LEK Consulting vs Yale SOM MBA

Silver Scholars?

Could you tell us about your background, career goals, where you're leaning, etc?

You can only play the MBA card once. If you are very uncertain about what you want to do, it may make more sense to take the LEK offer and then apply when you have a better idea. You may end up closing some doors by getting an MBA so early. Not a big deal if those are opportunities you didn't want to pursue, but it doesn't sound like you have a great idea if that's the case yet.

For instance, you mention an interest in PE. I'm not sure how well the Silver Scholars program places into PE for the one year internship after your first year, but I'd imagine you would have better odds after working at LEK (I know quite a few people who made the pre-MBA transition to PE from LEK). It's very difficult to get into PE post-MBA without some experience beforehand.

I second OnTheBeach, I'd recommend going for LEK to see what you like. Given the short context, I'd imagine you wouldnt have an issue getting into a top MBA program later down the road, and you can only play the card once. I'd recommend gong LEK, figuring out what you like, and using an MBA as an out to pursue your goals once you figure out what that is.

Dont want to play the MBA card too soon.

Um, LEK is a very good firm, just below MBB. Work there for a few years and apply to the M7 programs. Not dishing Yale or anything, but you can definitely get in somewhere a lot better after some work experience. MBA is all about name brand and access to opportunities, so make sure you go to the best program you get into.

From LEK, the lowest school you'd apply to would be the likes of Yale. Just go work and revisit the application process after 3-4 years.