Beat The GMAT a GMAT & MBA community

Do you really prefer one of these other programs to UCLA Anderson, or is it partly a matter of wanting to have options?

I would say that if one of those other programs is your DREAM program, then you might as well contact that program (politely) and see what time frame you're looking at for a final decision, and if there are additional materials that would help your case. I'm not sure I would use your acceptance to another program as part of that conversation, though. I'm sure all the programs are aware of the various deadlines for the other schools. Worst case scenario is that you put down your deposit with UCLA, and then have to give the money up when you get into another program.

And as a UCLA alumna, I'm going to make a shameless plug for how awesome the campus is (not to mention Los Angeles weather, you can't forget that!). My undergrad on-campus job was with the Anderson school, and the professors, administrators and students were really fantastic. You'll have a great experience there.

Yes, there are plenty of students who put down a deposit and lose it when accepted at another program that they considered a better choice. IF you think that Duke/Texas/Michigan are better, by all means stay on the waitlist, but I'd also ask UCLA for an extension until the next admissions deadline at your waitlisted schools, so I don't have to commit right away.