Decisions

MBA
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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 HB…

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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:)

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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)
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Congrates...whts ur profile like?

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@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
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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.
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@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.
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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.

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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

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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....

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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.
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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.


I absolutely agree with and endorse these thoughts. 85K!!!!!! at HAAS!!!!!! anybody who neglectes this UNIQUE opportunity should be considered insane...
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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:)



Hi puys ,

I am not very sure if i should post it here .. i want an advise from u all

My profile first..

xth 92%
xiith 93.33%
Engg 82% Engineering in Computer Science form R.V college of Engineering, Bangalore

work ex 3 years with Lucent & currently in Novell Software with good salary package( 7+ lpa)

CAT 89 :neutral: as expected
XAT 76..........No Idea Y it is so low...

jmet rank 1905
last year jmet AIR was1600

final calls SPJain (based on CAT) , IIT Roorkee
converts IIT Roorkee
reject SP (Actually did not pursue PGDSM MIT option)

I am in a huge fix weather to join IIT Roorkee or not ..

I hav a GMAT score of 650 and plan to apply for ISB & MBA abroad(Singapore coz US, UK is too costly for me)....Please suggest the schools abroad which can consider my candidature for fall 2008.

Would it be better if I work 2 or more years as my age is 24 still

IIT Roorkee costs only 2lacs for full MBA program , so it is a good return on investment....but that is not my sole criterion for doing an MBA in the first place..

plz help ..

regards
-nmbabu

P.S. If this is not the right thread to ask this ... please help me locate the right one
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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.


I second this completely.
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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.


I agree completely with the benefits of showing full ride to the employers...
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Thanks everyone for their perspectives..It helps me think through..

I have a few followup questions.

Why do a lot of you believe there is insignificant difference between the Kellogg brand name and the Haas brand name ? Any data points around that or is it a subjective comment ? Because 3 other people I talked to (MBAs from Kellogg, Wharton and Chicago GSB) believe the Kellogg brand "travels" much better and the Haas brand is very strong only in the west coast...

The other question is something we as bschool applicants don't really know yet but we might have talked to alumni who have a better perspective..

While its difficult to quantify, how useful and valuable is the alumni network in one's career and in what stages is it useful. Does it continue to be useful long after we pass out ? I want to know because the Kellogg alumni network is a lot bigger than the Haas network but does it really matter in one's career ?

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Thanks everyone for their perspectives..It helps me think through..

I have a few followup questions.

Why do a lot of you believe there is insignificant difference between the Kellogg brand name and the Haas brand name ? Any data points around that or is it a subjective comment ? Because 3 other people I talked to (MBAs from Kellogg, Wharton and Chicago GSB) believe the Kellogg brand "travels" much better and the Haas brand is very strong only in the west coast...

The other question is something we as bschool applicants don't really know yet but we might have talked to alumni who have a better perspective..

While its difficult to quantify, how useful and valuable is the alumni network in one's career and in what stages is it useful. Does it continue to be useful long after we pass out ? I want to know because the Kellogg alumni network is a lot bigger than the Haas network but does it really matter in one's career ?


One reason why Kellog travels is because of the efforts of the school to make itslef known worldwide - through its collaborations, because of the age of the school that has allowed its alumni to reach heights and their efforts to promote the school, faculty, relationship with industry, etc. Kellog, I my opinion is very strong brand name in the SE Asia as well compared to Hass.

Its definitely useful to have access to a alumni network. It depends also on what career path you want to pursue - some sales careers are very network demanding eg business developement, Private wealth management . If you want to start something of your own, again the school's relation with the industry, its felxibility in allowing you back to school, helping you with tools, access to alumni etc will could be a major factor in your developement. Having said, this, there's also a personal aspect to it. You have to leverage whatever you can , that ability of being creative, gregarious etc is entirely up to you.

Then again, Hass will not let you down. If you need to be in the Valley, join a startup , stick there for 3 years and probably you could be on the cover of forbes or business week if your startup does a 'google thing'. In short, the choice of your career, and your personal long term goals would be very useful in helping you decide what you exactly want. Each school has its great and not so great things. If you want to just have a career for 10 years and then go teach, and invest your own money in the markets, you'd be good at haas or at kellog.
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I'd go for Haas in this scenario. K and H are rather nearby and a full ride allows you a lot of credibility and freedom of choice in your jobs. The latter my friend is priceless. Best of luck in your decisions 😃

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pagalguy Says
I'd go for Haas in this scenario. K and H are rather nearby and a full ride allows you a lot of credibility and freedom of choice in your jobs. The latter my friend is priceless. Best of luck in your decisions :)


Two followup questions for you, PG.

(i) "A full ride allows you a lot of credibility" - so you do believe that it would differentiate me in the recruitment process ? I ask because a friend of mine (a current student from HBS) told me that after being through the recruitment process himself, he doesn't believe so. Companies look primarily at your background and this wouldn't really matter. Do you disagree based on your personal experience ?

(ii) "freedom of choice in your jobs" - I can think of three cases where it would matter - being able to come back to India sooner rather than later, pursuing non-profit or pursuing entrepreneurship. Besides these (and none of these figure in my plans), does it really matter ?