This leads me to my next obvious decision...
Which Canadian MBA programs to apply too?
For several years I have been waiting to return to school to earn an MBA. During this time I have had plenty of opportunity to review rankings from one year to the next, read articles criticising various aspects of MBA programs, and track down and discuss the programs with MBA graduates. Hopefully this information will help me.
When I started, the study guide I was reading suggested a person apply to at least 3 schools. One "dream" school, one "above average" school, and one "for sure" school. Is this right for me? I don't think so.
Looking at my GMAT, work experience, and abilities I believe I could reasonably apply anywhere. Although I'm not the "dream" applicant I do have quite a bit to offer. Therefore, I have decided that my first two schools will be "dream" schools that have excellent reputations and programs. My final school will be something more reasonably obtainable.
Queen's is my first choice. Since I they are at the top of my list and they offer a May start date I will apply to them first. The program has ranked well in the past and present. I like the people I have met from there and I like the potential opportunities an MBA from Queen's offers. Also, there is no application fee to apply to Queen's.
Ivey is my second choice. Ivey has a good program historically, but they have been having issues with ranking in recent years. Although they have an extensive alumni network I don't think it is going to help me with where I want to go, so that isn't really important. Also, I haven't really like the people I've met from Ivey so far. Since Ivey's start date isn't unit September, I can apply to Queen's and see how that goes and then apply to Ivey. This will also save me money since Ivey has an application fee and there is no point in paying that if I get in at Queen's. I will also have to consider why I didn't make it into Queen's since the reason might also prevent me from getting into Ivey.
Haskayne is my final choice. I don't think I would have any issues getting onto Haskayne's program given my GMAT and work experience. Also, the program is local and I wouldn't have to move. Unlike my first two choices I would be stuck in the "bubble" that is Alberta. Alberta is very fortunate to have oil and gas, but it is so over powering that it penetrates ever aspect of society here. I would prefer to study business outside of Alberta since I have had plenty of exposure to the business of oil and gas already. Unlike the other two programs, if I chose this program I would probably do it part-time while working. That would take longer, but I would save money in the long run. At the end I would still get my MBA from a pretty good school, but not one of my "dream" schools. I'm only going to go this route if my first two application are unsuccessful.
I know there are many other schools I have ruled out, but they aren't right for me. Also, I really want to get an MBA from a school with a well respected name. All the MBA programs I looked at offered a lot, but only a few had the 12 month length I wanted. I'm not posting my choices here to slight any other programs, but I thought my decision process might help others.
Other related links with in my blog:
- The Choice: Why go back for an MBA?
- Contemplation: Who Should Do An MBA?
- Plethora of Programs: Which one to choose?
- Decisions: US or Non-US MBA?
- Decisions: Which Canadian MBA Programs to Apply To?
- Contemplation: Is the MBA worth it?
Aside:
Google within Queen's ( http://www.google.com/univ/queensu)
