Kellogg x Stern x Tuck ($)

Hey guys, I have recently been admitted to the FTMBA of the following schools: Kellogg, Stern and Tuck. Im international career switcher focusing on IB. Would really appreciate thoughts on that to help me with this tough decision. 

From my Pov:
Stern is probably the best for pure IB, but has a way higher COL and also less of a name in case in the future i decide to switch industries again.

Kellogg has probably the biggest prestige being an M7 and constantly been highly ranked, the community and campus is great but it is not so known as a finance school, being stronger in consulting and marketing. I know people have been succesful in landing IB jobs there but my concern is the smaller alumni network and the support from peers in recruiting, since there are less peiple focusing on IB.

Tuck is a great school with solid IB placement and the smallest IB placement, has the “ivy league prestige” and a close knit community who tends to help each other. Just like Kellogg, not so big IB alumni network and living isolated in Hanover could make the recruiting proccess and coffee chats more difficults and impersonal.

I am having a hard time deciding since all of them are excelent schools and i see a lot of Pros and also the possibility of achieving good results in any of them. Would really appreciate to hear your vision about it

7 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown to help you decide between Kellogg, Stern, and Tuck for your MBA with a focus on investment banking (IB):

Stern

  • Strengths: Stern is widely regarded as one of the best schools for IB, especially given its location in NYC, which provides unparalleled access to networking opportunities, coffee chats, and recruiting events. The proximity to Wall Street is a significant advantage for career switchers like yourself.
  • Challenges: Higher cost of living (COL) in NYC is a valid concern. Additionally, while Stern is strong in finance, its brand may not carry the same weight globally or across industries if you decide to pivot away from IB in the future.

Kellogg

  • Strengths: As an M7 school, Kellogg offers strong prestige and a well-rounded MBA experience. While it is traditionally known for consulting and marketing, Kellogg has seen successful IB placements, and its alumni network is robust across industries. The collaborative culture and strong community can be a big plus for career switchers.
  • Challenges: IB recruiting at Kellogg may feel less supported compared to Stern, as fewer students focus on finance. This could mean fewer peers to lean on during the recruiting process and a smaller alumni network in IB.

Tuck

  • Strengths: Tuck's close-knit community and "Ivy League prestige" are significant advantages. The alumni network is known for being highly supportive, which can be a game-changer for career switchers. Tuck also has solid IB placement, and its reputation for fostering strong relationships can help in the long term.
  • Challenges: The rural location in Hanover can make networking and coffee chats more challenging compared to Stern or even Kellogg. Additionally, while Tuck places well into IB, its alumni network in finance is smaller compared to Stern.

Key Considerations for You

  1. IB Focus: If your primary goal is IB, Stern is the strongest choice due to its location, alumni network, and focus on finance. However, if you value a broader MBA experience with strong IB placement, Kellogg and Tuck are still excellent options.
  2. Long-Term Flexibility: Kellogg's M7 prestige and Tuck's Ivy League brand may provide more flexibility if you decide to pivot away from IB in the future.
  3. Community and Fit: Tuck offers the most intimate and supportive community, which can be invaluable for career switchers. Kellogg also has a strong community but with a larger class size and more diverse career interests.
  4. Cost of Living: NYC's high COL at Stern is a practical consideration, especially if finances are a concern.

Recommendation

  • If IB is your absolute priority and you want the best access to opportunities, Stern is the clear winner.
  • If you value a broader MBA experience with strong IB placement and long-term flexibility, Kellogg is a great choice.
  • If you prioritize a close-knit community and supportive alumni network, Tuck could be the best fit.

Ultimately, all three schools can help you achieve your IB goals, so consider which environment aligns best with your personal preferences and long-term aspirations.

Sources: Banking is hot again at top MBA programs, Worldwide MBA Programs divided into tiers, Q&A First Year CBS MBA Class of 2017, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/insead-mba-worth-it-for-ib?customgpt=1, MBA: Kellogg vs Stern?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Here's the thing about Kellogg. All the big banks allocate a couple spots for Kellogg students, and like 10% of the class (or less) goes for banking, which means the competition is really low and basically everyone gets multiple offers. The banking club's prep might not be quite as good as like a Cornell, but it's good enough to get you plenty of offers. And it's the best school in all the other ways. 

 

FWIW I went to Tuck but you’ll probably not have much of a material difference in your outcome. Would just go where you will enjoy the experience the most and click with the people the most.

 
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