What are the best MBA programs in Chicago (EXCEPT Booth, it's out of my league.)

These are the full-time MBA programs I'm looking at:

Loyola University - 2 years
University of Illinois at Chicago - Liautaud - 2 years
Depaul - 1 year

Thoughts on these programs?

Kellstadt and, to a lesser extent, Liautaud are strong schools. Loyola University Chicago is less strong. The other school to consider is Illinois Institute of Technology.

PS Northwestern University (Kellogg) is, of course, better than all of them.

Cool. Yes, Northwestern looks like it has a great program, but it will depend on my GMAT score.

I hadn't heard of Illinois Institute of Technology. Looks like they have a concentration in sustainable enterprise, which is very appealing to me.

The IT Stuart MBA concentration in sustainable entreprise is pretty interesting because it explores CSR through in terms of technology and supply chain. This is pretty rare in this space unless you are willing to commit to a more tech-heavy program - like the University of Michigan's MBA/MS in Global Sustainable Enterprise.

So I got 700 on my GMAT. I believe that the GMAT scores at Northwestern are usually higher? If that's the case, what do you guys think about my chances here?

In any case, I'll also apply to the program at Illinois Institute of Technology. Should I also apply to Kellstadt to be on the safe side?

Average GMAT there is 708 (http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/Programs/FullTimeMBA/FAQs.aspx#8). If you meet their criteria, you should apply: http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/Programs/FullTimeMBA/Applying/Eligibility.aspx

Yes, I think you'll be fine in terms of your GMAT score. How much work experience do you have? Kellogg's recommendation is that you have at least two years - the average for accepted students tends to be around 4-5 years.

I have three years of experience, mainly as a marketing analyst. Should I apply now, or work another year and then apply for the next intake?

You've missed the round 3 deadline for the 2013 intake, so I'd suggest you'd apply for 2014 entry.

With your GMAT score, your chances are relatively good - despite your work experience being on the lower side. You have a few months to apply so if I were you I'd really take my time to focus on the application essays, and maybe even look for some extra-curricular activities, so to speak, over the summer, to really beef-out your profile.

Alternatively, if you do have the luxury of waiting a year, I'd think that Chicago Booth could be an option - and might be a better return on investment.

Thanks for your advice. I think I'm going to give it another go at the GMAT, because I have some time and want to maximize my chances at Kellogg (and who knows - maybe Booth too!)