Columbia - Booth - Wharton IM focus

First time poster. Regional public undergrad, T-14 law school, big law, then local government economic development. Age 31 at enrollment. Live in MW now.

Current situation: in at Columbia now with $$$$ offer. Booth recruiting has gone extremely well and estimate (90%) that I'll be in there as well (decision 3/16). Team Based Discussion at Wharton went well and estimate (70%) that I'm in there as well (decision 3/30). Not sure on $ for either. My admission estimate numbers are, obviously, based in nothing but anecdotal experience. 730 GMAT, 3.75 undergrad GPA, top 50% law school class.

Want to work in Investment Management-particularly HF or other performance-based funds. I have a bent towards long and/or distressed and/or real estate. My instinct is that Columbia is the fit. Question is, if Columbia is over 75% scholarship then what amount of money from either Booth or Wharton should make me reconsider. Haven't yet visited any of the schools but for interviews.

Thanks for comments.

2 Comments
 

I would consider the cost of living as a sizable part for award differences. With scholarships, you'll still have very different cash run rate, living in Philadelphia, Chicago and NYC.

Brand equity is another one, and location would matter a lot come recruiting time. Chicago and NYC feels more aligned in that case although Wharton brand is clearly a leg up.

I thought T10 law is a tier in its own, so picking which school also may add intensity AND qualifications at the same time.

 

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