In the News: US News B School Rankings – 2010 Edition
As I am sure most of you are aware, at least those of you who care, US News’ 2010 B School rankings are official and online!
The expected:
Harvard and Stanford have a solid grasp and the top 2 positions, with Harvard beating Stanford by 1 point – although I think they should be tied. The number 3 position is a comfortable 6 points back – well done H/S, be proud.
The bulk of the top 10, although jumbled slightly, looks pretty much the same as last year – MIT, Kellogg, Wharton, and Booth round out the top 6.
The surprises (they do, after all, have to sell papers, people!):
Wharton, although still in 3rd, no longer has a comfortable hold on the spot – Kellogg has officially matched Wharton point for point and is now tied for 3rd. I suppose this makes sense, considering finance has severely tanked and with Wharton considered a finance school, it is plausible that Kellogg (a management school) would hold its score while Wharton dips. I still believe that Wharton has the broader alumni network and carries more prestige – though Kellogg arguably has the friendlier and more cohesive student body (feel free to rebut via commentary below).
Next surprise – Tuck has fallen below Haas, though this one I can’t really figure out. I mean California is an awful place (economically) right now, and while the school is sound, I’m not sure I understand the move here.
BIG surprise – Yale, yes YALE, has broken into the top 10, coming in just 1 point behind Columbia (9), running 5 spots up the chain! This is pretty big, and honestly, I completely don’t get it. Sure, Yale Law and Yale Undergrad are phenomenal, but what has Yale B School really done lately. Before anyone attacks me in the comments, I am not bashing Yale by any means; I am just questioning what they’ve done to warrant the bump above Fuqua and Stern. I have to say, however, that US News does have to sell papers, and this is one way to do it – to get the buzz going.
With the 2010 rankings hot off the presses, please do not completely reevaluate your school decision, the school you attend, or the schools to which you will be applying. These rankings change every year, and companies don’t care if your school is ranked 6 or 7; if they recruit there, they want you. Do your research, visit the school and think it through – B School is a big decision, and you should go to the school which will yield a strong financial ROI (Return on Investment) AND an enjoyable atmosphere – it is two years of your life. Also, keep an eye out for my 3 part series on business school applications and selection.
