Decisions

[peacehawk]

Is there anyone still deciding upon schools ? I thought this thread might be a good place where people discuss their dilemmas and opinions. Let me be the first..

I thought the deal was sealed for me with an admit to Kellogg and a ding from HBS - the only school I was interested over Kellogg..But then came a pleasant surprise - Haas, Berkeley gave me a full tuition fee waiver...

Now I am torn between the two..

Others are welcome to post their own dilemmas as well as suggestions.

PH

PS - The thread idea is borrowed from the Kellogg discussion board

[deba_s56]

Originally Posted by peacehawk

Is there anyone still deciding upon schools ? I thought this thread might be a good place where people discuss their dilemmas and opinions. Let me be the first..

I thought the deal was sealed for me with an admit to Kellogg and a ding from HBS - the only school I was interested over Kellogg..But then came a pleasant surprise - Haas, Berkeley gave me a full tuition fee waiver...

Now I am torn between the two..

Others are welcome to post their own dilemmas as well as suggestions.

PH

PS - The thread idea is borrowed from the Kellogg discussion board

Congratulations first on getting the full tuition fee waiver from Haas

I think most people here have already finished their dilemmas and have taken their decisions. Is Kellogg's acceptance deposit deadline still open?

Anyway, put your dilemmas first (The usual stuffs like goals, expections from school, post-mba plans, what you like and dislike about each school etc)

[anands_16]

Congrates...whts ur profile like?

[peacehawk]

@Deba
>> Congratulations first on getting the full tuition fee waiver from Haas

Thanks

>> Is Kellogg's acceptance deposit deadline still open?

It is not - however, $1000 wasted is not a consideration for me because in the case it gets wasted (I go to Haas), Haas will give me enough money to cover it up.

>> The usual stuffs like goals, expections from school, post-mba plans, what you like and dislike about each school etc

Having performed that analysis, I haven't been able to come to a clear result.. So, I turned to the Forum for opinions..You are welcome with yours
I am also trying to evaluate the softer stuff like brand, alumni network etc. (where Kellogg clearly scores) and whether that is worth $85K of loans..


@Anands

Congrates...whts ur profile like?

Thanks
My profile in short - very strong academics and GMAT, strong job progression in a software firm where my peers are all people with 6-8 years of work ex (I have a work ex of almost 4 years). Non-existent extra-curriculars and community work- my job and my family doesn't leave me time for anything else

[rickyricks]

Originally Posted by peacehawk

I thought the deal was sealed for me with an admit to Kellogg and a ding from HBS - the only school I was interested over Kellogg..But then came a pleasant surprise - Haas, Berkeley gave me a full tuition fee waiver...

First of all congtrats mate!! A full waiver is a big crack.

I think the choice of the school should boil down to your target industry post MBA and then the Kellogs brand vs the 85K rider analysis.

I think as far as Consulting or Finance is concerned, both schools would give you equal opportunities. But if you are looking at the Tech sector, then Berkley would win hands down. Their tie-up with comapnies like Google and Microsoft is very strong.

As far as brand image is considered, Haas (and even Berkley too) has a high recall value. So, if I were as lucky as you, I would go with Haas. 85K is too tempting an amount and the Kellogs brand is not that superior to Haas to command that sort of a premium.

Disclaimer: Didnt apply to either of them.

[deba_s56]

Originally Posted by peacehawk

@Deba
>> Congratulations first on getting the full tuition fee waiver from Haas

Thanks

>> Is Kellogg's acceptance deposit deadline still open?

It is not - however, $1000 wasted is not a consideration for me because in the case it gets wasted (I go to Haas), Haas will give me enough money to cover it up.

>> The usual stuffs like goals, expections from school, post-mba plans, what you like and dislike about each school etc

Having performed that analysis, I haven't been able to come to a clear result.. So, I turned to the Forum for opinions..You are welcome with yours
I am also trying to evaluate the softer stuff like brand, alumni network etc. (where Kellogg clearly scores) and whether that is worth $85K of loans..


@Anands

Congrates...whts ur profile like?

Thanks
My profile in short - very strong academics and GMAT, strong job progression in a software firm where my peers are all people with 6-8 years of work ex (I have a work ex of almost 4 years). Non-existent extra-curriculars and community work- my job and my family doesn't leave me time for anything else

I did not apply to any of these two, so I only have the perception. From whatever I remember about your detailed profile that you posted before you started applying, your career achievements are very impressive and I am sure you will do extremely well in any profession you want to go to, no matter you study in which of these two schools. Therefore, even though I do not know about your future goals, if I were you, I would have most likely taken Hass's full ride offer over Kellogg.

[inblue]

I agree with Ricky and Deba.
What do you want to do post MBA. If you intend to go to Tech Sector, Consulting, or even reside in the Valley Haas with its tuition wavier would be great !

Kellog is definitely a brand in terms that its more recognised worlwide and in India because of the work they've done over th years, the faculty and their tie ups with universities etc.
Having said that , Its not the school that is going to make or break your post MBA career. Its but a launch pad. You'd do just great out of anywhere.

If you really are interested in brand, ranks etc then Kellog would be good choice. Take in mind that he experince at Hass and Kellog will be totally different given their class sizes and the composition. Hass will tend to have a lot more techies and people from and wanting to settle in the valley. Kellog on the other had will offer more diversity.

Again, if family, cost, etc is concern, take into account very personal professional factor and decide. Hass is definitely great and the climate , people and berkely will make a wonderful experince as well. If you still have the tech instincts Berkely will make a great experience. It will also offer you more acccess to Sand hill road office incase you want to go the VC way.

Ultimately, whatever you choose, you are gonna be just good !

PS: Didnt apply to either but I love the valley and probably that's the reason of the slant in the post.

[Peruvianguru]

Dear Halcon de la Paz (Peacehawk in spanish)

In my opinion u have reached a sterile debate wether going to Haas or Kellogg. Without any doubts I would happily move to California!!! Some quick thoughts....

1. Is Kellogg much stronger than Haas in terms of brand? no way + no further comments needed if u have been offered a full tuition waiver.
2. Berkeley vs. Northwestern? the former crushes the later in terms of global brand reputation.
3. California is the 8th largest economy in the world!!! worried about jobs? dude, top firms from every single industry consistently recruit there.
4. Sunny, sexy, party-hard California offers a better quality of life than windy, cold and hectic Chicago.
5. Why complicate urself with onerous loans? Go to India, Burundi or Tonga and I guarantee everybody will know about Berkeley!
6. Do rankings matter? they do but only if you compare top 15 with top 30 schools and so on. With 15,000+ b-schools around the world you cant go wrong with Haas!
7. Post MBA salaries? get ready to cash - at the very least - US$5000 a month plus other very attractive perks.
8. Will a Kellogg MBA turn u into a much better/clever/resourceful professional than with a Haas one? the answer comes crystal clear.

It is ok to rely on rankings and reputation but never let these - somehow superficial - factors blur ur vision. Like the top manager u want to become, make the smartest, most cost-effective and clear decision in ur life. Choosing Northwestern would stand as severe stupidity....HAAS IS YELLING AT YOU!!!

saludos and best wishes from Lima, Peru

PGuru

[Incarnation]

I have a different take on this.......Though the free ride looks attractive in the short-run, the rewards of a brand name, alumni strength etc. cannot be quantified....Ten-twenty years down the line you may repend the fact that you could have gone to a a more prestigious school....Unless you are absolutely in love with Hass and/or are looking at tech/VC, go to Kellogg........I spoke to a NYU stern alumnus and he was quite critical of Stern as it is a finance school and he could not find enough support in his interest-tech......so you have to match ur career interests with the strength of school...If you are looking at consulting, marketing, investment management etc, u cant go wrong with kellogg....

Kellogg is a stronger Global brand, especially in India...and due to the tireless efforts of Dean Dipak Jain, I can tell you that its image is only going to be strengthened.......

If you want to speak with a few kellogg students abt it, PM me and I will send you their details....

[kgkid]

Originally Posted by Incarnation

I have a different take on this.......Though the free ride looks attractive in the short-run, the rewards of a brand name, alumni strength etc. cannot be quantified....Ten-twenty years down the line you may repend the fact that you could have gone to a a more prestigious school....Unless you are absolutely in love with Hass and/or are looking at tech/VC, go to Kellogg........I spoke to a NYU stern alumnus and he was quite critical of Stern as it is a finance school and he could not find enough support in his interest-tech......so you have to match ur career interests with the strength of school...If you are looking at consulting, marketing, investment management etc, u cant go wrong with kellogg....

Kellogg is a stronger Global brand, especially in India...and due to the tireless efforts of Dean Dipak Jain, I can tell you that its image is only going to be strengthened.......

If you want to speak with a few kellogg students abt it, PM me and I will send you their details....

I disagree completely. Kellogg has no significantly stronger brand name than Haas. Moreover, I would offer another perspective.
When you show (and you can) a full ride at Haas to a prospective employer, you are guranteed to get a slot with all the major companies. This is because your full ride will be a distinguisher within the already distinguished student body; whereas, at Kellogg you will be just another MBA candidate.
Also note, the student body at Kellogg is not more capable than Haas.