Thanks everyone for the comments. Here's how I break down Ross and UCLA.
My career goal is to go into General Management and Consulting in the short-term with an eye on entrepreneurship in the medium to long term. Given that I have some well-matured business ideas and also some background in running a small business,I may even venture to launch my own business, based in India or US or in both places, immediately upon graduation.
AcademicsRoss is very strong at general management and corporate strategy - my focus areas. I like how their strategy program has been implemented and am highly impressed by the professors who teach the classes. Ross probably has the edge in the fields that I am interested in.
On the other hand, UCLA has a more flexible program that will allow me to tailor my MBA and only pick courses that I really need. At Ross, I will probably have to "waste" a few courses. That said, the quality of the classes at Ross was a notch above the ones I attended at UCLA and the students appeared to be sharper at Ross.
Advantage : Ross.Hands-on learningBoth schools provide great opportunities to implement what is taught in class. Ross's MAP program is the heart of its MBA program and is well-regarded by both students and recruiters. UCLA has an equally good AMR program with ample room for hands-on learning.
Advantage : None.Research InsititutesFrom an e-ship perspective, both ZLI center at Ross and Price Center at UCLA are fantastic resources for operational support, inspiration and encouragement. In my mind, there is negligible difference here.
Advantage : None.RankingsRoss has a very slight edge in terms of reputation within the US and in India. Coupled with a HUGE and PASSIONATE alumni network, Ross seems to come out on top in this aspect.
Advantage : Ross.Financial ConsiderationsUCLA tuition : $40k for 2 years
Ross tuition : $86k for 2 years
AA's lower cost of living(random example, I had subway during my trip to AA - $2.79 for a $4.10 sandwich in CA) and lower rent mitigates the situation somewhat. UCLA will probably be cheaper by 15-20K. However, CitiAssist has a guaranteed loan program at Michigan and I will probably get a better interest rate at Ross in comparison to UCLA. UCLA told me that they are still negotiating rates with lenders who I suspect will be wary about extending loans in this economy. Also, because of my I-485 status and no-visa situation, I dont know for sure that I will get in-state tuition at UCLA. UCLA told me that I shouldn't have trouble, but thats no guarantee.
The move to UCLA will cost me less. I have a new car which I cannot sell now. I will have to transport to AA(will cost around $2500) and re-register etc. Again, minor costs that add up if I decide to go to Michigan.
Advantage : UCLA with some room for debate.Career Stats/OpportunitiesIn my mind, very little difference between the schools in this aspect. Ross probably has a small advantage for GM and consulting jobs.However, a UCLA fellowhip on my resume may get the attention of companies during recruiting and help me get my foot in the door. I prefer to work on the West Coast where UCLA enjoys a tremendous advantage but not in the areas I am interested in. That said, I will probably prefer going into the industry of my choice(advantage Ross) rather than working in a location I want(advantage UCLA).
So, Advantage : Debatable.Buildings/FacilitiesUCLA has an amazing location with world-class facilities. Ross will soon have a world-class facility of its own by the end of this year. And I will get first use of those facilities.
Advantage : None.Culture/FitHere, Ross is head and shoulders above UCLA. I have been to Ross more than 3 times in the last year and have made very good friends and contacts. My wife has been to AA 2 times and she loves the town and the friendly people there, but she also hates the weather. UCLA is a small speck on the LA landscape and I suspect there isn't as much collobaration between students outside of school. At Ross, the football team and the school-town atmosphere permeates everywhere and people are very gung-ho about AA and U-M. Personally, I love Michigan football and will tremendously enjoy my time there. Also, GBR was fantastic and I know I will be at home in AA just based on my interactions with other admits and their families. My wife said she felt very comfortable at AA and eventhough her background is vastly incompatible with most of the other partners, she enjoyed the interactions very much and feels she will be happy. Childcare is right next door to the apartment we picked out in AA. In LA, I am not sure how difficult/expensive child care and pre-school will be.
Finally, UCLA sent my decision very late and therefore denied me the opportunity to attend A-days. So, I dont have much to go on here. I still think LA with the proximity to Artesia and disney land etc will be great place for my son to spend two years in lovely weather. But, if I have to pick UCLA, I will have to do so without having good grasp of the culture at UCLA.
Advantage : Ross, by miles.WeatherNo arguments here. UCLA beats Ross easily.
Advantage : UCLA, by several celsius.Any comments?