Part Time Weekend Program suggestions

Question

Hi- I live in SF Bay Area, CA. I wanted some suggestions on weekend programs and if its worth flying out every week for an out of state mba.

Current GMAT - 620(Q48,V27), retaking next month hoping to score between 650-700. Decent GPA and 12 years WE

Berkeley seems to be out of my reach(although i'm still planning to apply anyway), so i really have two options :

1. Apply to Santa Clara University which is very convenient given its only 25 mins drive
2. An out of state MBA(Top 10 Part time MBA schools per usnews rankings)

I know its totally worth flying out of state for Booth or Kellog, but upto which schools down the list would you consider out of state, and at which point would you just take the more convenient option of Santa Clara University. 
Just want some personal opinions.. If you were in my place, would you travel out of state for Ross, UCLA, McCombs, Fisher, Carlson etc.. basically the Top 10 list.

Thanks

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Thanks for the post. I would love to help you, though more information about your situation will help a lot. - Where did you go for undergrad? - What was your specific GPA? - What is your professional experience? Current company / role and previous? - What do you want to do after the MBA? Those answers will help guide my recommendation. That said, Ross and UCLA Anderson are probably worth traveling for and even McCombs. Once you are at Fisher and Carlson, the decision may depend more on your particular situation. If you prefer to email the info vs post it publicly and/or want to talk about how I can help you with your applications, feel free to send me a note: scott@personalmbacoach.com Best, Scott

gillm · Answer

Thanks for the reply Scott, 
I did my undergrad from India and have First Class with Distinction all 8 semesters(No GPA scale)

I worked for IBM India for 2.5 years as a college hire, and have been working with an IBM Business partner here in the US since. Current title: Tech Lead. My promotion to Solutions Archtect is pending this year which my manager can mention in the recommendation letter.

I can get good recommendation letters from my supervisor who is a VP

I would like to transition to product management mid-way into the program

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Thank you for that information. However, a bit more details would actually help. I am very familiar with Indian grades, usually out of 10 so you could let me know that number. Also the specific school in India is very relevant. What school did you go to? Lastly, what company are you at now?

Sorry to ask all of the questions again, but these details are important.

Cheers!

Sorry to ask all of the questions again, but these details are important.

Cheers!

VeritasPrepMike · Answer

I think it all depends on what you want to do after school and how the particular MBA would help you get there. The big downside I see to going to a school out of state is how difficult it would probably be to build a network. Most of the students at the particular school will local students. And since it is a part time program, most of those students will be staying there after school. But, if you have a good reason to do it, like the school you are targeting has a certain competency you can't get locally, it might be worth a shot. Obviously make sure to factor in the additional cost and stress of travel into your life though.

nigirio8 · Answer

Maybe Penn state Smeal?

Part Time Weekend Program suggestions

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