Category: With my GMAT score in place, and four business schools remaining on my short list, it was time to do some research to determine which school(s) to apply to, and in which order. As I learned from my test taking fiasco, without proper preparation and research you can spend a lot of time, effort and money and get very little to show for it.
Rather than rely solely on school rankings such as those published by BusinessWeek or U.S. News & World Report, I decided to thoroughly research each program, starting with the school website. Here’s what I learned:
Wharton (UPenn) – The first collegiate business school, claims to have the largest business school faculty and alumni network in the world. Program takes 2 full years, offers no scholarships, and segments students at admissions into “fellows” program if under 30, requiring additional sections on the application. Classes meet every other weekend in Philadelphia. Total cost: $156,600
Stern (NYU) – Program takes 22 months to complete, classes meet every other weekend in NYC . Applicants must have at least six years work experience, with an average of 14 years experience and 38 years of age. Total cost: $137,000
Fuqua (Duke) – School ranked #1 by BusinessWeek for intellectual capital, a proxy for faculty quality. Program takes 16 months to complete, August 2009 – December 2010. Rather than meeting every other weekend in fixed location, program broken into six terms with five overseas residencies: London, Dubai, Delhi, Shanghai, and St. Petersburg. Average student age: 30. Total cost: $115,500
Columbia – Program takes two full years to complete, and like Wharton, no scholarships or grants available. Students average 10 years work experience, 32 years of age. Classes meet Friday-Saturday in NYC, 86% of students live in local NYC metro area. Total cost: $144,000
From my research, I immediately ruled out NYU. From their description of the “average” student, it was clear that the “Executive” part of their EMBA program truly meant upper levels of management, rather than a description of the program delivery. I also eliminated Columbia, as continuous travel to NYC would be quite taxing and expensive.
That left Wharton and Fuqua as my two remaining schools. Wharton, a top-notch school in my backyard. Fuqua, a top-notch school with classes around the world. With two remaining schools, the stress was already mounting: I had chosen them, but would they choose me?
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