Vanderbilt MBA ($) vs IU Kelley MBA ($$) vs Georgetown MBA (Waitlisted)

Hello all,

I’m in a bit of a predicament and would really value the community’s thoughts here. I’ve seen several posts comparing these schools and feel that I’ve gained a decent handle on each of their strengths/weaknesses. Nonetheless would still appreciate specific guidance.

I’m from a somewhat unrelated background with a non-target undergrad in finance planning on utilizing the MBA to transition into banking, ideally in the northeast.

Overview of admissions:

IU Kelley - admitted in early rounds. As I got to understand the program a bit better I’ve learned that, while there are some successful banking recruits, it’ll an uphill battle. Making this transition is challenging enough so I feel I owe it to myself stack the little odds in my favor.

Vanderbilt - applied last minute. Literally past the final round. Was admitted. Definitely has a slightly better brand than Kelley and some on-campus recruiting. While challenging it seems a like a viable option.

Georgetown - applied on the final round and was waitlisted. I truly believe had I applied round one I would’ve had significantly better odds. I think for IB in the northeast Georgetown seems to be the most aligned. At this point, I’m continuing to do everything humanly possible to get off the waitlist.

My question(s):

-At this point with each program starting soon, would I be better off going through another admissions round? Seems like I’d be in an infinitely better position re-applying to both Vandy and Georgetown in round one.

-Beyond continuing to build relationships with faculty, visiting in person, retaking standardized tests, what advice do you have for someone who’s been waitlisted?

5 Comments
 

Looking in to MBAs myself and Vanderbilt is your best option here clearly. As far as trying for the next cycle how much do you value a year of delay and do you think you could maybe even get into a Cornell for example in R1. Also sounds like you really do want Georgetown so if you just have to go there then it might be worth a year of delay.

 

Definitely an exciting aspect to waiting (submitting stretch apps)

Am definitely willing to wait a year if needed.

Also, I’ve been considering that this looming recession may = more applications/competition. Obviously can’t time these things but it’s definitely on my mind.

 

Haha, such is life. Definitely counter-cyclical.

I will say, I want to strive to do better but also don’t want to take my current options for granted.

 

Sed est itaque soluta ut deserunt perferendis quis. Laborum nemo eum officia blanditiis modi voluptates facere. Sequi pariatur error explicabo itaque.

Corporis sit ea ut quae quia ullam hic laboriosam. Reiciendis repellat fugit dolor qui atque.

Autem eos eveniet consequatur. Corrupti quam aut dolorum et. Reprehenderit vel rem et autem sunt aut debitis.

Atque sit aut velit temporibus sunt. Earum consequatur sequi molestiae porro dolorum soluta. Hic placeat inventore autem corrupti nisi ad quis. Ipsa nulla dolore nostrum accusamus amet repellat.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”