Admitted to Michigan(Ross) Class of 2014

Hey Neosumit,

I think there are 2 aspects to your dilema:
1. Choice of school (forego the $$ from Olin): I think the most important aspect of this choice is your post MBA goals. Do both Olin and Ross give you the necessary tools to achieve your goals. For example, if you want to get into consulting and are targeting McKinsey, does Mck recruit at both schools. May be they don't recruit at Olin, but do Olin alums work at Mck. If yes, get in touch with them to find out about how it worked out for them. If Olin gives you the tools - skills and connections, then go for Olin. Else, this is a no brainer (Olin = failure to meet goals).

2. Financing Ross: This question arises only if you have serious doubts about Olin's ability to further your interests. In this case, lets look at the options. Here's what I am doing:

a. Researching Co-signer loan options: I really like the Sallie Mae option ( https://www1.salliemae.com/internationa ... udents.htm ). This option allows you to release the co-signer once you start repaying the loan. So you need a co-signor until you graduate+get job+start repaying.

b. Arrange for a Co-signer: Get a US permanent resident /citizen as a co-signer and offer to pledge asets in India as a security (say a house by depositing the original deeds with a 'security agent' and creating an equitable mortgage). An old friend and colleague has agreed for the arrangement (let's say he owed me a huge favor). In any case this is an arrangement while I am out of work.

In any case dude, its time to get creative. As I strongly believe, "when the going gets though, the tough get going".