There’s a saying that success brings its own set of challenges. I didn’t fully understand it until I had multiple MBA admits in hand. After months of rejections and self-doubt, suddenly I was in a position to choose.
I had Schulich with a scholarship. Then IE Business School with a scholarship. And Esade had invited me for interviews. For someone who had been bracing for “no” after “no,” this felt surreal. But it also raised the question: how do you choose when the stakes are this high?
Here’s how I broke it down:
1. Geography and Network
Where do you see yourself after graduation? For me, Europe was attractive — diverse, international, and full of opportunities in consulting and entrepreneurship. That gave IE and Esade an edge over Schulich, which is stronger for North America.
2. Finances
Scholarships matter. They reduce stress and improve ROI. I had them from both Schulich and IE, which made those options even more compelling. Don’t underestimate the peace of mind a scholarship brings.
3. Career Fit
IE had a strong reputation for entrepreneurship, innovation, and global exposure. That aligned well with what I wanted to do. Schulich offered stability and a strong North American network. Esade had its own strengths in leadership and consulting. This wasn’t about rankings — it was about which school spoke to my goals.
4. Gut Feel
After all the analysis, the decision also came down to instinct. IE’s culture, international cohort, and the energy I felt in my interactions just clicked. It wasn’t just about where I’d study — it was about where I’d grow.
In the end, I chose IE. Not because it was objectively “better,” but because it was right for me.
If you ever find yourself choosing between admits, remember: there is no perfect school. There’s only the one that fits your story and your future best.
