Midwesterner looking to break into Private Equity through top MBA

Hi Everyone,

My name is Ted, and I'm a student at a state school in the Midwest studying Finance and Accounting. I currently work as an accounting intern at a small private equity firm. My goal is to get a little experience, go to a top MBA program, then get to private equity.

I've done a lot of talking to people and reading and have determined it would be possible to get into an MBA program by going the public accounting route first. (If this is completely wrong, let me know). We don't have many choices for investment banking or other good finance heavy places, so I think accounting is my best choice.

My question: Would it be better for me to accept an audit position at the big 4, or a healthcare consulting position at a local firm (100 total employees). Big 4 obviously will be taken more seriously and carry more weight on a resume, but healthcare consulting at the local firm is consulting, which sounds like a very good way to get into B-school.

Please let me know what you think!

Thanks