I think I’ve finalized the schools where I’m going to apply this year. It has been a tough decision leaving out some schools as there are 2-3 atleast where I wouldn’t mind being in Fall’08. But there had to be a limit – with 4-5 essays per school, not to forget the 250 bucks, I think my chosen ten is still a tall order.
So in order of my deadlines, the list goes like this:
MIT Sloan (R1, 30 oct) Darden (ED, 1 Nov) Tuck (R1, 14 Nov) NYU Stern (R1, 15 Nov) Kellogg (R2, 21 Dec) Harvard (R2, 3 Jan) Wharton (R2, 3 Jan) LBS (R2, 4 Jan) Chicago GSB (R2, 9 Jan) Columbia (RD, 9 Jan/Rolling)
The toughest part was picking up Darden – the decision was taken since their essays were more straightforward, and their ED may give me a safety net; so I’ll be prepared with the essays, and take the call when they have their reception right on the deadline – Nov 1st!
One thing is sure – if Darden goes out on Nov 1st, then nothing comes in as replacement. Same case for Stern: I’m having second thoughts, especially after attending their reception on 9th. Come on, a school whose second biggest selling point (as per them, after NYC) is the Stern community, had a sole alumni attending. And one who was not at all impressive! (sorry, but true IMHO) Plus they want official transcripts by the deadline, which might be tough.
Kellogg and MIT were the other schools which I wasn’t sure about, but M is making sure I apply there. My biggest problem is with schools who don’t bother to have a reception in India. Harvard and Columbia fall in the same bracket too, but they are in my top 4, so I’ll let that pass. So dont be surprised if a month later I take a call to replace Kellogg with Ross – I wish I’d attended the Ross reception last month, I’d be clearer. Any suggestions?
Which schools do you think have a strong reputation in India? I always think it’s:
- Wharton
- Harvard
- Kellogg
- LBS
- LSE (seriously)
That’s a lot of schools!
I was thinking of the same thing! You are going to have work really hard to meet all those deadlines!
Just how good is Stern for consulting? I looked up the reports but the placements seem to be more towards Investment Banking (a field which I will never enter!)
Yello!! its me!
I can relate to the number of schools because my list looks like yours!
and I am going nowhere with it! 
Hmm.. Stern – I guess I would have a diff view.. because for the Stern Reception in San Francisco.. we had over 15 alum.. and all super excited ! Plus.. its right in the heart of the City!
Ross is another school i was very impressed with.. (I just feel the Ad Com person who came was very effective!) but do give this school another thought.. if you are interested I will look up the stuff that caught my eye and share it with you.
All the Best!
Hey dude, dya think that Columbia / Kellogg are good if someone is considering consulting? Arent they more of Fin/mktg schools?