SELECTING A SCHOOL

I did my undergrad in business at USC so applying there was automatic.  The other school I considered was UCLA.  It wasn't until fairly late in the process that I wondered about UCI.  Wasn't even sure that they had a B-School and, if they did, I knew nothing about it.  Found out that UCI's school had a lot going for it:  offered a spring quarter start date which 'SC and UCLA didn't provide; the program would finish in 27 months allowing me to graduate by a full year earlier than the other schools; it is measurably less expensive than the other 2 schools; and much more highly touted than I had expected.  I decided to apply to UCI as well.

One thing I noticed right away at UCI is its customer orientation.  The staff treats potential students as if they are important customers.  They make the application process very easy and they do great follow-up.  I was impressed with the staff I met during the interview process and began thinking that I'd be excited about going to UCI and might even pick the school over USC.

I was informed by UCI over the Christmas holidays that I'd been accepted for admittance in the spring 2011 program.  Since the USC start date isn't until Fall 2011, I won't be notified of my acceptance until after the UCI program starts (when I applied, they told me I would find out in time, but that didn't turn out to be the case).  So, my choice was easy.  I'm going to UCI!