First, I've been a long time lurker on this site, and I wanted to thank everyone who has been contributing to the site for their insights and experiences. Second, I wanted to reach out to the community to get different perspectives on my situation. I recognize that this is a good situation to be in -- a first world problem, really -- but any insights would be helpful.
I am choosing between Booth ($20k/yr scholarship) and Darden (full tuition scholarship). While my post MBA goals are to enter into consulting (management consulting), I am also keeping an open mind towards other opportunities. My academic and work background is in engineering, though I have worked in various parts of an engineering company (R&D, business development, integration testing). As much as I can shape my coursework (depending on where I go), I plan on studying strategy and also finance, though again, I recognize that my major/class preferences can change as I learn more and get exposed to other functions/topics/ideas.
I visited Darden when I interviewed and I was extremely impressed with the school and the students. They really put forth the effort towards prospective students, and I really got a sense for the tight knit student community. I have yet to visit Booth, but I plan on attending the admit weekend.
Along with the general question of which school you would choose in this situation, I was also wondering:
1) Most would argue that Chicago offers a lot more than Charlottesville can in the social life/atmosphere and entertainment options categories. However, given how busy MBA students are, how much is one able to take advantage of the lifestyle perks of the school's location? Or is the answer to this as obvious as, 'dude, every weekend
'?
2) At Booth, even though there is a lot of flexibility in the curriculum, do the majority of the first years still take the same fundamental classes? Basically, even though there isn't a cohort/learning team is it mostly the same students in the foundation courses?
Thanks!