7 Ways to Distinguish between Different B-School Programs

by , Aug 9, 2010

As you begin your b-school research, you'll probably start to notice that a lot of the business school programs out there are rather similar. You'd be hard-pressed to find a b-school whose marketing material didn't stress key concepts like leadership or innovation. These similarities will make it hard to narrow down your choices, leaving you with a too-long list of MBA programs to apply to.

A closer look at the b-schools, however, will reveal distinct differences that will hopefully help you determine which program is best for you.

Use the following factors to help guide you through your MBA research phase:

1. Curriculum While concepts like leadership and innovation may be prevalent in all b-school curriculums, how classes are chosen and how they are run greatly differs from school to school. For example, Harvard's rigid first year schedule, where everyone takes the same classes, may seem confining to you, while Chicago Booth's flexible, take-what-you-wish curriculum may overwhelm you with its options. Do you want the ability to pass out of prerequisites (like Wharton, for example, provides)? Do you want an integrated, general management approach (like at Tuck or Yale SOM)? How much teacher cooperation are you looking for?
2. Methodology What sort of methodologies are used to run classes and projects at the b-schools on your list? Do you prefer a variety of methodologies? Wharton may be your best bet for that. What about a heavy emphasis on hands-on learning and projects? Check out Ross. More interested in strict case method? HBS or Darden may be more up your alley.
3. Class profile Make sure you don't just look at WHAT you'll be learning and HOW; for many people, WHO they'll be learning with is of equal importance. Are you looking for a small, close-knit class, or a large, lecture-style one? Is diversity important to you? What about the presence of international students? Do you think you'd benefit from having the majority of your peers come from engineering, technical, or business-related fields? Or would you rather be surrounded by students from the humanities or social sciences? And what about the local setting around youwould you prefer an urban or a rural environment? Local or international?
4. Employment profile Which schools are most successful in placing students in jobs that you are interested in?
5. Professor research Is there a particular professor whose research you're interested in? Does that professor teach classes? Is there an option for an independent study under that professor?
6. Extra-curriculars and clubs Different MBA programs offer different sorts of not-for-credit activities. If social enterprising is your thing, then MIT Sloan or HBS may be your calling. Luxury Goods Marketing have your name written all over it? Consider Columbia. Research how students spend their time outside of the classroom to see which school has the clubs and extra-curricular activities that best fit your interests.
7. "Fit" The best way to determine "fit" that indefinable quality that automatically draws you to a particular school is to visit a campus, speak with students, sit in on classes, etc.

It's worthwhile to understand the differences between programs so you can better determine which programs are most appropriate for your individual needs and preferences. Do your research early and seek guidance if necessary, so that you may begin your MBA quest heading in the right direction.

Whats the next step? Download or view Where Should You Apply? A Guide to Selecting the Best MBA Programs, a free special report.