MBA School Advice - Cornell, MIT, Chicago, got into all 3

Sloan and Booth are on another level compared to Cornell in terms or rankings and recruiting opportunities. I would focus on fit when it comes to Sloan vs. Booth. I visited both programs and student body is distinctly different. Both have great facilities, located in great cities, and strong for tech skills. Johnson is a great program in it's own right, but I would rule it out without hesitation.

Hi JBSimon

Thank you for your email. Can you tell me a little about your experience when you visited Sloan and Booth. When you say the student body is distinctly different, how so ? Could you please you provide a little more colour on how they differ and which you prefer. I would be most grateful. I understand you Cornell point.

Thank you,

It's difficult to describe the difference and would say to try to see for yourself rather than my take my opinion. but, I will try to add some color for you:

People:
Sloan- Everyone was very friendly, smart, and sharp. I would say they have a different style than many other programs. Not in a bad way, but my impression was that they were less "polished". The positive side of this is that I think they are a little lower on the BS meter. The negative maybe is that there is less business presence you expect from MBAs. You might think you're at a Engineering school rather than a business school. Again, limited sample and just my own impression.

Booth - On the other hand Booth students were quite polished. I.e. they set off the BS meter a little, but also give a very professional first impression and seem well trained. Still down to earth.

Facilities:
Sloan - Very nice facilities, in the a great location in Campbridge. The main building is new and very nice. Then there are some older facilities that they use.

Booth - Top notch facilities. The building itself has a huge collection of modern art and the architecture is quite impressive. Located just south of Chicago. Students tend to live in one of 3 locations and 2 of those are not campus. They will swear that it doesn't impact their community, but it doesn't seem like everyone is always in the same spot. They also have a great building downtown where students meet or attend night/weekend classes.

Transparently, I am biased towards Booth. I can't say it enough, you have to make your own opinion. Both places are world class and anyone would be privileged to attend either.

I disagree with the Cornell statement that the school si mostly known for engineering. That is highly incorrect. Johnson is an amazing school and has great credibility. I made a visit to Cornell a few months ago for their Women in Business event, and I must say that I fell in love with the atmosphere and the smaller class size. You need to choose the school that will help you to acheive your post mba goals. I spoke with a number of mba candidates geared towards Finance/IB and they all had offers to work for the some of the best banks in the world. Now Booth is known for their Finance MBA and has a wonderful reputation in the financial industry. MIT I know is more quant focused. This is just my opinion.

I just read the other comments...and it all come down to you. Where do you see yourself fitting in, since you will be there for 2 years. I know a Harvard grad who turned down Columbia to attend Johnson.Gaining admission to a top 20 program is difficult and each school has their own attributes.
If its ranking based go with Booth...either way you go, I don't think you will have an issue getting the job that you want.