Champagne problems. Let's see if I can get some input from you guys. I just want to know your thoughts/opinions - gain other perspectives. No need to tell me "go where you feel best" - i will..just looking for other perspectives. No need to say - you can't let random strangers make decisions for you - i'm not, just looking for other perspectives. Here's the situation. I've been lucky enough to get into those 4 schools with scholarships ranging from full tuition to 20 grand for 2 years. I'm a career switcher from financial services to marketing strategy and want to be in the entertainment/media industry but also open to luxury/lifestyle entertainment. Not looking for CPG roles. Looking to gain as much experience as possible since this is a self driven industry (ie not as much formalized recruiting). pros and cons as I see them ULCA + full scholarship + LA location for media + LA location for weather + have you seen their campus? - alumni HEAVILY focused in LA. Want to end back on the east coast - because of above - recruiters primarily Socal (even Norcal is limited) - seems they are doing away with the international exchange - not as widely know internationally Ross + Action based learning (MAP, other projects) great for career switchers looking for real life opportunity + supportive community really focused on helping fellow classmates + low cost of living - not much scholarship offered - michigan not really known for being a media hub Kellogg + known as marketing school (although really focused on CPG) + Very generous scholarship +/- college town +still have companies like viacom recruit there even though it's not really a media hub + most internationally recognized brand out of the 4 - weather (brr) - not feeling "party school" rep - haven't heard great things about academics - media not strong focus Booth + M7 + you get the automatic "smart" brand + flexible curriculum is a plus for me + have enjoyed interactions with this school the most + great classes - lack of media focus - location (brrr) - decent scholarship but will still be $$$ - has reputation as not collaborative - alumni not as far reaching (are they close?) Thoughts please!! Especially love to hear from current admits/students who think some of my thoughts might be faulty... what would YOU do?

Well first, congrats on the amazing choices! I would say first and foremost, your b-school choice should primarily come down to a) which school is going to help you with your career goals and b) where you want to be after graduation. I don't know Booth and Ross as well so I'll disregard those (though based on what you've written below, I don't think either should be a top contender). For UCLA and Kellogg, I think each school has a bit of selection bias going on. UCLA places more on the west coast, but that has some to do with people wanting to stay there, so that doesn't mean you can't get a job in New York. Kellogg, on the other hand, sends very few people into media & entertainment but that could also be because not as many people at Kellogg are looking for jobs in that field. What companies are you trying to target? I would do some research on linkedin to see how many grads from UCLA and Kellogg respectively work at those companies and are based in the east coast. Also, you may be able to get a job in marketing strategy within a different industry, and then transition later once you have the experience in that job function. So unless you're looking at tech companies, I think Kellogg has the upper hand there.

Honestly, Kellogg or Booth will get you what UCLA (or Ross) can get you and more. Personally I would limit my choice between those 2 schools. Recruiting in Media, Entertainment or Luxury is mostly self driven so the school itself may not matter as much. But you could do a quick search on LinkedIn to see which one has the strongest alumni base at your target companies. This may have some influence at the margins. For the rest, I'd say Booth has the best education and will serve you well no matter where you choose to recruit immediately after b-school.

UCLA with $ $ $ $ or Kellogg with $ $ $ or Booth with $ $ or Ross $ : Admitted

Last visit was: 21 Apr 2026, 18:00

It is currently 21 Apr 2026, 18:00

Vibranture

Joined: 30 Nov 2014

Last visit: 09 Jul 2016

Posts: 225

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 23

Status:Strategist & Coach

Affiliations: Vibranture

Location: India

Posts: 225

Kudos: 97

15 Apr 2015, 20:18

Kudos

Bookmarks

Congrats on multiple admits!

If you are clear about going into entertainment and media, my unequivocal vote is for UCLA.

Granted that companies in that industry don't recruit on-campus for most part so Anderson recruiting might not be an added value that way. But LA being the hub of E&M can get you invaluable connections through UCLA alumni. Almost everyday tons of events happen on the campus and they will prove very useful as you pursue self-directed job search. Getting into E&M is mostly about who you know.

As far as the campus: I have visited the campus and the overall university campus is gorgeous. However, Anderson facilities are not as swanky as you might find in Ross and Booth. I have not been to Kellogg so can't speak about that.

You have all good choices but it is your career goal that is making me pick Anderson over the others.

Good luck!