School Selection Quandary

Alright folks so even though I got on to this great place many months ago I still haven’t come up with an exhaustive short list.

So I reckoned that I would put my thoughts out there for others to comment on. I really welcome all thoughts (good/bad/ugly – it all goes).

Hail Mary
Wharton - I have wanted to go here since I first learnt about BSchools way back when. I cant say whether I will be competitive here at all given the lack of a ‘wow’ factor in my profile. My profile reads solid (higher than average grades albeit from a no-name school, decent GMAT, above average EC’s in college, great international experience) but nothing exceptional in that sense. Hence, I reckon I will apply but cant say with any level of confidence that I have a shot at getting in.

Reaches
Columbia – My wife wants to live in NYC and even though I did the whole NYC thing before and don’t care for it as much I cant help but be allured to the possibilities the city offers. The School meets most of my criteria and I reckon that I have a better shot at it than Wharton.

Kellogg – Highly respected school in India (which is my desired location to work in down the line – roughly 5-6 yrs from graduation). Meets most of my criteria in a desired school and would open my eyes to other possibilities post MBA as well. Again – I reckon I at least have a shot here.

LBS – I am intrigued by the prospects of living in London and getting the chance to live in Europe as an adult. The school although not as well known as the others on this list (it invariably gets confused for LSE!) offers me all the exit options I am seeking. The big challenge with London is the sheer cost of living which seems very onerous at this stage. I fully expect to be 100-125K in debt – but I would prefer that it not become 200K : (

Sweet Spot
This is where I have a huge challenge in terms of identifying schools which meet my needs in terms of geographical preferences – there are several great schools in the Top15-30 range but they just don’t seem to have the level of brand carry that I would like. I am willing to be convinced otherwise and would love to hear from others on this.

Safety
Ivey – very impressed with the school – meets most of my needs with the exception of the chance to intern somewhere for the summer.

Rotman – impressed with the Dean’s vision for the school and how well he has executed thus far.

So now comments welcome – let them come thick and fast.