HI DM (I wish I would have seen this earlier so we could have connected at OP) and everyone else.
I've posted a few times on here before, but I just wanted to be another resource for anyone who may be interested in applying or learning more about the Consortium.
I'll be going to Tepper at Carnegie Mellon in the fall and I am a Consortium Fellow as well. I, too, wanted a small program and Tepper certainly provides that for me. They also offer a Computational Marketing track which is what really attracted me to their program, before even knowing anything about their reputation or their involvement in the Consortium.
I don't know how I get in either. I honestly thought they were going to burst out in laughter at my application (esp. my GMAT score which was a mess

), but somehow I got in. I like to think it was my recommendations, essays, interview...heck, every other part of the application EXCEPT the GMAT score...lol. Oh...and the simple fact that it was meant to be!
*Note: Tepper does not require an additional interview. My interview was with a Consortium alum, Simon at University of Rochester Class of 1983 - she is now a VP and Chief of Internal Audit at Coca-Cola...the Consortium's mission/vision in action!
I URGE everyone who demonstrates a genuine commitment to its mission to apply via the Consortium. After attending the Consortium's Orientation Program (and I'm sure DM will agree 100%), I feel EXTREMELY blessed to be in the Consortium and have the opportunity and network that it provides available to me. In addition, I also want to recommend the Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) program to any minorities who are interested in applying to b-school for Fall 2010 entry.
https://www.ml4t.org/join/programs/mba
I found out about MLT's deadline too late, but I have friends who are in it and there are many Consortium members who are alums, so I definitely recommend it.
Feel free to send me a pm if you want to talk more!
Oh and DM, I definitely feel your pain. Pittsburgh is certainly not on my top 10 (or 70) places to live long-term...and I will most definitely have to get re-acclimated to harsh winters! lol