Yale SOM vs Darden ($$)

Question

Hi all,

I needed some input from the community on a decision. I've been fortunate enough to have received offers from Darden and Yale SOM. Darden has offered me $80k scholarship, whereas Yale hasn't provided any money. I'm an international student planning to recruit for consulting. From recruiting POV, I believe both schools are great. However, when it comes to consulting Darden may have an edge over SOM.

At some stage, I potentially would like to relocate back to my home country (India). Yale's brand name is too good to miss out on, however, I'm not sure if it justifies spending 80k USD more, specifically given that I'd have to borrow 100% COA to be able to attend Yale. The loan with current interest rates (11-14% APR) is a major concern.

I wanted the community's opinion on my situation here? Your views/ thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Tagging bb

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

The Yale brand is fancy, but is it $80,000 fancy? I think the best way to make this decision is to speak with people who have graduated from each school who are located in India. I think for the short term you’ll be able to snag a job with either school, during OPT. So the question is will you get $80,000 more value out of the Yale school brand after that. There’s a decent size alumni group in India for Darden, small but mighty. Bring that question to them. If you’re looking to startup in India, did they have an easy enough time raising VC? What are your long term goals? Think about all the ways that the brand advantage would impact you financially. One nice thing about having less money to pay back is that it gives you more flexibility with your goals should they change.

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ValariKapital · Answer

Thank you for your inputs  MBAPrepCoach 
I had multiple discussions with students from both schools. It seems that Darden had stronger consulting outcomes into MBB than SOM did for this year's summer internships. Darden fits my near-term goals, but I still don't have a clear answer on how the brand name impacts over the long-term. I'm sure it matters, but dont know to what extent, specifically given that I would like to go back. 
Should I take the near-term view or longer-term view? Still deciding..

Meanwhile, if anyone over here has additional insights, I'd be really grateful!!!

bb · Answer

Hi. Sorry missed your tag over the weekend... a weekend ago

It is interesting so many graduates this year are planning to go back to India after school... this is first year this has happened. In the past, most people wanted to not relocate there

In terms of consulting opportunities and recruiting, I don't think you will have a whole lot of difference. Yale is a consulting primary focus school but Darden is strong in consulting as well. I think it is worth saving $80K in my book but I am open to be convinced. Sorry about the wait.

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

I'm inclined with Darden, because of the money of course and also there's a decent alumni in India - it's small but mighty. People have a really positive experience there, and also want to build the brand, so they want to get more Dardenites in company ranks. However, you better be damn sure about consulting. Darden is good for consulting and investment banking and that is kind of it. They are not great at tech, when i asked my client about Darden for fintech he laughed so I just hope that you have a pulse on your ability to dissect the case interview. I had a client who graduated from Harvard in 3 years fail his case interviews with Bain.

Do you have any idea what you want to do long-term? If you are like hell bent on starting a company or something and you know that you're going to need to have a lot of cachet to raise money then that might be one point for Yale.

Yale SOM vs Darden ($$)

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