<p>Imho SMU is a better business school than NUS/NTU. </p>
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<li>In the business world, it is essential to network and learn to deal with clients who can either be nice or a *****. And SMU teaches you that, in the sense that they have special grooming and networking sessions for biz students and has such a competitive environment where you get to learn how to deal with self-centred and irresponsible teammates. </li>
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<p>Due to the heavier emphasis on projects and presentations in SMU than NUS/NTU, I’d say that dealing with freeriders is more prevalent in SMU.</p>
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<li>Due to the class participation points which constitute a higher weightage in SMU than NUS/NTU, it is VERY common to see all your classmates fighting to have their views heard. Some can be constructive ones while some are not. But at least it broadens your perspectives. </li>
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<p>Furthermore, shy and reserved students will find it a good opportunity to force themselves out of their comfort zones.</p>
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<li>Community involvement programmes (CIP) are part of SMU’s graduation requirements and they are a good and enriching experience for students to learn the importance of giving back to society. </li>
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<p>On the other hand, I don’t think NUS/NTU has that part of their graduation requirements, and hence, students find no incentive to give back to society but just mug for the honours. </p>
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<li>As many of you realise, SMU requires shortlisted applicants to undergo an interview in order to test their suitability to adapt to the highly interactive learning environment in SMU. And this if for ALL courses. Furthermore, from my observation, even some applicants whose results fall slightly below the grades published in the yearly grade profile are shortlisted for interview. This implies that unlike NUS/NTU, SMU does not look mainly at grades, hence giving seemingly disadvantaged applicants a second chance.</li>
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