« Back to article

Print this article

Top 10 things you MUST consider when choosing a B-school

Careers360 lists down 5 things each to look in and be careful about while choosing your B-school. Read on.

Zeroing in on the right B-school is a concern many students have.

Faculty and infrastructure though form a major concern; they often fall in the trap of getting a laptop or a foreign trip.

So in order to assist you in taking a well-informed decision, a 5-pointer guide is listed below which you can keep in mind to decide on one.

These are divided into 'decision enablers' and 'warning bells' respectively.

1. Location

Decision enablers

1. Location

Unless it is a top-ranked school, location matters. So prefer a metro- based school to a non-metro one, other things remaining equal.

2. Faculty & Accreditation

Look for an ideal blend of academics and practitioners. But look behind the numbers.

Look for the number of faculty with over 10 years of work experience.

Accredited schools are always preferable. ISO certification does not mean much.

3. Peer Groups & Impressions

They are the most important. From last year's brochure, see the kind of colleges your seniors come from.

Academic and gender diversity too matters a lot.

4. Average Salary & Fees

Very few institutes tell you the absolute truth. So discount average salary by about 25 percent.

See if the fees justify the average salary. Also do not be too restrictive.

MBA has a long earning horizon. So go for schools with better brand equity even if the fees is slightly higher.

5. Job Profiles

Companies recruit freshers at multiple levels with different packages.

See what is the profile of jobs offered at the schools.

If it is a Tier 3/ Tier 4 school ask if the companies recruit through their Direct Sales Agents. If yes, be very careful.

6. NRI/Management Quota

Warning bells

6. NRI/Management Quota

If you are offered seat in this quota without asking for it, the institute is trying to make more money out of you. So check them out carefully.

7. Discounted Fees

If ever a school offers you a discount (which might be disguised as a scholarship), see if it comes on the basis of competitive criterion.

Or else the institute is just trying to fill seats.

8. 'Companies associated with us' listing

For all you care, the names you see have only made a guest lecture appearance to the school.

Specifically, ask for list of companies who recruited during the last year.

9. Multiple-degree offers

Many schools offer a range of MBAs within the same campus.

But only one or two will have flagship status.

If you are offered admission to a programme you have not applied for, be warned. It may not be worth it.

10. Foreign Trips/Laptops

Having an excursion is good for school children. You have a career to bother about.

Unless the trip is for a trimester or so, it will just be a pleasure trip. Not worth your time and money.

The same applies to free laptops.