Why Wharton? Part I

Well, I'm 99.9% sure that I will be matriculating at Wharton. Here's why I am choosing it over Kellogg, based on the aspects that are important to me.

Location:
Wharton: I live in the Philly suburbs, Wharton is in Philly. Hubby and I grew up here, and want to remain here after graduation. One consulting gig a few years ago gave me the chance to work and live (out of a hotel) in the city, and I kind of wished that I could have a chance to live there. But, since we wanted to buy a house, we couldn't afford the nice parts of the city. Wharton would give us a chance to live in the city for 2 years, as long as we can rent our house in the suburbs. Also, staying here will allow Hubby to stay at his current job and will keep us close to our family and friends.
Kellogg: Hubby and I lived in Chicago for 3 years after college and loved it. The idea of being able to go back there for a few years is definitely enticing. We still have many friends there, and there are plenty of things we never got to do while we lived there. However, Kellogg isn't quite in Chicago, although Evanston isn't too far. Students say they rarely leave Evanston though since there is so much going on there in the Kellogg social scene. Moving to Evanston would definitely be more of a hassle than Philly for us. Finally, Philly isn't exactly warm, but Chicago is darn cold in the winter!
EDGE: WHARTON

Health Care Curriculum:
Wharton: One of the first things I liked about Wharton is the Health Care Management major. It is really everything that I want out of my MBA experience from an academic perspective. I will have the chance to learn about the entire industry, which I really need to understand to be able to operate effectively in pharmaceutical marketing. Also, the program is solid and established with a great reputation in the industry, an extensive and tight alumni network, and additional career services on top of the regular MBA career services (the program puts out a glossy resume book each year). They really make an effort to create a community within Wharton, through special health care events and by building learning teams that are health care only. Health Care students must apply specifically for the major, and must interview with the coordinator to make sure the student and program are a good match. Yet, health care students are not separate from the rest of the MBA community.
Kellogg: Kellogg also has a health care major (called Health Industry Management). While the coursework seems comparable, it doesn't seem to have the structure that Wharton has. When I inquired about Wharton's program, I was directed to the program coordinator, who sent me hard copy materials and invited me to come in and meet with her. When I went to Kellogg for my interview, I inquired about the HIM major and was told they didn't have any materials. I managed to find a map of the building and wandered in to the HIM office. A secretary handed me a small packet containing a course syllabus, but that's all they had. I have to admit that I was disappointed. If I hadn't had such a great impression of Wharton's program, maybe I would have been more impressed. But unfortunately for Kellogg, Wharton set the bar pretty high. One other thing - Kellogg's program is open to not only 2-year MBA students, but also part-time students. This means that, not only is the community therefore more fragmented at Kellogg, but it also means that many of the classes are only offered in the evening - not exactly a selling point for me!
EDGE: WHARTON

Marketing Curriculum:
Wharton: I think I saw Wharton ranked 2nd for marketing somewhere at some point, but now I can't find that ranking. Regardless, most people I've talked to that went to Wharton believe that its marketing program is probably under-rated. With the school being so well known for finance, it is natural that something like marketing would be overshadowed. Many people also told me the marketing curriculum is probably more quantitative and data-driven than at other schools, but I have no way to really substantiate this. I did sit in on a couple marketing classes and I was impressed.
Kellogg: Kellogg is as well known for marketing as Wharton is for finance. In marketing circles, it is widely regarded as the best. I sat in on a class here too, which was great. "Brand" (as in brand management) is one of the top careers students choose, and many companies recruit there specifically for that reason. Also, while I was there, the marketing club was in the middle of the annual marketing competition, where students compete to market real products to their classmates. There were advertisements everywhere, and it seemed really cool environment to be a part of.
EDGE: KELLOGG

Ok, I've got to cut this short so I can watch some American Idol (Philly auditions!) I promise to continue this ....