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Hi All,

I was looking to get some input from other individuals who have had similar experiences as me or can provide some general advice.

Currently I work in Big 4 as an associate performing advisory services. I applied last fall to several top 25 MBA programs and was lucky enough to be admitted into two full-time programs Georgetown and Indiana.

I was accepted into both programs but did not receive any form of aid or scholarships so i would need to get loans to fund the two years of school (120K+). My boss mentioned to me that i would be promoted to Senior Associate this upcoming fall which has got me thinking into staying at Big 4 and applying to NW or Booth part time. I am currently unsure of what i would want to do post MBA in terms of IB, Corporate Development, MBB, which has me thinking about doing part time.

Here is my dilemma:

1.) Am i wrong to pass up the chance at a top 25 MBA program even if i am not receiving any aid?
2.) Would being a Senior Associate plus part time MBA at Booth or NW make me more appealing in 2-3 years compared to full time top 25?

Has anyone here been to Georgetown or Indiana and can shed some light on their experiences?

Thanks in advance for any input on my situation!

Hi Kenneth,

I think that if you want to advance within the Big 4 - taking the Sr Associate job and shooting for a PT MBA would be a good game plan. Whether or not you can get into the PT program at either Booth or Kellogg ...which are very competitive in their own right....depends on factors that I can't evaluate given the amount of info you've shared here.

My honest opinion is that programs ranked 15/20 or less (US News ranking) are basically good if you want to continue in your same career trajectory. Top PT programs also see a lot of people that continue within their same industry/trajectory. With either scenario, I doubt you would be able to recruit into an IB role (are we talking bulge bracket banks here or did you have something else in mind?) I'm wondering how old you are...I'm guessing around 28? Would love to find out more but hope this reply has been helpful for what it's worth.


Here is my dilemma:

1.) Am i wrong to pass up the chance at a top 25 MBA program even if i am not receiving any aid?
2.) Would being a Senior Associate plus part time MBA at Booth or NW make me more appealing in 2-3 years compared to full time top 25?

Has anyone here been to Georgetown or Indiana and can shed some light on their experiences?

Thanks in advance for any input on my situation!