How do qualified MBA applicants select which program is a fit for them? Their reasons are varied, layered and often deeply personal.
According to a 2019 survey by the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants, the five most important factors influencing an MBA applicant’s school selection are: reputation, ranking, school culture, career impact and city/geographic location.
So, how does the Rady School of Management distinguish itself? We asked full-time MBA students to share what influenced their decision.
Valerie Wiest, Class of 2021
Rady offers one of the best entrepreneurship programs in the nation and it focuses on having a positive impact on the world through innovation. This mission was made clear from the start when, in our orientation, one of the presenters led us through an activity that implored us to solve problems worth solving. That idea of entrepreneurship with a purpose is the very reason I wanted to obtain an MBA and why Rady is such a special place.
Small cohort size. Having a relatively small class means that I am able to connect with my classmates and teachers on a much deeper level than I would be able to in a bigger cohort.
San Diego weather and proximity to the beach! You really can’t beat La Jolla. I wake up every day and feel like I am on vacation. I love living and going to school here.
Kartik Sanghi, Class of 2020
A very diverse and inclusive culture. We get an opportunity to work with people from around the world and grow our network globally. This also exposes us to various perspectives and help us broaden our thought process, which is a business skill in itself.
San Diego is a hub for entrepreneurs that offers exposure to innovation in industries such as healthcare and technology. Rady’s courses, programs and events provide multiple platforms to get hands-on experience with innovative ideas and work with like-minded people. Rady has a terrific record of [cultivating] successful entrepreneurs.
Rady has world-class faculty who are subject matter experts in their fields and are proactive in sharing knowledge and offering guidance to students. All of the faculty are easily approachable and open for feedback. They also make sure to modify the course structure as the industry demands to keep students up-to-date with the latest trends.
Paul Wynns, Class of 2020
Rady’s culture of innovation and collaboration resonates strongly with me. No entrepreneur goes it alone. I’m excited about the communities here where I can stretch my collaborative skills and find like-minded colleagues across a diversity of technical and life experience backgrounds.
The school is agile, responsive, and forward-leaning in its approach to its MBA program. Its relationships in the San Diego startup ecosystem are full of exciting opportunities for insight, mentorship, and connections with investors.
Ehsan Amozegar, Class of 2020
The spirit I got from its people. Since the very first email I sent to graduate programs, Rady staff answered me in detail. I could tell it was not copy/paste [correspondence] sent to everyone. I received a one-on-one Skype call and the admissions team helped me discover the school from thousands of miles away. I experienced the same level of support once I got into the school.
UC San Diego is among the best young schools globally and the Rady School offers you lessons in agility and creativity. Young schools in general, and business schools specifically, require those characteristics. After all, these are the qualities that their students need to be taught!
Takuya Onda, Class of 2020
People around Rady are collaborative and work with others in order to pursue something new. With its strong connections in the local economy, Rady has helped my startup access so many resources such as mentors, advice from professionals, and the opportunity to make a pitch.
I can develop a rich relationship with my cohort. The size of about 50 students allows me to get to know everyone well. Since the Rady community is really close-knit, you feel a responsibility to make our community better than ever.
San Diego is the best place to study with no stress thanks to the beautiful weather and ocean. Even if you are exhausted from studying long hours, the wonderful sunset from campus would make you feel great at the end of the day.
There is a cross-cultural environment here that [is important for business]. People around Rady are totally open-minded and willing to learn.
Lorena Arellano, Class of 2021
The school is highly driven by innovation. Rady allows you to explore real-life scenarios in its Lab-to-Market course, which gives me the flexibility I am looking for to simulate specific mechanisms in my industry with help and advice from professors. Also, Rady is well recognized for its quantitative analysis expertise.