Vanderbilt (Owen) vs Rochester (Simon) MBA

Hello Everyone,
I have been accepted at both Vandy and Simon full-time MBA programs. However, looking at the stats I am in a bit of a dilemma.
1. I live in NYC and would like to return after graduating. But I don't see a problem accepting a job in the southest or Texas if offered. However if I had to choose between Southeast/ Tx and NYC, I would definitely choose the latter one.
2. I would like to concentrate on Entrepreneurship and Finance/Investment Banking. I read Simon is ranked high in Finance, but some of your posts suggest that Vandy is placed better in IB whether it's South or NYC.
3. Not that it would matter much because I am willing to sacrifice 2 years of my life for the sake of my education, but I was in Rochester and I didn't like it that much. Not sure about Nashville though as I haven't visited, but like I said I have lived in Manhattan for the past few years and this is where it feels like home.
Please help me with any inside info you might have. I need to make up my mind about which institution I am joining for my MBA program.
Thank you!
Ella

10 Comments
 

It's going to be tough to get into NYC IB from either, but I'd probably go Vandy. Stronger alumni network/support.

Vandy places some into IB in NYC and Chicago, but generally it is more of a SE school. However, although Simon is good, I personally think you will have a tough time breaking in over kids from the other top NE schools that are far better when it comes to prestige and placement.

 

According to the MSF admissions, Vanderbilt placed more kids at Goldman Sachs for summer associate this past year than any other MBA program. Not sure how true that is, but that is what they told me.

 
peinvestor2012

Vandy was comparing MSF to MBA? That isn't a sound comparison, given the difference in skill sets (plenty of MSFs enter in more entry-level jobs if they come right out of undergrad).

But, it does validate my point that Vandy has stronger network and OCR.

You are certainly correct, but I think the lady was just trying to show how strong Vanderbilt's network is.

 

Go with Vanderbilt. Personally, I would probably try another route though. IMO, doing FT 2 year MBA programs outside of a T10 or maybe T15 program isn't really worth it. But that is just one mans opinion.

 

Also, I think the GS placements might be an exaggeration. I did some Linkedin searching and found one guy at GS in SLC and another in Ft. Worth. Not doubting that someone could possibly get into GS from Vandy, but if they are crushing it they should probably think about posting it on their career services site.

 

Thank you to all of you for your suggestions. My only concern right now is the scholarship. Rochester has offered me a 50% scholarship, whereas, Vandy will give my the scholarship only if I get a 690 or above on my next GMAT which I'm sitting for in 2 weeks. Such a tough decision.

 

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