Ross LA EMBA vs UCLA EMBA [Solved: UCLA]

Question

I have a management background in IT. Would like to propel in the same and stay in SOCAL for at least the next 5 years, which school do you think help me? Thank you!

bb · Answer

Congrats! I did not realize Ross launched the LA EMBA. I am running behind. 😢

Frankly, I think he would benefit more from the value of having Andersen‘s campus nearby and the network and the full power of the Bruins in your backyard.

The only reason I can think of, to choose Ross, would be if the admission requirements were significantly different at both programs and you were able to get into Andersen with a minimum effort versus a more stringent approach for Ross

I would also assume that the Anderson program has a larger class size and that is going to be your biggest asset. Your class will be your immediate network and the larger it is, usually the better it is. You can often good job offers or hear about them through your classmates. Your second network, though weaker, will be other EMBA graduates.

Sorry, I will be fully transparent that I just learned about the Ross campus in LA so somewhat generic comments.

Posted from my mobile device

gmat1617 · Answer

Thanks for response. First batch of Ross LA started in 2012, so it's been few years now since program is running. I agree with your point that Anderson has larger class size 250+ where has Ross LA has 30-40 + 200+ for other location. Additionally, regarding offer and good prospects, i noticed that both school are pretty good in SOCAL area. Ross do have a strong alumni of 50,000 all over, hoping this will be help me in my plan to move India after 5-6 years and from ranking perspective, Ross has edge over UCLA in recent years. This is my take. I would be more than happy to receive any additional point of views.

bb · Answer

Hi. Just to clarify, you mean University of Michigan has over 50,000 alarms in the Southern California. I don’t think it’s Ross by itself.

I would say that your connection with the University of Michigan is not going to be very strong and chances of hearing from alums who are active is going to be pretty small.

First of all, business school and undergrad at separate networks. U2 have access to them but they are separate and usually it’s a stretch connection. It will do if you have nothing else but Quantity does not mean quality.

Also, I don’t think you will want to be reaching out to guys who graduated two years ago. Those are the ones who are probably likely to reply fast but they’re all 23 years old. I don’t think that will be a prime contact. At the same time if you’re trying to reach someone who graduated from an undergrad 20 years ago, I don’t know that they will be eager to reply to someone who got an EMBA from Ross in LA last year. Think about how often you hear from business school graduates of your undergraduate university and how you would feel like jumping to respond.

There are absolutely wonderful people but what I’m trying to say is that I would not count on 50,000. I would count on the 40 or 50 you’ll be going to school with and then another two or 300 other grads who will be your most dependable and loyal network.

PS. Anyone else who thinks I’m wrong, feel free to disagree with me. I would say that I had been successful and connecting with a number of undergrad alumni from my business school when I was recruiting and networking but there was primarily because I was trying to connect with people from Hong Kong and out of about 10 alarms I probably heard from five which was pretty impressive because all of them said they never hear from anyone so they were actually excited and thrilled to chat and meet up .

Posted from my mobile device

gmat1617 · Answer

To claify, 50,000 alumi is over all count. Ross has strong presence in Michigan than LA, I am not sure of numbers, certainly it can't be compared with UCLA given their base and reputation for so many years vs Ross LA. I agree with your point that class strength count more than over all school alumni.

That is exactly my concern too that their footprint in LA can't be compared in anyway with UCLA but they are equally strong in every other part, be it their education, ciriculam, etc. Perpaps, this is where probably I wanted to see experience from someone who did their EMBA from Ross LA, may be I can get first hand information, hoping someone will share their experience with me.

NancyKas · Answer

Hey gmat1617 and bb

Jumping in here as a Ross alumni. The network and how it works is actually really what it is panned out to be. It is less about going to Ross but about Michigan and we have immense pride in being a wolverine. It does not matter which program you were in and where you go, people are willing and ready to have your back for that. I thought it was inflated during my admissions process until I experienced it myself, with presidents of companies making time for me when I was recruiting. Additionally Ross west coast is some of the strongest alumni chapters and alas there is no football this year but you would have seen a few great networking events to connect at as an applicant. I did graduate from the full time program so I may have an edge on this network utilization, but I know I pick up on my wolverines whenever I can now, to pay it forward.

Good luck with your decision  gmat1617 .

Regenerate · Answer

I've looked into both EMBA programs. The advice I received was the Ross program in Ann Arbor was very different than the one in LA and, while they tried to make it strong, it wasn't nearly as good as the program in AA.

So, if those are your two choices, I'd pick Anderson in a heartbeat!

PS - The career coach at Anderson EMBA (Tom Larsen) was easily one of the most impressive people I've spoken to in my research into EMBA programs. FWIW.

Posted from my mobile device

Reinvent2020 · Answer

Hi gmat1617,

We have quite similar backgrounds. I am also from management background in IT. I have received admit from London Business School EMBA program. I am Indian and have worked in USA for many years before moving to UK. Let's stay connected to share our respective EMBA experiences. All the best with your decision.

ANALysis · Answer

easy choice, go with UCLA

imlehal · Answer

I also received offers from Seattle University (I am based here), UCLA and Ross. They offered me 15k scholarship for LA campus but not for AA. I am very much impressed with ross staff, career coaches and few alum that I spoken with. The alum gave me their perspective and peak into the program.They all rated highly and forthcoming compare to other schools where I applied. Since, I am into iT consulting and my long term plans are into tech strategy, ROSS came out to be the best. I am joining ross "go blue and go anywhere".

Lets connect !

Lets connect !

Regenerate · Answer

Very curious ... what did you decide?

gmat1617 · Answer

I have decided to go with UCLA for strong alumni base.

gmat1617 · Answer

I have decided to go with UCLA. For me UCLA choice was easy because of strong local presence.

bb · Answer

Thank you so much for the update!

I feel that is a great choice for LA! Hope you have been enjoying the program, classmates, and the opportunities. 
I know it is a weird year (or is it years?) to be doing an MBA but it is weird to do anything. Hopefully it is still a blast and something that is pushing you to the edge of your performance.

-B

Ross LA EMBA vs UCLA EMBA [Solved: UCLA]

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards