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 table is listed below which you can keep in mind to decide on one.

 

Decision enablers	Warning bells
1. Location	1. NRI/Management Quota
Unless it is a top-ranked school, location matters. So prefer metro- based school to a non-metro one, other things remaining equal.	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.
2. Faculty & Accreditation	2. Discounted Fees
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.	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.
3. Peer Groups & Impressions	3. ‘Companies associated with us - listing’
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.	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.
4. Average Salary & Fees	4. Multiple-degree offers
Very few institutes tell you the absolute truth. So discount average salary by about 25%. 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.	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.
5. Job Profiles	5. Foreign Trips/Laptops
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.	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.

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