Harvard vs. Stanford for MM PE?

I know this question is going to make me sound like an asshole but I am having an incredibly difficult time making a decision between the two. Without going into excruciating detail, I'm a PE associate in Chicago from a Big 10 undergrad who somehow was admitted to both HBS and GSB. It's clear the HBS and GSB offer a significant advantage for the East and West coast respectively, but what if I want to stay in the midwest? Does either offer a tangible advantage there? How do they compare lifestyle / experience wise? I've spent minimal time in either Cambridge or Palo Alto outside of admit student days so I have a hard time saying where i'd prefer to be for 2 years. Thanks!!

5 Comments
 
Best Response

When it comes to toss-up situations like this (you are in a remarkably fortunate position which is the definition of a champagne problem), a lot of people would recommend the 'safer' bet.

In this case that is HBS. The school's brand is known globally. GSB does better than HBS on a few fronts (venture, West Coast PE, startups graduating with funding, etc.). It does worse than HBS on others.

You aren't going to have a bad time at either place. If you continue to struggle (and I assume you went to both admitted student weekends), there's the classic trick of the coin flip. Not because you want to leave a decision this big to chance, but because once it's in the air, you'll know how you truly feel.

Lastly, to the prior poster's comment, the GSB USA MBA Fellowship only applies to those with demonstrated financial need. A PE associate is not going to qualify, put simply.

I am permanently behind on PMs, it's not personal.
 
"APAE" ...there's the classic trick of the coin flip. Not because you want to leave a decision this big to chance, but because once it's in the air, you'll know how you truly feel.

This is great.

-
 
"I'm actually a squirrel"
"APAE" ...there's the classic trick of the coin flip. Not because you want to leave a decision this big to chance, but because once it's in the air, you'll know how you truly feel.

This is great.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Of the two, I'd go to Stanford. Don't think either one makes a difference if you want to move back to Chicago/the Midwest.

The truth is you're the weak. And I'm the tyranny of evil men. But I'm tryin', Ringo. I'm tryin' real hard to be the shepherd.
 

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