Low Cost = Low Quality

There is no free lunch! Always!

I'm writing in replying to several comments that I do not know how to reply because I'm not a tech savvy. (I guess you guys can figure out with the simple layout of the blog)

I understand that cost of SJSU MBA program is comparatively lower that the major business schools in the bay area, such as Stanford University, UC Berkeley and Santa Clara University. You probably think that SJSU is state school and has a good reputation in the area. (This was what I thought at least before joining the program) The fact is not true. SJSU has gotten a moderate reputation in its engineering program but definitely not its business program. I went to its job fair in the Fall and Spring and less than 10 companies I talked with were looking for MBA students. They were mostly looking for engineering students. (Well, if you were an employer and paying $90K/year for a MBA student to work for you, why dont you try your luck at Stanford?!)

I think what make most people go back to school for an MBA because they want to land in better jobs. The program has been a year and today is the last day of the program. None of the students in the class has gotten any offer. Then I understand why the program administrators say the school does not keep any record in the employment rate/information for MBA when I asked in the beginning of the program.

Most of the business schools do keep track of where the students go after they graduate. Schools also keep record of how long it takes for students to get the jobs, where most students go and their salary range. Based on these information, the business schools will reach out to the companies where most of its graduates get hired and maintain a good relationships with these companies. I doubt if SJSU does any of these.

There are several SJSU MBA candidates are considering to start another degrees upon the completion of the program. WHY? I'm guessing they are not confident with the SJSU degrees as well. It is quite expensive afterall. In addition, SJSU does not offer any fellowship to its one year MBA students. Try applying to other MBA schools, most of them are quite generous in giving out the fellowship!

So should you apply for SJSU MBA?

If cost is your major concern and you perceive education as important, you should really look for schools in the midwest or southern states. I think you should apply SJSU just as a back up. If you do not have a good GMAT score, I would suggest you to try Santa Clara U and talk with the admission office. Call and make an appointment with them. And bring your GMAT score, transcript and other documents when you meet with the admission consultant. AND SHOW YOUR PASSION!! Their admission consultants are pretty helpful. He/She will tell you how competitive you are and if you should try taking the GMAT score again. The reason I suggest applying Santa Clara U is because the school has good alumni network in the area. It would be helpful for networking and job search upon the graduation. SJSU do not have a solid alumni base and the career development only teaches you how to network with your friends to get jobs!

If you have any questions, please try to leave message directly in this blog or email to us at mbaonecohort@gmail.com. Thanks!