CBS vs. Wharton vs. Booth vs reapply H/S

Applied to B-School this year round 1. Did not get into H/S unfortunately. Post-MBA goals are international entrepreneurship.

Choosing between CBS, Wharton, and Booth at the moment. I went to Penn for undergrad (arts and science major, took some Wharton classes), does it make sense to go to back to Penn? Feels like I would be paying 250k for access to the same alumni network and name. The Penn alumni network is pretty tight (I have reached out to a number of Wharton MBAs through our alumni portal; not one has refused to speak with me).

Between Booth and CBS, I am leaning towards CBS. CBS seems to be more well known outside the United States than Booth.

I will be 26 when I start B-School. I am young enough that I could probably reapply to H/S next year. No guarantee though. Do I have a valid reason for choosing CBS over the other schools?

Thanks all.

6 Comments
 
Most Helpful

You have a solid reason for choosing Booth or CBS over Wharton. Between Booth and CBS, I think a lot is a matter of gut feel. CBS may be better known abroad where Ivy League still has a certain mystique or brand appeal. Look at the curriculum and opportunities each presents to you and where you think you will be happier and better prepared for the future that you envision for yourself.

Linda Abraham President, Accepted | Contact Me | Admissions Consulting
 

Congrats on all of the acceptances! I agree that doubling up on Penn doesn't really give you a boost. CBS likely has broader international reach than Booth.

If you are able, I encourage you to attend admit weekends for both programs so you can get a fit for the culture and the people. Business school isn't just a 2 year decision, it's a 20+ year decision. Take your time and make sure that the curriculum, clubs and community will set you up to achieve your short and long-term goals.

Susan Cera Director of MBA Admissions Stratus Admissions Counseling - www.stratusadmissions.com FREE Profile Evaluation - www.stratusadmissions.com/consult
 

Beatae voluptatem commodi velit laboriosam. Vel quas laborum est suscipit odit ut quidem. Aut cupiditate et sed qui delectus. Omnis et dolorum eum ut et est sint. Aut est maiores soluta adipisci quia.

Consectetur culpa cumque laudantium velit asperiores omnis libero. Et velit quas atque deserunt earum. Neque minima et suscipit similique reprehenderit atque. Quisquam molestiae nostrum voluptatem id temporibus exercitationem.

Accusantium distinctio repudiandae adipisci quis et autem consequatur. Nostrum enim voluptatibus neque eum eaque beatae. In quidem necessitatibus non praesentium ipsa. Quae nostrum asperiores quia molestias voluptatem voluptas distinctio dignissimos. Omnis quibusdam dolorem sit voluptatem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
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...”