Need Help - Emory vs. Indiana vs. Notre Dame

Figure out where you wish to apply
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Hey guys,

I'm in a fortunate situation where I'm having to choose between a couple of schools with varying levels of aid. I have worked in a Big4 firm for five years, two of which have been in the mergers & acquisitions group performing financial due diligence. I'm not dead set on a career path post-MBA, but I do know I want to relocate to NYC so I was thinking of BB I-banking or a form of consulting, not really MBB but more at the Deloitte level. I guess my first question is which of these schools is looked at more favorably for a move into one of those fields in NYC. Second, should the $$ really come into play here or is there any way to ask a school to match what is offered by another school? I greatly appreciate your comments and if there is anything I can help you with, please let me know. Thanks.

Emory - This was where I wanted to go along since I was located in Atlanta. They have offered me $20k. I know a few people who have gone here and made their way to BB I-banking. I would like to return to Atlanta to settle down in the long run, so Emory is an interesting choice.

Indiana - I applied here based on the school rankings. I actually visited one of their preview days and found the culture to be a great fit. Small program, college town, great people, etc. They also recently rose in the rankings and there is just something about this school. I was offered a total reward around $35k, which includes a graduate assistant position.

Notre Dame - Again, applied here after looking at the rankings and just knowing that the Notre Dame network is pretty large. I've never been to campus, but I've heard it's beautiful even though South Bend isn't much to look at. I was offered a fellowship for $50k. I've reached out to a couple of people at the school who are in the recruiting phase for BB internships and it looks like you can network your way to NYC to at least get an interview.

Sorry for the long message, but any thoughts would be helpful.
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by money9111 » Wed Jan 02, 2013 4:02 pm
Take the $$ out of it a $15k or $30k difference shouldn't be the deciding factor between schools.

Now is the time to do more research into each program and figure out:
- where you fit the best
- where you can add the most value
- where the most opportunities are
- (this one is often neglected) - where you will have the most fun. Net-net, this experience is very expensive and you want to be somewhere that you will cherish forever.

These three schools - while have their similarities - are quite different. Where would you be the happiest?
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