Regarding Category: MBA

Bina Philip Regarding Category: MBA I dropped Eric a note via email yesterday and he mentioned about this forum. I am posting this question out here to see what opinions I can garner. I have admits from the University of California Irvine and College of William and Mary for their Full-Time MBA program. While I have been offered a good scholarship by the college of William and Mary, I am yet to receive a notification about scholarship from UC Irvine. I have dropped the admission committee a note checking on the likelihood of a possible scholarship or assitanceship offer. What other factors must I consider while comparing the two admits? High on my list is the employment opportunities for internship or after graduation, especially in the IT sector. Although California is the hub for IT related employment prospects, Virginia on the other hand is close to other major cities such as DC, NY, NJ, Pittsburgh etc. Please share your thoughts.

{{ 1423856041727+1-1 | date : 'short' }} my Eric Allen likes this

: Kofi Kankam expert Okay Bina - I think the first thing to consider is that you can win with either program. So, don't get too freaked out. I think there are more opportunities in CA and provided that you are not necessarily looking to start your company immediately after you graduate, I would choose UC Irvine. Basically, UC Irvine is closer to more opportunities, likely better funded opportunities (due to Silicon Valley's proximity), and has a better brand/placement than does William & Mary in NY, NJ, or Pitt (DC - William and Mary does well in). I think I could be convinced otherwise, but I would go where technology is in the culture and the brand extends in your industry. My 2 cents. {{ 1423859873922+1-1 | date : 'short' }} Share

: Bina Philip That you, Kofi! The only thing holding me back is the lack of scholarship at this point. I dropped the department at UC Irvine a note about the likelihood of being awarded one. Will look to see how that goes. {{ 1424103054348+1-1 | date : 'short' }} Share

: Eric Allen expert Good luck with that, Bina. A friend of mine used to work at the program - I will ask her if she has any advice. {{ 1424103190149+1-1 | date : 'short' }} Share

: Bina Philip Thank you, Eric. Any information will help me greatly at this point. Since this is going to be my second Master's in the US, I am apprehensive of going back to school with a big student loan. Having said that, it is critical that I find full-time employment right as I am set to graduate because I will no longer have any OPT or STEM extension time, which I exhausted after my first MS in CS from Indiana University Bloomington. {{ 1424103566556+1-1 | date : 'short' }} Share

: Linda El Awar expert Bina, congratulations on your acceptances! I'm wondering if you had a chance to visit any of these campuses yet? If not, that might make it very easy for you to make your decision! {{ 1424130247597+1-1 | date : 'short' }} Share

: Bina Philip Thank you, lelawar! Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to visit either of these campuses. Although, last October I did drive by Williamsburg, VA when visiting Richmond, VA. I do know it is a small college town and relatively smaller than Indiana University Bloomington where I got my first MS. The positive aspect about this - much lower monthly expenses. On the other hand, I have no doubt that Irvine would be my preferred choice but I also know the living expenses are going to sky rocket. {{ 1424185692494+1-1 | date : 'short' }} Share

: Eric Allen expert You definitely should try to visit to give you perspective on the programs. {{ 1424197156597+1-1 | date : 'short' }} Share

: Eric Allen expert @Bina Philip , where did you decide to go? {{ 1430219744223+1-1 | date : 'short' }} Share