Thank you,
bb, for the nudge. I wanted to provide an update after almost a year.
I decided to attend Haas, which, interestingly enough, did not receive a single vote in the poll. Also, Haas and Yale, did not provide a scholarship

.
Firstly, why I didn’t choose Ross:1. My wife received a significant scholarship upgrade from Tuck in late January, so she accepted Tuck since her goal is to enter consulting.
2. Besides the partnership consideration, I had a few compelling reasons to choose Ross, primarily due to a lack of connection with the seniors there. It’s nothing against the school; I simply didn’t feel it was the right fit for me.
3. Sid note: Following her admission, I applied to Tuck in Round 3. As expected, acceptance rates for internationals in R3 are low, and I was not admitted.
Choosing between Haas and Yale:1. Haas Connection: The seniors at Haas were instrumental in helping me understand the culture, the area, and the career options. The support from my student interviewer and the insights I gained about Berkeley were pivotal in seeing myself there.
2. Yale Uncertainty: Conversely, at Yale, it was more challenging to connect with the right people. Some were helpful, while others did not respond. This might be attributed to luck or their recruitment cycle, but I was unable to see myself at Yale.
3. Career Trajectory Pivot: TLDR: Research about the feasibility of your goal and be flexible in your career options.
As noted in earlier posts, my initial goal was to enter sustainability roles. Over January and Feb 2024, this goal evolved (or sharpened).
First, getting into sustainability for an international student is very tricky- mainly because of two reasons:
o Visa sponsorship: Smaller firms and utilities often do not sponsor visas, presenting a significant hurdle.
o Salary considerations: Given the high loan amounts, the salaries typically offered in this field were not ideal.
o Sustainability in Tech: I am passionate about sustainability in tech, especially with the rise of AI and the need for energy efficiency (for more insights, check my LinkedIn). However, jobs in this niche are scarce.
Thus, I opted for Tech Strategy, leveraging my previous experience in strategy consulting, with the intention of transitioning to energy roles internally at a tech firm. Haas, with its proximity to the Bay Area and strong alumni network, is optimally positioned for tech roles. Though there’s always room for improvement, I am satisfied with my choice given the available options
In an ideal world, I would love to stay closer to my partner. Making this choice of two different schools was difficult. However, our current strategy is to secure employment in the same city and expand our professional networks. Additionally, attending two different schools offers the unique opportunity to access a broader range of resources and share insights. While it doesn't outweigh the benefits of being together, it does present a valuable silver lining!
Best,
Sid