A Maroon Phoenix and White Gargoyles

University of Chicago - GSB.
Why do I love thee?

In my search for gold,
I came across your cold.

In a place to study Econ, Fin, and Strategy.
I found your school the best fit for me!

Ha! Ok, we have concluded I am no poet. My little cousin could probably "pikachu" out a better rhyme than I. :-)

So why Chicago?

IWMI's response a 'la drunk:

1. Fit. After falling into a deep midday slumber on the soft, plush study room chairs, HPC has become my new home. *IWMI snores happily away* (Hey, after taking a red-eye flight into Chicago, those couches would look inviting to you too!)
   
   
2. Academics. A fellow admit's first impression: "IWMI, you're a nerd!" Got my first LEAD homework assignment already, and I'm ready to rock. (Homework: I love you. *snuggles*)
   
   
3. People. They're already my homies. We have two GSB gatherings in the bay area next week. Already feeling the warm and fuzzies...
   
   
4. Career. (Croons to recruiters) "Me and you, baby. We create synergy and harmony..."
   
   
5. Student Groups. I mean, come on now. Who would give up the possible opportunity of performing with Rose Martinelli at the year-end Follies?!
   
   
6. Alumni. I've been adopted by an alumna! I'm a lucky girl!
   
   
7. Rankings. Top ten, yo.

*Hiccup!* My toast to finally turning 24 this May!


REWIND.....

IWMI's response a 'la sober:

1. Fit. The GSB has an academically (and quantitatively) challenging environment which I am seeking. As MBA Spanky and Julius Seizure described, Anderson provides a more laid-back community. Nick Carraway's recount of visiting Johnson shows a similar environment. At the UCLA Info Session, I was amazed how the adcom kept emphasizing this laid-back attitude. One alumna on the Q&A panel commented, "I had enough free time to pick up a 20-hour internship on the side!" If I had a family at this point in my life, I would find Anderson to be the best fit for me to balance school and family life. However, being 24, full of energy, and not having these responsibilities yet, I am ready to immerse myself in the fast-paced environment of the GSB.
   
   
2. Academics. Unbeknownst to many, GSB has a strong Data-Driven Marketing program. Sitting in Professor Pradeep Chintagunta's Marketing model class at A-Week, I was fascinated by the theory and supporting data presented on customer segmentation for the technology sector. Many students have also raved about Professor Peter Rossi's Marketing Strategy course, which I am looking forward to taking. Interested in experiential learning? Check out the GSB's latest and greatest Laboratory in New Product and Strategy. And yes, Anderson and Johnson offer experiencial learning that is built into their curriculums.



3. People. The GSB adcom have been extremely helpful with my entire MBA process. The students are very approachable, and I was happy to finally meet my student mentor during Admit Weekend. Both Johnson and Anderson had assigned me great student mentors, but I really appreciated that the GSB allowed me to select my own mentor from their student database. I found a woman who closely fit my own background and interests - someone I thought who could offer me the best guidance for my intended school/career path. Amazingly, we're both from the Bay Area, Math lovers, interested in Marketing, enjoy taking active roles on campus, and love to dance.
   
   
4. Career. At the GSB, this is one area I will need to put more effort into. My student mentor had stated, "Look on the bright side. As more GSB students are headed towards banking and consulting, we'll have less competition for Marketing opportunities." On the flip side, because fewer students look for Marketing positions, fewer Marketing opportunities are brought on campus. This means, I will definitely be taking advantage of West Quest and will need to put more time into building external relationships for potential high-tech marketing opportunities. Anderson would have been the better choice for me in this respect.
   
   
5. Student Groups. Next year, you'll definitely find me at these clubs: Marketing, High-Tech, West Quest, & Gross Prophets. And if time permits: Chicago Women In Business, Dean's Marketing Action Committee, Chinese Business Student Association, & Giving Something Back. I think all the top schools are comparable when it comes to student clubs, and if there's something you want that they don't have - start it! :-)
   
   
6. Alumni. The GSB impressed me when my new alumna mentor came knocking on my inbox. Grabbing coffee with her in the city, we chatted for hours about her GSB experience and most importantly, life after the GSB. On top of my wonderful student mentor, I found the alumna's experience of how the MBA added value to her full-time career and how we (as women) can find ways to balance work-life responsibilites helpful to my long-term planning, or how I can prepare myself for step #6.
   
   
7. Rankings. The GSB is extremely reputable with its top rankings. The only downfall I see is that the GSB may not be as strong internationally (or at least in Taiwan). Johnson and Anderson have strong University reputations. "Cornell - the Ivy League?!" Or "UCLA - sure thing!" Then we come to The University of Chicago. My mother sat there scratching her head the first time I told her about the school...