Which rankings to consider?---Need Expert's advice

[prachich1987]

Hi,

I am in the process of shortlisting schools & I am really confused.
I am not understadning which ranking should I consider as they differ from each other a lot.
For e.g
1)University of Minnesota (Carlson) is listed among Top tier school in business week ranking
Business week ranking : 28
US News ranking : 21
FT ranking : ranked nowhere in FT

2) SMU: Cox too is listed among Top tier school in business week ranking
Business week ranking : 12
FT ranking : 85

[PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal]

Yes there can be great disparity, and no one ranking is authoritative. What matters most ultimately is what employers think, and you can find job percentages at graduation and average salaries.

Keep in mind that FT tends to emphasize international programs as well so that can explain some of their focus.

If you look at Business Week and US News you can get a good head start.

Alex

[apphelp]

Hi Prachi,

Dont just look at the rankings. Many schools don't participate in rankings every year. Also rankings depend on various parameters such as salary adjusted for purchasing power parity, resident to visitor faculty ratio etc.

What matters to an applicant is acceptance rate, class profile and placement statistics. Have a look at that in detail, talk to a few current students and then shortlist schools.

Hope this helps.

[Jon@Admissionado]

Let's be honest, you are in this not to go to the best MBA program in the world, but to get what you can out of the program, to boost your career, and increase your salary. So, leave the rankings aside for a bit and look at the schools statistics. I would say the two single most important stats are 1. % Employment and 2. % Salary increase.

You will also want to have a look and see how well-connected the school is with your industry. Those are the things that should decide you where to apply.