Thanks for the reply, bb! Here are my thoughts:
bb
Any reason you applied to these 2 instead of the others healthcare programs? I have a hard time choosing.
It came down to timing. I had very little time to apply in R2, so chose not to send a half-baked application to Fuqua and Goizueta. Owen is great for healthcare, but I'd also like an option for consulting looking at how few healthcare companies sponsor internationals these days. With Owen, I'd be putting all my eggs in one basket and I see that as a risk. I liked Kelley's course structure, academies, and globase program enough to apply there. A lot of folks move to consulting from Kelley so if my healthcare plan goes haywire I'll have a backup.
bb
I am not a fan of Simon as it has a very large % of international applicants and most of them are from India, which is your demographics. Being in a large group with common background may interfere with the benefits you could get from the US experience and revert you to hanging out in a small circle of your comfort zone. Part of the reason is the STEM of course - it draws in international applicants.
Agreed, STEM is the only reason I applied. Less inclined to go here.
bb
At this stage it is safety of a slightly larger scholarship and STEM vs. expected potential at Kelley vs. Reapplying next year. I usually don't advise folks to reapply but it maybe a consideration in your case. Your scholarships indicate that you are an attractive candidate and likely Owen and Emory would be interested in you as well. Would you attend if you got in without a scholarship though because those things are not guaranteed and there is no reason to put in a bunch of effort and wait a year otherwise.... but if you can improve your application next year (with extra time?), and perhaps do better in terms of ranking or scholarship or both?
Scholarships are important given all the uncertainty around H1-B. I don't want to come back with a ton of student debt. Fuqua is probably the only exception to this rule given its high brand value, healthcare opportunities, and STEM certification course, but that's a very long shot. Kelley hits the sweet spot between scholarship and career goals at the cost of ranking. It's a tricky situation and I want to make sure I think this through.