out flaws in my R1 apps, so I'm confident I could put together stronger submissions for R2.

Reason to stick with McDonough:  I currently live in the DC area with my wife, so staying in DC would help with living and travel costs (my wife would be staying here anyway, regardless if I went to study elsewhere). We also would like to settle long-term in the DC area after my MBA. Georgetown brand name is strong globally if we decided to move elsewhere later on.

Reason to apply elsewhere:  My background is operations consulting, and I'm looking to move into strategy consulting post-MBA. Realistically, I'm not shooting for MBB but rather tier 2 consulting firms. I'm a bit concerned that McDonough has a lot of recruitment for federal consulting, and there may be no opportunities for private-sector consulting recruiting.

Appreciate any comments and suggestions!

aerien · Answer

You'll get non public sector recruiting out of McDonough too; you may have to do a bit more legwork for it. This is when I'd suggest you reach out to current students there and their consulting club to hear directly from them about the opportunities. McDonough alums are fiercely loyal to each other so you may find you have more consulting connections than you think you'll have.

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teleste · Answer

I'd stick to DC if this were my situation. McDonough has a great program (and facility! and location!).

I'd still also apply to Smith and GWSB to see if they offer big money if I were you. It can't hurt to have some other options, especially if they confer the same degree for up to $100k cheaper. I would suggest seeing if any of your target consulting firms recruit regularly at Smith/GWSB. I would not be surprised if they send folks to Big 4 (and other) firms every year. (Even if it is not at the same scale that McDonough does...)

Good luck!

bb · Answer

Smith and GWU have some challenges when it comes to on campus hiring and employment assistance from career services based on the reviews out of those schools. Being ranked as they are, they lack some of the pull Georgetown has in DC.

teleste · Answer

I would certainly keep this in mind as well as you weigh your options and consider your future plans.  bb  is right, going to a lower ranked school could really limit your recruiting options, and there's no doubt Georgetown is the 800-pound gorilla of the bunch.

I will just mention though, some MBA candidates already have the background and networks they need (minus the benchmark MBA) to achieve their goals. If that is the case for you, the lower ranked programs  at a considerable discount  can be viable options. (And I'd add Carey at JHU to the list of schools to consider if you feel that way.)

In any case, you probably will have a great time as a Bulldog if that's where you end up. Congrats on the offer!

sushi12 · Answer

Thanks  aerien ,  teleste , and  bb  for your time and comments! I've spent the past 24 hours talking with many friends, family and colleagues and the overwhelming consensus is that I go to Georgetown. I'll likely put down the deposit, and am planning to address my recruiting concerns during the admitted students weekend. Though, I may still submit an app to maybe just Kenan-Flagler. I did visit Maryland and GW's programs but wasn't as impressed as I was with McDonough.

teleste , admittedly my network isn't strong here in DC, and so being in the area or at least the East Coast is a strong factor in my selection. (I lived in Texas before, so I know a lot of people from McCombs and Mays. But my wife doesn't want to move back there).

McDonough for Strategy vs Apply Elsewhere?

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