Aalto University vs. Stockholm University

revontulet · Post by **revontulet** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 11:36 am

Hello,

I am admitted to Information and Service Management programme in Aalto University.
I am admitted to Strategic IT Management programme in Stockholm University as well.

As far as I could see both schools are reputable. Former Helsinki School of Economics received some good rankings by Financial Times and other organizations. It has good connections with the most reputable business schools in Europe and the world. Its accreditations also make HSE a globally acknowledged player in business education.

On the other hand, when it comes to employment during and after studies, Stockholm seems like a better place, I think.
Also Swedish language looks easier to learn when compared to Finnish. And this could be another advantage.

This is a very harsh decision to make in such a short time and I highly appreciate any opinions and feedbacks related to the issue.

Thanks in advance

**Sponsor:**

Pursuivant · Post by **Pursuivant** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 5:55 pm

I'd go with flipism.

revontulet · Post by **revontulet** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 7:26 pm

that was really helpful, thanks

interleukin · Post by **interleukin** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 7:36 pm

I think you said it already in your first post. Stockholm has more foreigners, a language that is a million times easier to learn, a population with more foreigners =more chances of networking with other foreigners and more acceptance of foreigners, better chances of finding a job after graduation... I could add to that a better climate, closeness to a bigger airport hub (Arlanda), and lower prices... what are you waiting for? Helsinki is a great city and I am happy to live here (Swedes annoy me more than Finns), but Stockholm is going to be easier for you as a foreigner. So if the schools both have a good reputation, you know what to pick.

revontulet · Post by **revontulet** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 9:14 pm

I know that after the merger of three leading schools of Finland, Aalto university received huge amounts of funding and donations and they have a clear goal: to become one of the top universities worldwide. This makes a difference I believe.
All the accreditations and rankings (i.e. http://www.hse.fi/EN/news/education/news11112009.htm ) of HSE make it look more charming than Stockholm University, to be honest.

I wonder how it looks like from inside of Finland. Do you think that Aalto University and all these "success" and "innovation" words are a bit of a hype?

Pursuivant · Post by **Pursuivant** » Sun Jun 06, 2010 10:40 am

What do you mean "a bit"

Then again in Finland the kids need to write a matriculation and then battle with entrance tests to get admitted. In Sweden they just flutter in like butterflies and get extra points if they had wooden toys as a kid... In Finland "management training" consists of "how to be the last man standing" while in Sweden "herbal tea and polite discussion". Your call if you want to eat nails and crap chain

revontulet · Post by **revontulet** » Sun Jun 06, 2010 12:40 pm

True. It is much harder to get into Aalto. I have not been asked any GMAT score or motivation or reference letters for Stockholm.
According to HSE statistics for example, the GMAT score of the last one admitted to Master's programme in Finance is 720. Unbelievable.
This proves exactly how picky HSE is.

revontulet · Post by **revontulet** » Wed Jun 09, 2010 2:48 pm

So I made my final decision

I'm joining the army.

Thank you all who contributed to this subject

Pursuivant · Post by **Pursuivant** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 5:49 pm

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