ESSEC Business School’s Paris-La Défense campus. E
Myth: ESSEC Business School only focuses on finance and luxury.
Reality: “While these are standout areas, ESSEC also excels in entrepreneurship and innovation, offering a diverse range of opportunities beyond traditional paths. The strong international exposure and hands-on learning experiences make it a top-tier business school for professionals across industries. The faculty constantly improves the curriculum, adapting it to the ever-changing world of today. As an example, the Global MBA curriculum now incorporates courses that may not be covered in traditional MBA’s such as Data Science where we learnt how to use Python to make better strategic decisions; Digital Disruption to learn about both the power and dark side of AI and how it can be applied in practicality; and Sustainable Transformation that gave a sound understanding of how societal and consumer pressure drives the sustainability agenda for companies. These are just a few examples of courses that I believe have equipped me to further grow my career post-MBA, providing a well-rounded and holistic education.”
Priyanka Gandhi, ESSEC Business School
Myth: Terry is less competitive or rigorous because of its strong sports culture and Southern charm.
Reality: “This couldn’t be further from the truth. Terry is home to some of the smartest, most driven people I have met, and the program itself is incredibly challenging and immersive. With a perfect mix of collaboration, healthy competition, and hands-on learning through consulting projects and case discussions, it prepares you for the ever-evolving business environment. I believe that’s why Terry doesn’t just rank highly for learning – it also offers the best value for money globally!”
Dolapo Adegbite, University of Georgia (Terry)
Myth: A big misconception about Scheller is that our small class size limits networking opportunities and creates unnecessary competition among students.
Reality: “This is the farthest thing from the truth. Rather than competing with each other, my classmates have consistently had my back, providing support and collaboration across various class projects and job searches. The smaller class size also made it easier to connect with target companies, as recruiters are more focused on individual candidates, and the program fosters stronger relationships with alumni. Additionally, the smaller student-to-professor ratio has given me better access to professors, allowing for more personalized mentorship both academically and professionally.”
Andrew Chetcuti, Georgia Tech (Scheller)
Myth: The HEC Paris name is misleading.
Reality: “HEC Paris is not in Paris, but on the outskirts! So, it takes 30 to 40 minutes by public transport to enjoy the cultural life of Paris. But this remoteness also means that the school enjoys a magnificent location, surrounded by 120 hectares of greenery, a lake, and a château. The environment is more than conducive to a return to study, which is just as well.”
Jean-Luc Thébert, HEC Paris
Myth: The IE program can feel rushed.
Reality: “I chose the 15-month MBA experience, and having gone through it, I can confidently say that’s not the case. The program is intense but designed to maximize real-world learning. Through labs, we work with companies to solve real business challenges, gaining hands-on experience beyond the classroom. Plus, our work groups change every term, exposing us to diverse perspectives and refining our teamwork skills. Rather than feeling rushed, the MBA is immersive and dynamic. The mix of practical learning, networking, and collaboration ensures we get the most out of our time, making every moment valuable.”
Vivek Yadav, IE Business School
Myth: IMD is the program would be a year of tiresome, hard work.
Reality: “While it is undoubtedly intense, my experience was different. Instead of feeling exhausted, I found it to be 14 or more hours of structured personal growth each day. In between group projects, individual coaching, case studies, business trips, leadership development, networking, and job hunting, every moment felt purposeful. Although the workload was heavy, it never felt draining because everything was designed to push us forward, both professionally and personally.
What surprised me the most was that IMD defies conventional business education by offering a unique experience that works differently for each individual. Yet the common thread is the holistic growth that all IMD MBAs achieve.”
Shiv Shwetha Kalyanasundaram, IMD Business School
Myth: Imperial Business School plays second fiddle to the university’s STEM strengths, lacking the competitiveness of other top business schools.
Reality: “My experience showed this to be completely misguided. Rather than existing in isolation, the business school thrives on Imperial’s technological excellence, creating a unique edge in an era where business and technology are inseparable. From collaborating with engineering departments on innovation projects to engaging with thought leaders shaping emerging technologies, my MBA experience was deeply enriched by this integration. Even within the classroom, our cohort’s diverse technical backgrounds brought fresh, real-world perspectives on how technology is transforming industries. Far from being overshadowed, Imperial leverages its STEM heritage to produce business leaders who don’t just understand management theory but can also navigate the technological disruptions reshaping the global economy.”
Bogosi N. Shashane, Imperial Business School
Myth: Kelley is just a marketing school with job placements limited to the Midwest.
Reality: “While Kelley has a strong marketing program (I myself am pursuing a marketing minor), the reality is that Kelleys succeed across industries and across the country. In my opinion, Kelley’s consulting program – including the Consulting Academy and hands-on engagements like GLOBASE and One Kelley – equip students with the skills to thrive in consulting. Our external case competition teams also make a mark, securing recognitions and accolades. I have observed my classmates land their dream jobs, whether in consulting, investment banking, or marketing, and across cities from New York to Los Angeles. Kelleys may move to Bloomington for two years, but we don’t stay here – we make an impact everywhere.”
Aakriti Goyal, Indiana University (Kelley)
Myth: The 10-month format is too short.
Reality: “The misconception that INSEAD’s 10-month format sacrifices depth for speed fundamentally misunderstands the program’s design. My experience demonstrates the opposite – the intensity catalyzes more meaningful connections and focused learning than traditional timelines.
Navigating a demanding curriculum alongside classmates from 75+ countries across multiple campuses rapidly develops essential capacities: prioritizing effectively, collaborating across differences, and extracting maximum value from every interaction. This mirrors the reality of international business leadership, where executives must make consequential decisions with limited time and imperfect information.
The program’s structure creates surprisingly strong relationships by the fourth month, when cohorts split for campus exchanges. For professionals connecting innovation across markets, this immersive experience delivers both international exposure and specialized knowledge in a format that prepares us for the pace of today’s business landscape.”
Simran Rahman, INSEAD
Myth: The Carey Business School lives in the shadow of the School of Medicine.
Reality: “In reality, being part of the Johns Hopkins ecosystem is its biggest strength. I can say that the proximity to a world-class health care institution doesn’t overshadow us; it gives us unique opportunities to solve real business challenges in health care. I’ve experienced this firsthand through my hospital internship and with my AI startup, where we are constantly bridging this business and medicine together.”
Elham (Hasti) Jamshidi, Johns Hopkins (Carey)
Myth: You come to London Business School if you want to stay in London after graduation.
Reality: “While this is true for many students, including myself, it is not a universal rule. LBS attracts a diverse, global cohort with career paths that are just as international. Students leverage the dschool’s strong reputation, extensive alumni network, and global career opportunities to pursue roles across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America, and beyond. Whether launching a startup in Singapore, joining a VC firm in South Africa, or pivoting into luxury in France, LBS is not just about London but about opening doors to wherever you want to go.”
Snehal, London Business School
Myth: It is hard to come to an MBA program with a partner.
Fact: “Partners are so important to our MBA community, and welcome at all events!
When looking for an MBA program, I knew my partner would be moving to Ann Arbor with me (while working remotely). I wanted a program where he wouldn’t feel like my shadow. Rather, he could be his own person. My partner has fully immersed into our program – joining clubs and attending countless events, including traveling to four different countries with our classmates! Sometimes at social events people ask why they never see my partner in class, only to then learn he isn’t a student. At Ross, there are no boundaries between classmates and partners. I am forever grateful to have a community that values partners just as much as students and I believe Ross is truly one of the best MBA programs for partners.”
Sam Schmitt, University of Michigan (Ross)
Myth: Michigan is SO cold! How could anybody live there?
Reality: “It’s (mostly) not true. I lived in California before I started business school, and I was terrified that I would get hypothermia on my way to class. But you bundle up well, you get used to it quickly, and everybody understands the main mission when you’re this far north – function over form in -20-degree weather. Ross has lockers in the basement where I stash a business casual outfit if I need one, but beyond that, everybody is on the same page that you just wear whatever keeps you warm. I will confess that there are consistently one or two weeks every year (usually in January) when it gets COLD, but beyond that, the weather is practically perfect.”
Mark O’Connell, University of Michigan (Ross)
Myth: “The University of Michigan’s culture is all about football.
Reality: “While game days are a huge tradition, they don’t define the school. What makes Michigan special is that it offers so much beyond athletics. Ann Arbor is a true college town with a unique blend of arts, nature, and community that shapes student life. The Ann Arbor Art Fair turns the city into an open-air gallery every summer, and places like Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens offer quiet escapes from campus life. Whether it’s kayaking on the Huron River, catching live music at The Ark, or exploring the University of Michigan Museum of Art, there’s always something happening that has nothing to do with sports.
Beyond Ann Arbor, Michigan’s connection to Detroit adds even more depth to the student experience. The city’s influence is everywhere, from the food to the music to the opportunities for real-world engagement. Students can tap into Detroit’s entrepreneurial scene, work on consulting projects with businesses there, or just explore the history and culture of a major American city right in our backyard. Yes, football is big here, but it’s not what defines the Michigan experience. The real heart of the school is the people and the countless ways to get involved, grow, and find your own community.”
Brysan Porterfield, University of Michigan (Ross)
Next Page: Myths about MIT Sloan, NYU Stern, and Northwestern Kellogg.