Haas vs Anderson - A comparison

Anderson vs. Haas: Just something I posted on BW that I thought would be helpful for my fellow GMATClubbers. Added to the Knowledge Vault if this prompts more discussion (though with only 3 admits to Haas and 2 to Anderson, I'm not sure if it'll generate much discussion)

Like everyone said, you should go to both school's admit weekends and decide after that. Based on my own research:

(adding additional comments from other contributors)

Anderson Strengths (over Haas):
- Entrepreneurship program is heavily supported by the Price Center, connections abound, and not limited to tech industry
- Dominant B-school in the SoCal/San Diego region, so good connections with lots of work there
- Slightly nicer facility, with a lot more space for students
- Finance is probably stronger in Anderson
- Far more international exchange schools than Haas, very robust international exchange program. Also the quarter system is more conducive to exchanges (shorter time period, less time missed in school)
- AMR, AMR, AMR (in theory it's great, though some Anderson folks have mixed opinions)
- Quarter System - allows for more electives to be taken
- Entertainment/Media/Sports Management (NC)

Haas Strengths (over Anderson):
- Tech Tech Tech
- Digital Media, Real Estate, Tech
- Entrepreneurship program is equally strong and probably slightly more well known, especially in the tech industry
- Probably better if you're interested in VC
- Good student started programs that are "similar" to AMR, like Work@Haas, Peers@Haas, etc...
- Stronger brand (slightly), especially internationally
- your 50% scholarship
- Semester System - allows for more in-depth study for good classes
- Possibly attract higher caliber applicants (based on starting salary, GPA, and GMAT score estimates, as well as lower admit rate) (NC/Kry)
- Earlier recruiting for banking and consulting, since Anderson starts so late (October) in the fall
- GREAT healthcare program (health management certificate) whereas Anderson has nothing. If you want a dual MBA/MPH, Haas' program is larger (~12 students per class vs. only 1-2 at Anderson), shorter (2.5 yrs vs 3 years), and MUCH more tightly integrated. (mba2010)

Both are strong in:
- General Management (all the big companies - Yahoo, Google, HP, etc... - hire at both schools)
- Small class sizes
- Nice facilities
- cheaper tuition
- Good parent school (though Berkeley has a stronger name than UCLA internationally)
- West Coast Weather
- West Coast Attitude (if you like that kind of stuff )
- Huge centers of commerce (SF Bay Area and LA/SoCal/San Diego)
- Dedicated and friendly students and alum

Just my 2 cents. It's a tough decision that has to be tailored to your needs, but I hope this helps a little.

kry, I think you summed it up perfectly. However, I will argue that Haas ARGUABLY attracts a higher caliber of students and might provide for a more influential network. If I was deciding between UCLA and Haas, I will take Haas everytime except if I am targetting the media/movie industry or if I receive a hefty scholarship.

Another point I would add is that the recruiting season starts much later at Anderson compared to other top schools. People who want to go into finance/consulting are somewhat at a disadvantage because by the time companies come, they have already made many offers at other schools and are looking to complete their hiring quota for the year.

very good comments NC, I will add them to the first post for completeness sake

Ari in Entourage holds a JD/MBA from Michigan. So you dont have to have it from UCLA

Really? is that true? (about hiring at UCLA late). That sounds pretty bad.

Yep, fall quarter starts on 10/01.

hm...i haven't heard anything negative yet about anderson's recruiting.....so this is definitely a big negative then...what does anderson reps have to say about that? Why would anyone go there for finance/consulting if recruiting is so negatively affected?

Haas has a GREAT healthcare program (health management certificate) whereas Anderson has nothing. If you want a dual MBA/MPH, Haas' program is larger (~12 students per class vs. only 1-2 at Anderson), shorter (2.5 yrs vs 3 years), and MUCH more tightly integrated.

Not sure how many people besides myself care about the healthcare programs though

mba2010, I agree. The healthcare focus at Haas was a big selling point for me. I like the healthcare certificate program at Haas. I don't want to go for the MBA/MPH, but the certificate program is just enough to develop an industry focus. Also, since very few seek the healthcare certificate, you have a leg up in recruiting and you really get personalized attention from the school. I know a couple of Haas students in the healthcare program that I keep in touch with frequently if anyone wants to learn more.

"- your 50% scholarship"

Could someone please clarify what this bullet point under strengths for Haas refers to? Is this for in-state students or something along those lines?

Thanks,