Booth vs. Sloan for private equity

Hi all,

I just got into Booth and Sloan for deferred admission (2-5 year deferral period). I feel very fortunate to have gotten in but am having trouble deciding between the two.

I am an incoming investment banking analyst at a large bank (think Credit Suisse) and am hoping to move to PE/VC (or maybe a HF). To be honest, I'm not sure exactly how business school fits into these plans. I don't know many people who have gone to business school or even who work in finance.

Does anyone have a view on Booth vs. Sloan? In particular, which is better for helping someone land a good job in private equity?

Also, does anyone think I should say no to both? I didn't get into HBS 2+2, Wharton deferred admission, or Stanford GSB deferred admission, but it appears that these three schools are significantly better than Booth and Sloan for PE recruitment purposes. My GMAT was a 770 and I had a 4.0 coming from a target school (think HYPS), but I am from a traditional demographic and may not have a great "story." Should I lock down Booth or Sloan, or should I say no and go for H/W/S later on?

If it's relevant, I'm a lateral hire at the investment bank and don't know what group I'll be in. I'm trying to get into a good coverage group but there's a non-negligible chance I end up in capital markets, which I gather is worse for PE/VC/HF recruitment.

Thank you all. I'm really having trouble here -- as you can tell -- and am enormously grateful for your help.

3 Comments
 

I wouldn't commit to either at this point. I think you will have a good shot at HSW (particularly W) later on. Worst case scenario you can always apply to Booth and/or Sloan in the future.

Realistically, H/S are tough for everyone, but with a 4.0 from HYPS and a 770, you're pretty close to a lock at Wharton, IMO.

If you really want to commit to one, go with Booth. Sloan doesn't have much of a network in PE at all and doesn't align with your current goals.

Edit: Obviously, getting into any of these schools isn't a guarantee, but I think if you perform well over the next few years (and maybe hire a consultant since your story is admittedly boring), you will be fine.

 
Most Helpful

Delectus ipsa aut repellat sed quasi. Repudiandae ut mollitia enim. Maxime ut id possimus quis placeat voluptatem et voluptatibus. At odit maiores blanditiis voluptatem consequuntur assumenda exercitationem cum.

Sequi omnis similique similique voluptas et nesciunt ea consequuntur. Culpa similique sed est adipisci. Ipsum laborum et id laboriosam.

Neque ut quia corporis eos ea enim. Possimus sint culpa inventore. Suscipit repellat cumque provident cupiditate.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (98) $365
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (272) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (355) $62
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”