Anderson (90% tuition scholarship) vs. Ross (30%) vs. Waitlist: MIT

Hi,

I wanted some perspective on my b-school decision.

I currently work in software in Silicon Valley and when I applied to business school, I originally wanted to fuse my social impact interests with technology. I'm now considering consulting as a potential career option. I went to UCLA for undergrad and want to be in LA/west coast after business school. I've spent the last five years living in New York City/San Francisco, so I feel like I have pushed myself to get out of LA and beyond my comfort zone in a lot of ways.

I would go to MIT, but don't think my chances on the waitlist are very good, so my decision is essentially between Anderson and Ross. Ross seems to have a better student experience, and it would be different for me; however, I would be signing up for a lot of debt. I feel like I could probably get the same first job when graduating Anderson as well, except without as much debt.

However, there are clubs and parts of the Ross experience that seem very unique and would be really cool to be a part of. I don't see the same opportunities at UCLA. But I am also worried about the Ross network in Los Angeles, it doesn't seem as strong as in other cities and many alumni don't really move there after graduation. I do think Ross has the stronger alumni network overall and that would be helpful if I ever decide to leave Los Angeles.

I'm also a huge fan (like everyone else) of the LA weather, but don't know if I should just deal with bad weather for two more years to go to the higher ranked school.

Any perspectives would be greatly appreciated!