Ross vs Anderson - Please help!

Congratulations on your Dilemma!

I think your relationship will most likely suffer quite a bit as the result of moving away. Having lived through several long distance relationships, it is going to be pretty impossible to maintain anything over a long distance during a very busy and stressful period for you unless your significant other/almost significant other is willing to move with you. You can't ignore this fact and if you found a great person, someone you think you want to be married to and spend the rest of your life, what is 5 points on the ranking scale?

The Anderson program is not as elite as Ross but it is the best school in So Cal. You must understand however, that LA and SoCal are a big spraling area with not that many corp offices or large businesses and it is truly the land of small business. No coincidence, Wilshire 5000 index is called Wilshire and was born in LA. However, SoCal and LA is where Anderson is the strongest. I have had a few friends graduate from Anderson both FT and PT MBA's and they have had a variety of paths that they took. Going to a higher ranked school is not a guarantee of getting into a great consulting job, rather a greater possiblity/chance and better chances do not equate to success.

Looking at pure salary numbers, Ross and Anderson are close and since you are not an international applicant (I assume) and thus have no H1B considerations, the trade off between the programs is not all that substantial. LA is just harder with large employers.... few large consulting shops travel to LA and all of west coast to recruit - not really worth it to them as programs are on the smaller side.


P.S. What I would do.... (maybe as I am trying to fit into your shoes) I would probably sit down with my GF and chat with her - how often would we see each other and have some kind of a plan if you choose Ross. Had Ross offered $50K, you could fly back down every other week and pay for flights that way. However, to her, it would look like you are trading her and money for the sake of a brand and possibly a better shot at consulting (Your GMAT will count by the way - those guys like high GMAT scores). If you pick Ross, i would make sure she really understands why and what's driving that because right now, it feels you are swimming against several currents at the same time.

Both great options...I would say go to Ross if life was simple. Since it is not I would sit with your GF and see what she thinks. This should be a joint decision between you and her. Map out a gameplan for both schools and determine what makes sense for the both of you

Buddy,
bb has given you the perfect advice.
In my opinion, you should sit quietly on a beach (or at some silent place) someday (alone) and ask yourself how much does your gf matter to you. Be honest to yourself. Try and be as rational as possible. If you're really serious about her, don't even think twice and go for UCLA. 5 spots is ranking is not worth risking a serious relationship. Finding the right person is more difficult than finding the right job/program (IMHO).
All the best