MCFLY

Chicago
1.  Northwestern University (Kellogg School of Management)
2.  University of Chicago (Booth School of Business)
3.  University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)
4.  Harvard University (Harvard Business School)
5.  DePaul University (Charles H. Kellstadt Graduate School of Business)
If you can’t get into HWS, it’s a safer plan to go to another well-ranked national school, particularly those with a more technical reputation.  Carnegie Mellon, for instance, or perhaps UT Austin.  The top region and region MBA programs are very competitive, probably just as competitive as HWS if you’re an in-state applicant.  Since the recession, there has been a flight to quality in terms of where companies recruit.  This is particularly true among business schools.  It may not be worth your $150,000 to attend a lower-ranked business school.  But that doesn’t mean you should scratch an MBA off your list forever.  MBA programs have a structured application process for re-applicants–you won’t be penalized for giving it a second try.  In fact, with more experience under your belt, you may have a better chance at admission.  Good luck!