LBS vs HEC Paris (50% scholarship)

Question

Hello everyone,

I am facing a difficult choice and would like to have your help.

I have been admitted to both MBA programmes from HEC Paris and LBS.
HEC is willing to give me a scholarship worth 50% of their fees, while I still have to hear back on LBS scholarship decision.
Ideally, I would want to know how much I end up paying for both programmes before taking any decisions.
Unfortunately, the deadline to accept HEC offer and pay the €8k deposit comes before that.

I am aware LBS surpasses HEC in terms of reputation and future career prospects. For these reasons, LBS would probably be my first choice if I had not to think about costs. But I am not sure that these factors can justify the extra costs ~€60k (if I have to pay 100% of LBS fees)

What would you advise?

Thanks a lot!
L

animesh mohanty · Answer

If you prefer a 2-year program then HEC makes sense. It's less expensive and offers the option of gaining some relevant work experience. The only issue is that it's not as recognized as much outside of France.

stoiczoan · Answer

What are your career goals?

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Lupo · Answer

Hei, thanks for your interest.

I would like to move from a technical engineering role to a management position. I would also like to learn how to successfully run a company joining a start-up or getting in management consulting. My long-term career goal is establishing my own business.

stoiczoan · Answer

I’d go with LBS. Better brand name across the world, and better recruiting prospects as well.

In the longer timeframe the extra 60K will be totally worth it.

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Franals2 · Answer

Hi all,

Same situation here. Got accepted in LBS MBA 2024 program and waiting for HEC MBA January 2023. Confused about which to choose in case HEC accepts as well.

What is your take on LBS, has Brexit affected program?

bb · Answer

Well… it is same as everywhere. Mor of Covid impact rather than Brexit. Which you would have the same across the board.

Are you looking to work in Europe or UK? Lots of other questions. By the way, it is not productive to pick programs before you get the news about an admit… since it does not get real until you actually hear back. 😬

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Franals2 · Answer

thank you BB. I do not put restrictions to area. Just learnt some hours ago I got accepted also to HEC.

I am very much focused on post MBA placements of both schools - any insights on this particular point. Which places better?

bb · Answer

Since it does not seem you have done the research and have a good sense of where recruiting works and how, I would recommend attending the less expensive program in your case. 
However, it is a lot more helpful to you if you have a clear understanding of which country, which industry, and down to the 3 companies you want to work in. Having that focus will exponentially increase your success. Having "I am open to anything" attitude will give as much success as a shark hunting a school of fish - they all get away.

LBS vs HEC Paris (50% scholarship)

What would you do?

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