
CLASS OF 2002 GRADUATE COMMENTS
GSIA's mini-semester system provides so many options that the program is attractive to students interested in practically any discipline. The academic rigor, though overwhelming at the time, guarantees a worthwhile education. Also, the Admissions Office does an excellent job weeding out the sharp-elbowed. -- Operations
CMU's program may be rigorous, but the level of teaching is excellent. Although the program is known for its quantitative aspects, I really enjoyed the rounded approach and stress on communication that isn't often highlighted as strengths of GSIA. -- Information Technology
Carnegie Mellon gives you an education second to none. Interacting with people from all parts of the globe made the whole experience just amazing. I met great people, made excellent friends, and had one of the best experiences of my life at the MBA of Carnegie Mellon. -- Finance
The quantitative approach to problem solving taught at GSIA offers its students an advantage over other MBA programs. Many of my classmates, myself included, noticed that we had a larger skill set to pull from during our internships than our counterparts from other top schools. -- Finance
Carnegie Mellon is a great school with an exceptional MBA program, but it is not for everyone. I would highly recommend the school to anyone who wants a quantitative and innovative approach to business. It became glaringly apparent during my summer internship that Carnegie Mellon students have superior skills and technical understanding that give them the upper hand at any company. -- Marketing
The quality of the program here is outstanding. GSIA has an awesome "product" -- teaching fundamentals and their application, with a quantitative foundation, while not missing the big picture. The programs that are strictly case-based are missing the underpinnings of what makes businesses successful. -- General Management
The seven-week course schedule followed by many schools now a day is a double-edged sword. On one hand there is more exposure to different subjects and topics but on the other hand, the time to internalize the concepts is minimal. One must carefully weigh them before selecting a school. -- Operations
CMU gets a bad wrap. Seen as a completely technical and operations based school, it is in fact, so much more. CMU provided a wonderful learning environment with an exceptional environment of teamwork. The simulation learning core courses (known as Game) are challenging, but provide the most valuable learning experiences for any business student. -- Finance
This program is absolutely challenging and demanding. You'll be stretched beyond your limits, and in the end, you'll walk away from this experience with a solid training in the functional areas, a powerful set of tools to manage and lead, a heightened level of self-confidence, and a more well-rounded approach to dealing with problems at work and in life. You'll experience transformations beyond what you expect, and the end product, the new you, truly makes these two years worth all the sacrifices and sweats. -- Pursuing MIS degree
The greatest inhibitor to the MBA program at Carnegie Mellon University is the fact that it's located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Even though the cost of living is lower in Pittsburgh (which makes it very attractive for students), the city lacks for good dining, efficient transportation, and population diversity. Most MBA students who are not from the local region are not satisfied with Pittsburgh living standards and cannot wait to move away from Pittsburgh. These factors make it more difficult to attract high-caliber MBA students to this program. Somehow, the administration and faculty need to offer more to students to increase the perceived value of Carnegie Mellon MBA degree. -- Finance
The Carnegie Mellon MBA program is an exceptional value. It is highly respected by recruiters and it is a real learning experience for its students. The school's emphasis on quantitative fundamentals brings a unique, scientific perspective to business problems. At the same time, the school does not delude itself and its students into thinking that problems can be solved with numbers alone. As a result, there is also a strong focus on soft skills in business. -- Finance
GSIA makes one the kind of business executive the world needs today. The school gives the skills to reason logically and make effective business decisions. -- Marketing
CMU is sometimes pegged as a "quant" school. Over my two years there, the administration has been very proactive in diversifying its "quant" reputation by admitting more non-engineers and offering more case-taught electives. -- Marketing
During my time at CMU, I was impressed by the extent to which the administration tries to respond to student requests for new programs, new courses, schedule changes, etc. In addition, the school has hired a marketing professional to increase the program's national visibility, a much-deserved step in the right direction. -- Investment Banking
The International program that CMU has with WHU (the best German business university) was also an excellent learning experience, especially in this global environment. -- Consulting

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