Admitted by INSEAD and LBS which school to choice

Question

Dear all,

I'm an applicant in Round 1 for EU and US MBA Program

Just received the offer from LBS for August 2023 intake, and few weeks ago received from INSEAD (also Summer intake 2023).

The thing is INSEAD is requiring a deposit of 11000 euros before 10 Dec 2022, and only 3500 GBP for LBS before 10 Jan 2023, but I'm still waiting for the result for Kellogg (publish date 14 Dec)

The tuition fee and school branding are critical for me
What do you think

Thank you so much.

yashikaaggarwal · Answer

Hey,
First of all welcome to the GMAT Club.
And, secondly, you really outdid yourself, congratulations on getting both INSEAD and LBS admit, while I might not be the best person to advise for an experienced candidate, if you really want to be in the US you gotta trade your deal at another school.
I am tagging Admissionado ARINGO, our experts who could help you out.
In any case, I am sure you will be okay.

Best wishes.

Posted from my mobile device

Admissionado · Answer

dreamaker :

Congrats on your acceptances!

If you are going to try for HBS and Wharton in R2 then you need to put a deposit down for at least LBS or INSEAD (or Kellogg if you are to be accepted.) I would only pick one of those to maximize your optionality but limit your lost deposit. Between LBS and INSEAD, that's a personal call based on criteria beyond what you have described - both, in the end, are excellent.

I think you need to decide if you want to be in the US or EU/MENA/Asia. There are too many what-if's and pathways based on so many different types of scenarios. Plus, you add cost and it's a bit overwhelming! That all being said, you will have a much easier time recruiting to US offices and international offices for MBB if you are located in the US than the reverse. That alone might be worth considering.

So, because you are in this "I want to try or I'll regret it" mindset, you should continue on in the process as described above. Talk to professors, current students, alumni, etc. and attend any info sessions, virtual classes, etc. to gather as much information before making a decision. You have ample time before having to enroll. Go learn more and come back here so we can advise after you have had a chance to get the full picture.

Congrats again and good luck,
Admissionado

ARINGO · Answer

First of all, congrats on your double admission! It's hard to give you a clear answer, but you can watch this video that compares INSEAD & LBS : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz3NWVafz9Q

bb · Answer

Congratulations  dreamaker  on the amazing results.

Here’s a crazy idea. Couple years ago, especially before Covid, it would be completely unthinkable and impossible. Now, almost anything is thinkable and definitely possible. I’ve seen a number of occasions, business schools extending deposit deadlines if asked nicely.

On the other hand, you might as well make this nice request a template, because if you apply to other schools in round two, you will have to commit to Kellogg before you will hear back from Harvard or Wharton. This means in the worst case, you will have to pay deposit for Insead/LBS, then if admitted to Kellogg, and then if admitted to Harvard or Wharton. 😂