How to select B-Schools?

They say 'management is about decision making'.

However, MBA aspirants today, must know a thing or two about taking decisions even before making it to a B-school!
Take for instance, the dilemma of which institutes to apply to. The fact that there are more than 1100 B-schools in the country hardly helps!

Let us explore the factors to be considered while deciding on the choice of institutes. We will not discuss the importance of the "Reputation Factor" which is actually overrides any other factor; for example, can you argue about the reputation of institutes like the IIMs?

However, there are many institutes whose reputation is not as clear, in which case these factors listed below will clearly help you.

Here are a few factors other than the recognition / repute of an institute -

1. Placements
   
   
2. Specialization
   
   
3. Infrastructure & Faculty
   
   
4. Location
   
   
5. Expenses
   
   

Giving due thought to all these factors will help you come to an informed decision. This is however not the end of the story. Every student has a unique set of circumstances and hence, is in a unique position to decide. It is therefore imperative to keep the following things in mind -

• Long term perspective
  
  
• Fall back options
  
  
• Haste makes waste
  
  
• Have you given your best shot?
  
  
• Think big