[pbmanikandan]

Folks, I found a lot of Duke vs. Darden posts on the web. Looks like it is a common conundrum that many students face every year. Luckily :-) I am facing it this year. Does anyone have any insight on which is better purely from these perspectives -
1. Recruitment by big 4 consulting co.s
2. Learning experience.
2. brand name in US.
3. brand name in India.
4. brand name in Europe.

Also, it would be great to use this forum to connect with other Indian admits to these schools and to understand the rationale behind their decisions!

[JaguawPaw]

I am in the same boat as you! Looking for more info from forum members.

[Jagatguru]

I am not in the same boat, but here are my 2cents.

1 - The major differentiator between the two schools are the teaching methodology (case study - Darden vs balanced - Duke) and culture (balanced - Darden v/s collaborative hand holding - Duke). These things matter, so look at where you would be more comfortable

2 - Look at recruiting statistics from both schools for consulting to see where you would like to go

3 - If it was just consulting, I would say the case study curriculum is somewhat better suited for consulting, but then again Duke has a marginally better credentials (repuation) than Darden

So look at everything and make a decision. Its tough, but consider this - a lot of people would love to be in your situation. I have been to both campuses twice, so ask me if you have any specific questions. Anyways, congratulations and good luck!

[rickyricks]

Originally Posted by JaguawPaw

I am in the same boat as you! Looking for more info from forum members.

Congrats pbmanikandan and JaguawPaw on your multiple admits. Its a great situatiuon to be in and I would suggest y'll give a good though before taking a decision. I had admits from other schools as well last year (peer schools of darden, but not Duke) and I took my decision based on the teaching method, recruiting stats (specially for internationals), school brand value, strength of the alumni network and the city life.

So far my experience at Darden has far exceeded my expectations on all fronts and looking back I can happily say that I made the right choice. I would be glad to share my view of the Darden experience in detail in case both of you are interested.

As far as recruitment goes, Darden is having one of its best year in consulting. Already 40+ offers have been made with the majority of them coming from the Big 3 (or 4). Banking has been slow in most B schools in US due to the sub-prime crises and it showed in Darden recruiting as well. But thanks to the efforts of our alumni in the hiring process, the final numbers are still impressive compared to both peer schools as well as other schools.

Feel free to post your queries here or PM me on any matter related to Darden/B school selection.

[ssati786]

I got into the Duke Cross Continent Program class of 2010 and also the UC Irvine FEMBA program. Which do you guys think is better in regards to reputation, curriculum, experience, and employment.