Wharton/Lauder vs. LBS - Which school to choose?

Question

Hi everyone,

I've been lucky enough to be admitted to two top programs: Wharton/Lauder (with fellowship from Lauder) and LBS.

LBS did not release the scholarship decisions yet. With Wharton, I tried to negotiate a scholarship but they clearly said that they do not reconsider fellowships.

As an international student (from an emerging country), my best option in this scenario would be a loan. I'd need to borrow the max amount for Wharton, but that still leaves out quite a bit.

I guess I'd have a decent shot at scholarships with LBS, but I don't know if it's a smart move to say "no" to Wharton.

What do you think I should do? Go to Wharton with whatever debt, or try to get a decent scholarship at LBS and go there?

About myself: 26 yo by the time of enrollment, female, background in FMCG marketing, international work experience, undergrad: chemical engineering. I'm not 100% clear on my post-MBA goals at this stage but most probably consulting being realistic.

Nikhil · Answer

Tagging  MV23  who is a current student at LBS to tell you more about LBS

Also  bb   jessepinkman   maas

mainester1990s · Answer

Congratulations, if you’re keen on breaking into the US job market then this is a no brainer - Wharton wins hands down regardless of scholarship.

I would only pick LBS if - you’re equally keen on working in London/Europe. MBB placement is great in this geographical focus.

If you’re in an emerging market that is not in South America and want to return to consulting over there, both Wharton and LBS are good choices. In this case I would probably go for the one that is significantly cheaper. Having the liberty to do whatever you want after an MBA is a great privilege (i.e. if LBS offers a cool full ride or something).

Alumni - Wharton over LBS for achievements, LBS over Wharton for geographical reach outside the USA

Location - USA over UK but London over PA

Consulting placement - Equally strong in their respective geographical foci and Asia/Mid East/Africa

Posted from my mobile device

ZY123 · Answer

mainester1990s thanks for this comprehensive overview! It's really helpful.

Yes, I'm not from Latin America. Post-MBA, I would like to do consulting abroad (I don't want to go back home immediately). My long term goal is to start my own business in my home country.

I don't have an exact preference of UK vs. USA. I think it is equally difficult to break into both markets due to visa policies. Wharton has STEM designated majors though, and that could allow me to get a 3 year OPT.

Overall, I get the feeling that US schools provide the true MBA experience. My only concern is around the financials. If financials were not an issue, eyes closed I would go to Wharton

Sluntse · Answer

Which school do you think is stronger in South America?

tigers15 · Answer

Hey zsy123, congrats on your offers!! I'm a currently 1Y at Wharton. While of course I'm a bit biased, I'd cast my vote for Wharton here. The Lauder program is fantastic and the brand that Wharton provides globally will tend to exceed that of LBS. You'll have no trouble earning an offer at a top consulting firm, and the global network will invaluable. I personally am too taking out full loans, which does suck, but in most jobs that Wharton grads end up in, it's easy to repay within 5-7 years.

Happy to chat further / connect you with other Lauder friends if helpful!

Happy to chat further / connect you with other Lauder friends if helpful!

mainester1990s · Answer

Well it is a lot of money.

I agree that US schools do tend to provide a more comprehensive MBA experience.

However I do think LBS comes close, it is two years in length and is a great business school. I believe uk’s visa policy change will mean graduates get two years to seek employment too.

Another thing you could probably consider is the kind of business you want start in your home country and how much leverage you can get from the alumni network of each school?

The majority of Wharton grads will be in in the US whereas LBS grads are likely going to be more spread out in the short term. It is also worth keeping in mind that LBS is significantly more egalitarian so their alumni represent a larger cross section of social statuses.

Next is geographical focus and industry. Say if you want to do something tech related in the future, the US consulting experience is likely going to be more useful. If you need EMEA reach, LBS and London is going to be better hands down.

I went to Wharton as an international undergrad and honestly it is a great school. There’s a lot more energy and positivity in the US as a whole, and having more large and cosmopolitan cities, a better country to live in as an international compared to the UK. People tend to work harder, are more innovative, and push the limit more.

London however is just a fabulous city. I did a short stint as an intern in London and fell in love. It is more matured, regulated, and sophisticated. The cultural experience is great, and as a strategy consultant you’ll be traveling to different countries and cultures more than in the US where you’ll be engaging with local companies more (so interstate travel).

Based on the simple fact that you aren’t thinking of migrating to the USA, I think LBS is worth considering if they offer a significant scholarship. Because personally I think the most pertinent benefits of Wharton is lost if you aren’t going to use the US advantage to the maximum. Unless, of course, your intended industry of focus is much stronger represented in the US for the short term.

Otherwise LBS places as well in MBB & co elsewhere. I would assume that it would make a lot of sense to transition back to a senior consulting role in your home country, gather influence, and start your own venture.

Posted from my mobile device

ZY123 · Answer

mainester1990s thanks a lot for the insights! I'd been leaning more towards Wharton (the Lauder community is amazing), but now you got me confused!

Your points are very valid, and EMEA reach is valuable to me. I'll have to think this through carefully and assess based on the scholarship I can get from LBS. That being said, MBA is a long-term investment, so I don't know if it's the right approach to make a decision based on financials. bb , what would be your opinion?

bb · Answer

i don't know how much value I can add but I have a few mins so here I go

1. MBA was never about the investment for me and I know most other people do not consider it as purely such. I feel that if you are getting it to get rich alone, then you may be disappointed or rather just get it for a portion of its value. I feel it is so much more 2. I used to say that I did not know anyone who was not happy about getting an MBA. Over the years I do know 2 people who disappointed and wished they did not get it but their situations were quite unusual to speak (one got an mba without work experience) 3. I think some folks think of an MBA as IF ... THEN. They feel if they get an MBA, they automatically get certain benefits, jobs, etc. but MBA does not give you a weapon or a tool but instead makes you fight/work better, which still requires you to fight and put effort and energy (likely at a higher level even than before) and it is not something that is something of value on its own....

mainester1990s · Answer

I agree, there is so much wisdom in this!

I always believed in going to a place, school, and program that truly excites you and sets your soul on fire. But at the time I also believe in the power of financial liberty throughout your time in business school and beyond.

Have met several MBAs who felt that they missed out on personal development while being relentless in their hunt for a top job post-MBA. Some enjoyed doing so, got to where they wanted to be, and never looked back, some were able to balance things and make the most out of business school for themselves, some felt they would have rather gone to the ‘lesser school’ but have the luxury to focus on the things that truly mattered to them without the financial pressure.

Posted from my mobile device

ZY123 · Answer

I thought about revisiting this thread to share updates. Thanks to everyone for their advice.

I received a 50% scholarship from LBS, and a full ride from Lauder (nothing from Wharton though). I enrolled in Wharton, but have also requested a deferral due to some family issues. Still have not heard back from them though. If they do not approve, my plan is to go to LBS for the sake of financial liberty.

Regenerate · Answer

Excellent news and congratulations on the nice award from LBS! That's a nice resume enhancer - not everyone has something like that to talk about!

Posted from my mobile device

mainester1990s · Answer

Amazing feat! Congratulations, and wishing you the best of time and experience in either school, whichever ends up your own.

Posted from my mobile device

Wharton/Lauder vs. LBS - Which school to choose?

Wharton/Lauder or LBS?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards