Research MBA Programs

I'm planning my MBA application strategy and will include either Foster or Kelley in my application. It looks like Kelley is higher ranked, but has a higher admission rates (+40% vs. 31% for foster). The academic class profiles for each school are fairly close, and I think I have the same chance of getting into both.

Class size is noticeably larger for Kelley (200+ vs. 100+ for foster), which makes Foster an attractive choice, but may greatly limit the alumni network and post graduate reach of this second tier Business school.

I currently work in interactive entertainment (video/PC games) and am interested in focusing on Web based technology start ups and VC after I graduate.

Anyone care to elucidate on the differences between these two schools?

thanks!

Hi,

Given both the schools have good mba program now it's your decision on which schools fit your parameters better. We can help you with what these parameters should be
The best way to choose a B school is based on career goals. You need to see if the schools will help you realising those goals. Apart from that factors like what the school specializes in, geography location including urban/rural factor, size of classes in school (big class or small class), alumni success rate. Also you need to keep in consideration what recruiters tend to come on campus. You can talk to alumni's and career center wings to know further the opportunities the school provides you.

Hi Bluephish,

As an employee of Kelley and spouse of a current MBA student at Kelley, I'm a little biased. We moved to Indiana from Texas because this is such a great program. But don't take my word for it. You might consider reaching out to some of our current students that are in your field of interest.
https://kelley.iu.edu/mba/admissions/sacProfiles.cfm

Many of our current students are hosting meet & greet events in their hometowns over the coming holidays. They might be coming to a city near you.
https://kelley.iu.edu/mba/admissions/onT ... =city,date

Also, our admissions team will also be on the road in January and February hosting small dinners.
https://kelley.iu.edu/mba/admissions/onT ... =date,city

Let me know if I can answer any questions about Kelley.
Best of luck to you!
Kelly Giese
Associate Director of Marketing, Kelley School of Business

Hi Bluephish,
Foster and Kelley are really quite a bit different in terms of DNA. I think you will find that because you know what you want to do, you may benefit from the academies, in particular, the Entrepreneurial Management Academy.

Another thing to consider is the entire academic environment, that is, the whole university. You also may want to think about the entire alumni network, not just from the business school. If you are not wedded to the (quite exciting) Seattle area, you might find that a school with more national reach, such as Indiana, a better fit.

Best regards,

Betsy Massar
Founder
Master Admissions
www.masteradmissions.com
415-305-1163
Author of Admitted: An Interactive Workbook for Getting Into a Top MBA Program
www.admittedmba.com


Like www.facebook.com/masteradmission

This might be a little too late. But just sharing my experience for prospective applicants. I applied to Kelley a couple of years ago. I had a terrible experience.

Too begin with: it might be a small thing but I think it is the only school in top 30 that requires an international student to submit a TOEFL score even if the language of instruction was English at an undergraduate institution. I thought with 46 on verbal and 750 overall on GMAT, and all my education in English medium I had a good case of TOEFL waiver but they didnt grant it. Anyways, after I submit my application without TOEFL, Kelley somehow decides to interview me w/o TOEFL. After this my application goes into limbo. I don't get a decisive answer on my application for almost three months. I am bounced around on phone and emails are never answered. After three months I hear that because of pending TOEFL my application was pushed to R3. My TOEFL was pending right from the beginning. Why would Kelley take three months to tell me that??

On the other hand, though I never applied to Foster, I happened to visit it once. I had a much better experience and got much better vibes.

Bloomington is a great place to spend two years. Also, I think the academy program at IU is really special. While it may seem like the location might be a disadvantage for recruiting, lots of recruiters from Chicago make the trip there regularly. Plus, since the undergraduate program is so strong, you'll benefit from a strong alumni base.