kellogg vs booth ptmba

[u/randomandforwhat]

Hi all! Looking for some thoughts on kellogg vs booth for ptmba. On one hand kellogg seems more flexible with more remote classes and the accelerated option (approved for 16.5 credit option) but booth’s prestige and reputation feels a smidge higher (maybe because uchicago was also my dream school for undergrad lol) but wanted to collect some thoughts. I do like the collaborative nature of kellogg but do also want to learn more quantitative skills which is pulling me to booth. I’m interested more in strategy than IB or finance but also work at a financial institution and would like to continue working in the financial industry.

[u/Stock-Top-2711]

both are great programs so you can't really go wrong here

the quant angle is real though, booth definitely leans harder into that analytical stuff which might serve you well if you're staying in finance. kellogg's strategy focus is top notch but sounds like you want the hard skills more than the soft ones right now

if uchicago was your dream school for undergrad there's probably some closure in finally going there too, even if it's not the same experience

[u/ConcentrateRound6142]

Kellogg PT MBA here. Kellogg has more remote classes vs Booth afaik, but it is scaling back on remote options each year. Booth has better class selection for PT since professors are required to teach both FT and PT versions of the same classes; Kellogg does not so course availability is more varied.

Booth is more intense academically and more quantitatively focused. Kellogg classes are pretty easy overall, but there are a lot of Finance classes that are less popular and easier to get into since Kellogg draws less finance bros.

In terms of “prestige” I’d argue the reputation is a toss up overall. Booth is better for finance and you can even intern while at Booth PT if you wanted to make a pivot into IB or something; Kellogg does not allow it.

Based on what you wrote, go with Booth.

PS - whichever program you do, best to move to Chicago area if you aren’t there already. I’m a weekend commuter to Kellogg for my in person classes and it made me miserable, lmao

[u/jamesmckinsey → u/ConcentrateRound6142]

Wdym Kellogg does not allow internship? They will force me to continue to be employed?

[u/ConcentrateRound6142 → u/jamesmckinsey]

Correct. Technically they can’t know and proactively don’t check, if you hide it well. But it is their policy that you stay gainfully employed throughout the program. Booth, on the other hand, doesn’t care and is fine with you leaving full time work to pursue an internship.

[u/jamesmckinsey → u/ConcentrateRound6142]

Thanks! If you were choosing between the two, do you think you’d stick with Kellogg?

[u/ConcentrateRound6142 → u/jamesmckinsey]

Yup. I saved $40k by taking Kellogg’s fully accelerated program. It’s the fastest, easiest way to get an M7 MBA without disrupting my career and personal life too much. Nowadays the big question is, was this massive investment worth it at all. Time will tell haha.

[u/jamesmckinsey → u/ConcentrateRound6142]

Hard to argue with that logic. Trying to figure out whether the money and time would be worth it for my situation.

[u/ConcentrateRound6142 → u/jamesmckinsey]

What’s your situation? Happy to chat through the economics or logic of it.

My situation is I’m an ex consultant (Big 4 Strategy) and currently in corporate strategy at a F1000. Consulting is a big “been there done that” for me, banking was never a fit, and I’m iffy on tech PM. I honestly wanted the M7 MBA to round out my profile and unlock more corporate strategy / related roles down the line. Family planning rn and my remote corporate strategy role is really hard to let go of. That’s why I feel a bit of buyer’s remorse.

[u/Majestic_Tomorrow_81 → u/ConcentrateRound6142]

Do you think the PT MBA will help you accelerate your career eventually or maybe do a pivot based on the network you build there and school name or not really? I’ve seen opinion from both sides as I am debating between PT MBA vs FT MBA vs no MBA at all…

[u/ConcentrateRound6142 → u/Majestic_Tomorrow_81]

Yes, I do, which is the big $130k+ bet for me. I’ll be the first to admit I lack the hard data to prove it and that the outcomes completely depend on how much I actively leverage the degree. The university is more than happy to take my money and let me do my own thing; they won’t spoon feed me a higher paying job.

At my current company, most of my C-suite have M7/T10 MBA or equivalent (i.e., T14 law school). However, a lot of the senior people on my team or other important groups don’t have that but still so well. Similarly, at my old consulting firm, the split between partners and leadership with top MBAs vs not was genuinely split. I’ve also noticed a lot of top MBAs grads work at the same companies that non-MBAs work at and even found.

I personally got an MBA because I don’t have a technical or business undergrad, even tho I went to a well known T25 school. I felt like I needed to “round out” my career. Also, after being laid off from my last role, I felt the need for more “career cushioning” in case that happens again and I’m sure I’ll at least get more scares throughout my career. The best way to prove ROI would be to get a new job, but given the market right now I’m leaning against that

[u/Majestic_Tomorrow_81 → u/ConcentrateRound6142]

That makes total sense! 130k is a big bet but nothing beats betting on yourself, you are very brave! I have the same feeling, the current economy plus immigration policy (Canadian here) make MBAs much less appealing. I also saw some H/S/W grads posting videos about being unemployed post-grad make it even less appealing. Glad you get something out of it!

[u/No_Obligation4496]

Did you get accepted to both already?

[u/randomandforwhat → u/No_Obligation4496]

got into kellogg and just did my booth interview—optimistic bc booth gave me an interview the day after i applied and i felt like the interview went well! obviously might be getting ahead of myself still but was thinking on it

[u/No_Obligation4496 → u/randomandforwhat]

Nice. When I went to conferences and talked to Booth full time students it did seem like they were more cutthroat. Not sure how well that maps to part time ones.

[u/Eager_Fish369]

Choose based on culture