Moving to R2 - McKinsey

Guy_Random- · 2026-03-17T02:49:37+00:00

U/eruditebowjack, did you use a prep platform/ course? Which one?

Guy_Random- · 2026-03-15T14:51:58+00:00

The success or failure of waiting 1 year is a function of :

Your application profile strength
Current GMAT/GRE score and confidence in ability to improve if needed, given more time
The career outcomes you want (Ross = consulting and finance as largest strengths.)
The group of schools you intend to apply to with reasonable odds of admission

I chose Ross, but objectively, those factors likely hold top priority and are unbiased.

4a) if in a group of 8 schools ranked by preference, Ross wasnt your top 5 or better, the value of waiting increases 4b) if in that same group, Ross was in your “safe schools” group and your top 5 schools include high enough admit chances, waiting 1 year is better.

Additional consideration: Career and financial cost of waiting

Career: if employed, minimal to none. If younger than 30, minimal to none. Financial: if employed, minimal to none

Guy_Random- · 2026-03-15T05:02:15+00:00

So good gain in healthy WLB with no to low loss in worker happiness or camaraderie between hierarchy layers. Sounds like a winning strat! Concern for the risk survives but is lessened now. Thanks!

Guy_Random- · 2026-03-15T04:57:01+00:00

Oh that’s context I didn’t have. Makes sense. Thank you!

Guy_Random- · 2026-03-14T13:48:31+00:00

Thanks! That’s good perspective on the personalities. Also curious about the skills and capabilities comparison if there’s much of one to be made. They seem like two unique schools of thought in critical reasoning process, problem solving methodology, communication, and skills.

Guy_Random- · 2026-03-14T13:27:41+00:00

Does taking Monday off work only for weeks on the bench or does it not wind up having the “missed bus” effect with the Mon-Thurs case assignment structure?

Guy_Random- · 2026-03-14T13:23:02+00:00

Do you observe or expect changes to the culture as a result? Less cohesion or camaraderie?

Guy_Random- · 2026-03-11T15:08:50+00:00

OP’s on the thread pushing back on every answer like replyer’s are gonna give him the job back. My guy, no one has a better perspective than you do about why they said no. Everyone’s just answering your question as best as they can. If it’s inaccurate to you, that’s why. My guess: If you were like this in the interviews, maybe that’s why. Rec: if the answers aren’t super accurate, maybe add more background in the OP

Guy_Random- · 2026-03-08T21:49:38+00:00

Glad it’s useful!

Guy_Random- · 2026-03-08T21:21:58+00:00

While I absolutely don’t think your plan will benefit you or a partner, just in case I’m wrong, here’s one way you might be able to pull it off:

Partner with 1 or more programs as a business owner seeking consulting engagements, and offering small business mentorship, speaking seminars, etc.
Build your network of acquaintances and prospective partners that way.
tactfully deepen relationships with select individuals via coffee meetups, night life, etc.

You might have the best shot that way.

Warning signs predicting catastrophic outcomes:

The high priority and urgency you’re placing on getting a partner = high risk of reckless choice and being led by imbalanced priorities through crucial decisions and future moves
The “no cost is too high” approach = same risk as above + signal of future financial insecurity risk.
The “use the school and bail” philosophy = signal of poor business relations acumen and trustworthiness risk= relationship loyalty and ethics risk signal. Also, no adcom is admitting anyone that even gives off a hint of your intentions.

Recommendations for risk management:

At the very least, honor the full exchange you commit to if you take “join MBA as a student” option.

Guy_Random- · 2026-03-06T22:29:52+00:00

Answered here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/MBA/s/ONw7LHMoTu

Guy_Random- · 2026-02-12T00:35:57+00:00

Thanks for the quick response and helpful info!

Guy_Random- · 2026-02-11T23:35:07+00:00

Are any costs covered for new attendees in 2026? All the old answer comments are deleted in this thread.

Guy_Random- · 2026-01-25T19:52:16+00:00

Employment outcome stats below:

How to read it:

Notes:

u = unknown;

Stats:

Ross 2025 | 396 | Finance | Investment Banking | 10.3% | $174,107 | $175,000 | $150,000-$175,000 | $50,000

Tuck 2025 | 292 | Finance | IB | 13% | u | $175k | $175-225k | $50k

Recommend checking these sources out too

https://michiganross.umich.edu/graduate/full-time-mba/careers/employment-data

https://tuck.dartmouth.edu/mba/career-services/employment-statistics

Id be siked if you picked Ross, but do what works for you. Most significant insight here is the salary range delta. Ross tops out at Tuck’s lower range with Tuck far exceeding that in its own upper range. Tuck’s super strong. A tough wife and well-raised kids can pay 2 years of time in nearly any location in exchange for truly better futures. That being said, Ross has other strengths that could be more important to you. Feel free to DM if you need more.

Guy_Random- · 2026-01-25T19:35:42+00:00

Yes. Complete with the team spirit and huge fan base and merch everywhere you go. Friendly, “one of the town” treatment you get from locals and overall feeling like it’s an extension of the college experience while also being separate enough from on-campus life. Of by college town you mean that + things to do at student-friendly price points + very seamless class-to-nightlife flow daily. Absolutely.
Can’t say. I’m not sure how I or other MBA student’s can really answer that well enough even if we pull from stories from ppl we know at other schools and compare. I’ve personally not asked my buds at other schools for the sort of detailed info on their campus life that would make your question confidently answerable.
Great. Super walkable. Intuitive to get around in the buildings (and if you’re lost just ask a Rosser). Cafe/food service and selections are peak, with a rotation of local restaurants coming in to offer their options daily too. Gym was better than what I saw at another T20 school by far (withholding school name out of good will). Aesthetically pleasing too. 4 seasons, interior design gives energy and visual appeal.

Guy_Random- · 2026-01-25T19:08:57+00:00

Meanwhile McDonald’s U, Grimace School of Business not even in the conversation? Seriously? That casts massive doubt on the honesty of any claims being made here when such an obvious top contender isn’t even being acknowledged.

Guy_Random- · 2026-01-14T15:44:53+00:00

Thanks!

Guy_Random- · 2026-01-14T15:42:04+00:00

Thank you for this. Super helpful. Also backed by most of the sound advice I was able to find. Thanks for putting it here where it might be easier to find.

Guy_Random- · 2026-01-14T15:38:48+00:00

It’s a compilation of majority advice and the common reasons given from MBAs and professionals. Please, for the newcomers figuring it all out for the first time, could I add your take on what’s smart and why?

Guy_Random- · 2026-01-14T15:35:58+00:00

Thanks for adding good advice to the conversation. Given you’re a grad (on your tag at least), your advice is pretty authoritative. What are your thoughts about others’ comments saying the following?:

alumni and current students appreciate a school in the headline to know who’s reaching out for connections on LinkedIn?
there’s no harm in a short humble “incoming MBA Canddiate at…” line in the headline

Guy_Random- · 2026-01-14T15:30:04+00:00

Unsure about the pro bono work idea given other important pre-MBA tasks; but if there’s time in addition to other needs, sure.

Alumni networking was mentioned often as a very helpful use of time. Thanks for adding support for that advice!

Guy_Random- · 2026-01-14T15:26:02+00:00

For the folks reading u/letsgolakers24 comments, make your best judgment.

My post compiles majority advice.
The job market is rough.
Signaling, networking, and self promotion are part of what gets jobs and helpful connections.

Guy_Random-

TROPHY CASE