Hi there,

I've got an offer from both Lancaster and CASS. Initially CASS was my first choice but as I've worked on finances, I'm a bit confused as to which one to chose.

About me - I've background in banking, regulatory risk management projects, and 10 years of professional experience working for renowned consultancy firms and banks in the city of London. I want to continue doing projects work in banking post MBA so I'm not looking for a total change in career.

Considering that I want to work in London and in banking, CASS makes a strong case as both its ranking and location is ideal for that. However, when I compare the cost of the MBA in CASS against Lancaster, I start wondering about ROI and whether the CASS MBA programme is that much superior to pay the extra money. The total cost of CASS MBA along with living expenses would be around GBP 60-65k compare to Lancaster where it would cost GBP 35-40K. Considering my goals and the industry I work/want to work in, do you think it is justifiable to pay extra GBP 25k for an MBA from CASS? Will it be worth the extra cost? I wouldn't have argued had this been LBS but with CASS I am not sure how much difference it would make compare to Lancaster.

Thanks
Omar

Cass is someone's name. Don't capitalise it.

Yes because Cass is in the banking district and is one of the top schools for finance it is the better place to be. Indeed and MSc in finance from a top London school is probably better than an MBA without a major finance element.

Thanks for your response.

Yes I am aware that Cass is a better school but was just wondering if paying that extra cost is worth it or not. But as it's an important decision so I'd go for top school in London (CASS) than Lancaster as it's a more powerful name in London.

Thanks

I think you should go ahead with Cass. Way much better than Lancaster in the long run. Did you take their own admission test?

no GMAT.

It's absolutely fine due to your level of experience and I supposed that that's the main reason why Cass Business School allows you to be exempted from GMAT and take their admission test. I know a few who did the school's admission test but they are all locals.

Unfortunately they didn't allow me that leverage of GMAT exemption but I do know that they have GMA in house test as well but I don't know if you can take that test and get an exemption from GMAT.

If that's the case, you can let them know directly to let you take their own admission test.

What's the advantage of their own GMA test compared to taking GMAT?

Normally the key difference is that business schools' GMAT-like tests are free and can be scheduled rapidly.

And how about level of difficulty? Same as GMAT or a bit easier?

The questions will be very similar. The only difference is that the GMAT has a very slick user interface and is more accurate because it is adaptive.

I'm again in a dilemma. Lancaster has offered me 50% scholarship which makes my total MBA at Lancaster 10k less than just the tuition fee as Cass as I'm self funding cass MBA. Now this Lancaster offer looks very promising as it's really cheap compare to Cass (approx £35k difference including living cost) which is significant to make a decision.

I also have offers from Bath and Cass MBA with scholarships so which one did you end up choosing do tell. I am also interested in knowing more about Cass as it is strong in finance and entrepreneurship both my target industries. Plus I am an international applicant

Cass will be better than Bath for most students.