very tough choice NC... it sounds like your fit at Ross is better than UCLA based on all your reasoning. I wish I could give more comments, but I don't know Ross' program well enough, so I can only say that the E-ship at UCLA will definitely get you doing startups immediately. But it sounds like Ross can do that too.
The cost of living difference is solely determined by the location and weather. Like my previous comment about Fargo (North Dakota), you get what you pay for. If you and your wife are ok with that, then by all means, the location and weather should no longer be a factor (whereas in my case, both are huge factors and thus strikes against Kellogg, since I pretty much refuse to live in those sort of winter conditions if I don't *have* to
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bewakoof, no offense taken, it's all about your individual fit. To give NC a different viewpoint, comparing Days at Haas and Anderson Days, I was blown away by DAH. A-Days was fun, well organized, professional, informative, and cool. The people were friendly, genuine, and helpful. But Haas was simply awesome for me. I felt the energy and friendliness of the students, the love they have for the school, and the excitement they bring to everything they do at every event. It's also interesting to note that I met very few engineers at Days at Haas, whereas many people I met at A-Days were engineers... it's probably just a luck of the draw. Also, no offense to any Anderson students, past, present or future, I did feel that the "sharpness" (as NC puts it) of the students at Haas were slightly higher than Anderson, ONLY based on the people I met. Again, this is NOT intended to be a knock at Anderson people, whom I was quite impressed with, but just drilling down to the very fine points (nitpicking). Maybe it's because I'm one of those "nerdy/engineery" types?
hahaha
It is unfortunate that Anderson didn't tell you about your admit until too late, because A-Days would be crucial for you to decide your fit at Anderson. I wish we could tell you what the experience was like, but just from reading bewakoof's and my polar opposite experiences at A-Days, it really all depends on the person.
Check with red_s4, maybe he can give a 3rd unique perspective of A-Days to help you learn vicariously through your GMATClubbers to help you make the decision?
kry - its all the matter of luck..I am sure people at Haas are WONDERFUL! and have nothing against Haas.. It is all one's perspective - I am sure if I were at admit weekend at Haas, I would have had a blast and enjoyed the company of present and future classmates.
I was really worried about my Waitlist at Kellogg but after my UCLA weekend, I wasn't even thinking about Kellogg. I can't stress how important admit weekends are for understanding school's culture. For me I know I will have opportunity to lead few things and bring new things on the table that hasn't been done before..
I WILL be Very happy at UCLA/Duke and You will BE Very Happy at Berkley/Kellogg.
In the end: A lot of it is what you put in, is what you get out. I am sure majority of us gmatclubber's are very diven, motivated and are hardworkers. We have worked hard to get to this position and I am sure we will be Successful in WHATEVER we aim to do!