Where to attend

Question

Speculating that I am dinged from UVA and Cornell, my choices come down to Vanderbilt ($10K/year) and Rice ($30K/year). My post career goal is to work as a management consultant. I do not care so much as to where as long as it is in the South although California would be great! What is your take? Where do you suggest I attend. I could be happy at both schools during my time there as a student and am more concerned about career opportunities and salary once I graduate. Please could you give me some insight. 

Thanks

eazyb81 · Answer

No idea about which school is better for MC, but I will simply say you should choose Vandy because I will probably be matriculating there. How's that for a non-biased answer?

squali83 · Answer

You just made up my mind for me then I guess. It is just a big difference from not paying tuition (well 2K a year) to paying 25K a year to go to school. Plus, everything I read pretty much says the programs are rather similar just that both are regional so be happy where you choose to attend school cause that is where the jobs will be.

dipeshc4 · Answer

hey man when did you interview with Rice and when did you get acceptance?

squali83 · Answer

I interviewed 1/29 and received the admissions invitation march 2cnd. A package then came the following day from them informing me of their scholarship decision.

eazyb81 · Answer

Seriously, have you researched which school places better with the consulting firms you would like to work for? Have you called the schools to get you in touch with current students focusing on MC? I wish I could help you more, but I don't know jack about consulting. It would be nice to see you at Vandy, but I would certainly understand if you took the big money from Rice. Good luck!

squali83 · Answer

I think Rice is better for consulting. Mckinsey takes between 2-5 students a year and Bain& co. about 1-2. Although I am worried that Vanderbilt carries a better name if I do decide to change my mind as to what I want to do post degree. Plus, Vandy seems very intent on climbing the rankings...I am confused...oh well maybe Cornell or UVA will admit me and give me $$ (not likely) and then I wont have to worry.

dipeshc4 · Answer

I interviewed with Rice on Feb 26. I just got my admission acceptance!

They said they will FedEx info tom, i assume that will have scholarship info.

So far I have acceptance at TCU with 20k a year scholarship.

We might be cohorts at rice in the fall!

squali83 · Answer

Congrats! We very well might be. I am planning on attending admits weekend april20-21...we should meet up if you go. Also, the package does contain scholarship info.

dipeshc4 · Answer

I am waiting on McCombs, my first choice. I presume you will only be attending if you decide to go to Rice.

amorica · Answer

I'm in a somewhat similar situation as you. I've been accepted into Georgia Tech, which seems to have a decent reputation w/ the big consulting firms.. but I have a feeling that Vandy has a better brand name.. 

I'm still waiting on a decision from vandy, so of course if I dont' get in the whole point is moot! =)

squali83 · Answer

No, I think I am going to attend regardless to meet the other admits and get a feel for them and see if I would mesh with them well.

squali83 · Answer

Well good luck with Vandy, when did you apply?. It is so funny how one decision can weigh on someone's mind so heavily. I spend too much time at work trying to figure out which is better!

eazyb81 · Answer

For those interested in Vandy, have you checked out the Owen Bloggers board? I found a member on there that had my same interests and career path, and through a few emails he was able to tell me the pros and cons of the program. I would certainly suggest taking a look at the site to gain additional information if you haven't already.

amorica · Answer

I applied in the 3rd round.. so I should hear back 4/1/07...I had below average stats and considering its round 3, not sure I'm looking too good..but you never know..

agsfaltex · Answer

Even though Vandy is ranked higher, I know Rice has excellent placements. I know several people that went into either Corporate Finance or Oil/Energy with very high salaries (>90K). Rice's repuation is very regional and so is Vandy. TX's economy is much better and more then likely you'll end up in TX which is by no means a consolation. Great weather, No State income tax (which you'll need to normailize with other schools salaries) and a very solid economy.

aaudetat · Answer

What about the part that it's in Texas? Though I must say that my two experiences there are biased: when I was in second grade, I visited my cousin who'd just had a baby, but came down with chicken pox right after I got there. And this summer I presented to a bunch of examiners (a hot crew, believe you me) but was trapped the entire time in a very scary resort near Dallas. 

As long as you don't get chicken pox and don't get trapped in a resort, I'm all about taking the money!

squali83 · Answer

That is a good piece of information to know. I was unaware of Texas not having state income tax. I am definitely leaning twoards Rice as Aaud says, "I'm all about taking the money".

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