Harvard (no$) vs. Wharton ($) vs. Columbia ($$$)

Question

I have a full ride to Columbia, a little cash at Wharton, and I will get nothing from HBS. I have 2 career paths I'm interested in. Path 1: Secure a role in private equity, venture capital, or hedge fund. Path 2: Find a business partner in school and do something entrepreneurial. My pre-MBA work experience is in investment banking and private equity. Columbia is the only school I can concentrate in investing. Columbia also gave me the most cash so I might be more inclined to follow the entrepreneurial path at Columbia. Columbia also has best location to go after Path 1. Wharton seems like a perfect fit for path 1, but I received less money. I'm also thinking HBS is HBS so the financial burden is irrelevant.

jessepinkman · Answer

HBS vs CBS here with a strong lean towards HBS. I don't think Wharton is worth considering w/o a full ride. I'm sure you have a bunch saved up from your previous work experience and HBS is the best for your goals by far. The money shouldn't matter in the long run.

bb · Answer

Congrats! Most here will probably recommend or strongly advocate HBS. It is an iconic name everyone who did not get in would be willing to pay full price and above for the opportunity.

And I will be no exception. Having HBS on the resume is iconic and classy. Wharton is prestigious and Columbia shows you are a part of the top 10 group.... unfortunately you can’t put that you got admitted to HBS but chose the full ride at Columbia.

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ENGRTOMBA2018 · Answer

It’s HBS vs Wharton, IMO as Columbia has although provided you full ride, its on the decline and intangible value out of MBA is higher for Wharton with small amount of money vs Columbia full ride. Even by pure numbers, Wharton’s placement stats in PE and HF outnumber Columbia’s.

I’ve seen Wharton’s strong alumni presence within VC personally on the west coast over the last 2.5 months and I can definitely say, Wharton is hands down better option for you over Columbia.

Now, it comes down to HBS vs Wharton. Again, HBS is HBS as you and BB have mentioned above and the brand name of HBS alongwith it’s tremendous alumni base will help you in both of the paths you intend on pursuing. I personally know of atleast 5 large VC funds who only hire grads out of HBS or Stanford GSB. So, you are opening a lot of doors for yourself with HBS. It’s locations as well is a prime spot for PE/HF roles straight out of MBA school.

Let us know what you choose. It’s a great predicament to be in. Congratulations.

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Harvard (no$) vs. Wharton ($) vs. Columbia ($$$)

Harvard vs. Wharton vs. Columbia

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