Just look at the categories that Hjort defines. It is "Near Elite Frontier". See here - http://www.gmatclub.com/phpbb/index.php?c=10

Great stuff Hjort, thank you!

Identifying "underserved" locations presents applicants with value opportunities (to coin an investment term) when it comes to portfolio selection. Strong regional programs are often overlooked in favor of the UE & E cluster schools. If everyone is applying to ABC UE/E program in LA for example, equally strong applicants to XYZ TE/NE/NEF in LA may get better scholarship offers, similar internship opportunities, and face time with the same hiring companies (who often recruit at several schools in the same city). Not taking anything away from a top-10 program, of course. But if you can't get into one, the next best alternative is to shoot for 2nd best.

Additionally, for candidates wanting to break into specific industries: I've always been told that if you can't get into the school of your choice but know what industry you want to work in, GO to the place and start networking like crazy. This list helps those who, for one reason or another, have to forge their own path and go the extra mile in the job hunt.

To give some examples: Many bulge-bracket investment banks have been relocating back & middle office units to areas such as New Jersey, Charlotte NC, and some Mid-West cities. So those interested in Banking & Finance might apply to schools in these cities, in addition to New York.

Those interested in Healthcare/Pharma Management could consider San Diego, a rapidly growing hotbed of Biotech activitiy. Although none of the MBA programs in SD are part of the GMATclub clusters, I would argue that you would have early-mover advantage, being able to capitalize on internships, networking, and developing strong ties with the industry early on.

What do you guys think?

amazing job Hjort!!

Thank you so much

Regards
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Icon it really depends on who you want to work for. If you want a job at one of the big oil companies UT might actually be better than Wharton...you look like a person who will be there long term where a wharton grad might just be using it as a stepping stone. However, if you want a job at one of the big MC or IB companies for a Texas office then a UE would be the way to go. I think you need to determine where the companies you want to work for recruit heavily and whether a top regional school is better than a big name. I know UT is very highly regarded and has a good name outside of Texas...it would be my top choice for that region as a back-up to a UE.
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It is funny that you mention Duke as a potential school to apply to. It was the last school that I cut when whittling my list of places to apply. I knew all along that UT and Rice would both be on my list. I then knew I wanted to apply to a couple of UE and Elite programs, as I feel that only that level of prestige would provide enough benifits to pick over a program like McCombs here in my home state. The 3 programs I picked to apply to were HBS, Chicago, and Kellogg. I have been to the Chicago area numerous times for work and play since graduation and absolutely love it. The strong reputation of both Kellog and GSB, in addittion to my love for the area make them obvious choices for me to apply to. I am planning a trip for August to visit both campuses before applying in Rd 1. Really and truly I should replace HBS with Duke on my list, but I feel like I would regret not at least giving it a shot at HBS due to some strong recs that might slightly improve my chances of getting in.

I certainly do think there is quite a bit of appeal to an UE as far as breadth of options and prestige. But for me, there is also an appeal in living in a new city and experiencing things that I haven't previously. B-School seems like such a great time to get out and try something different rather than stay with the status quo, so to speak.

I plan to bust my tail on all of my applications, hoping to get into one of my desired UE programs, but with the comfort of knowing that there are strong programs here in state that can help me reach my goals as well.

Kry and rr, you both make fantastic points in regards to this direct comparison. Thanks so much for you input.

There is a big difference between acceptance rate and the reputation of a school. Its pretty easy to have low admit rates when you are a very small program, see Yale, Tuck, and Haas. However, generally these are seen as backups for many people applying to the UEs. Yes people do choose to attend these programs over top schools for many reasons.

Haas also has the benefit of being the second best school on the West Coast...many people who want to be in Cali apply to Stanford and Haas...where if you want to be in the Northeast you have Wharton (close enough), MIT, HBS, Columbia, Tuck, Yale, and NYU.
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has anyone been to UC Davis MBA program for working professionals...they have an evening program for working professionals in the bayarea now but not sure how it compares to others i.e Haas