Multiple Acceptances: How to Deal with a Win-Win Situation

by , Jan 4, 2010

Congratulations! You've been accepted to two (or more!) solid b-schools. Or maybe you've been accepted to one of your safety schools with a huge scholarship and your top-choice program with no funding. Or, you've been accepted to a top-tier program but you had really had your heart set on going to Harvard, which did not accept you. At least not yet.

First, stop biting your nails and take a moment to bask in your mammoth accomplishment: You got into business school!

Now, practically speaking: How do you choose which program to attend? The following criteria should help:

Criterion #1: Your Goals and Future Career Path

Certain schools cater to specific goals and careers. The point of your MBA is to secure your future and it simply would not make sense if you chose a program that did not support or assist you in achieving those goals. Regarding financial aid, you need to do a little math: If the better programthe one that didn't offer you fundingwill eventually increase your earning power by more than the amount of the scholarship offered by the just okay school, then it may be financially and academically worth it for you to choose the superior program.

Criterion #2: Educational Approach

Do you prefer seminars? Or large lectures? Do you prefer a more hands-on approach to learning? Or more theory-based? Become familiar with not just WHAT each program teaches, but HOW each one teaches it.

Criterion #3: Location, Location, Location

Would you go crazy in a small college town? Are you more of a city person? How will the urban or rural environment influence your studies? Other factors that could influence your decision include religious versus secular or liberal versus conservative. Remember, you'll be living here for 2+ yearsyou'll want to be comfortable in the school and it the area surrounding it.

For more application and admissions tips, check out Accepted's instantly downloadable ebook, Submit a Stellar Application: 42 Terrific Tips to Help You Get Accepted.