HBS vs. GSB

I got accepted into both HBS and GSB for the Class of 2020. I see several pro's and con's with each school for my particular situation, and I'm having a hard time deciding between the two. I'm interested in tech and want to live around the San Francisco Bay Area longterm, which I think would - under regular circumstances - lean in GSB's favor. However, I already have both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Stanford, so I think it would be valuable to get a different perspective for the MBA by attending Harvard instead of getting a third degree from Stanford, even if its focus area and alumni network are not as closely aligned with my interests in tech and the San Francisco Bay Area.

This is my second time deciding between Harvard and Stanford. When I was admitted to both for undergrad, I ultimately went with Stanford primarily because I felt I would be "happier" there. However, I'm not sure "happiness" should be what I'm optimizing for in my MBA, particularly because it's just 2 years and I feel like I have a much better sense of self now than I did at the start of my undergrad and I can "tough it out" if it means getting additional value in other areas.

What do people think?

 

I tend to think GSB is the more elite option. Much more selective, higher GPA, higher GMAT, higher starting salary post-graduation, and most people who get into both go to the GSB. I think among the masses the Harvard name always resonates a bit more, but in truly elite circles (those "in the know") there is a bit of a premium on GSB just because it is so hard to get into. It's sort of like the difference between Yale and Harvard law schools in a lot of ways.

 

Are you kidding me? Can you be responsible for your comments?

  1. HBS has higher yield rate than GSB (91% vs. 89%), meaning both schools admit very different students. The % of dual admit who chose HBS is around 60% according to different surveys.
  2. A bigger class size is purely due to HBS's unparallel scale. If you have visited both schools, HBS has a separate campus that just looks like a resort while GSB only has a couple of buildings. Seven Noble Prize winners in HBS plus a lot more faculties need to be fed with more students. The case method also requires students with different background.
  3. The median GMAT, the GPA, and the median pay is also the same among two schools - which is more difficult for HBS given its bigger size. But this is truly not important.

Your response will misguide people. Please be nice!

 

Normally I'd always recommend GSB over HBS but this is one of those rare scenarios where it makes sense to take HBS over Stanford.

Note that at HBS this kind of humble brag from the OP needs to be modified to fit in the culture.

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.
 

I'm so angry about some comments.

  1. HBS has higher yield rate than GSB (91% vs. 89%), meaning both schools admit very different students. The % of dual admit who chose HBS is around 60% according to different surveys.
  2. A bigger class size is purely due to HBS's unparallel scale. If you have visited both schools, HBS has a separate campus that just looks like a resort while GSB only has a couple of buildings. Seven Noble Prize winners in HBS plus a lot more faculties need to be fed with more students. The case method also requires students with different background.
  3. The median GMAT, the GPA, and the median pay is also the same among two schools - which is more difficult for HBS given its bigger size. But this is truly not important.
 

having deja vu here...

Thank you for your interest in the 2020 Investment Banking Full-time Analyst Programme (London) at JPMorgan Chase. After a thorough review of your application, we regret to inform you that we are unable to move forward with your candidacy at this time.
 

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