Hello!

I got admitted to Cranfield09 and RSM10 and now contemplating my choice...

I am Russian 32yo, 9yrs exp in advertising, marketing consulting/PR, married, 2 kids (taking with me). I'd like to deepen marketing knowledge + catch up in other areas to be able to work in marketing or strategy in Europe after b-school, possibly moving on to own venture.

Rankwise similar, my impression is Cranfield puts more stress on personal coaching while RSM more about international exposure and big picture thinking. Cranfield has roots in military & aerospace, RSM feels more new age and progressive. People talk RSM is more dynamic right now due to new dean and also their faculty is better research and phd ratio. However Cranfield left better impression at interview and feels more responsive and optimistic when answering questions from housing to placement, although that might be due to Dutch conservatism...

Overall, looks life will be easier for me&family at Cranfield, placementwise it also looks better (though possibly limited to UK). However instinctively RSM feels closer to my profile and targets, so I am really in doubt, probably leaning to RSM. But, afraid it might be a bit due to hype.

Sorry for the long blabber, if anyone could point out where my picture is wrong or add some facts or advice I'd really really appreciate. Thanks!

Both are good schools and certainly RSM is more dynamic at the moment, but don't confuse hype with quality. RSM are branding themselves well in the market, and positioning for 2nd tier in Europe, but Cranfield have an significant advantage in terms of historic brand and recognition in the UK market. They aren't as slick in their presentation but the quality and alumni are good.

Since you are bringing a family, remember that quality of life will be an issue. If you live in student accommodation in Cranfield then certainly it will be confortable but isolated in the middle of the countryside. The nearby cities (Bedford, Luton, Milton keynes) are not particularly nice places to live. RSM would probably offer an advantage on this front.