UCLA versus Duke

[devils0508]

In general, the top 14 schools tend to be ranked somewhat consistently: generally schools with higher gmat and gpa, and lower acceptance rank, are ranked progressively better.

The two real exceptions tend to be UCLA and Duke - Duke being ranked considerably better than would be expected based on raw stats, and UCLA being ranked worse than expected.

What exactly makes Duke ranked so high, and conversely makes UCLA ranked so (relatively) poorly?

[money9111]

This is actually easy for you to figure out since all of the publications give their methodologies. So just go to each one and take note of where Duke is ranked higher than UCLA and vice versa if that case exists... then you'll find your answer!

[CriticalSquareMBA]

Hi there,

One point of caution: you're implying a certain causal relationship that isn't necessarily accurate. You're saying that the higher the GMAT and lower the acceptance rate, the higher the rank.

However, it's more accurate to say that their rankings cause those stats rather than the other way around. For example, HBS is not a fantastic program because it has a high average GMAT. Because it's fantastic, it only takes the best, which then results in a high average GMAT. Make sense?

So yes, definitely do what @money9111 said - go find the methodologies (they're fairly varied) and see what each ranking values. Then you'll see what the rankings are really based on. And, if those tie to what you value in an MBA program, you'll have your answer.

Cheers,

Bhavik

[josbilou]

I'm not sure which methodology is being referred to here. Duke (Fuqua) and UCLA (Haas) are ranked very close to each other on the main financial publications' yearly rankings, and have been for a years. There are differences in their programs, the east-coast/west coast factor is big and affects graduate hirings, but with everything taken in to consideration the overall ranking of these two is close and always in the top 15. That is to say, both schools are great. Your consideration should be mainly on the program and it's suitability to your wants and needs.