I am an in-state potential finance major who is strongly considering UVA. It’s a great deal financially–especially considering the prestige of the business program. But I am concerned about the fact that you have to apply McIntire during sophomore year. Is anyone else concerned about this? I would love to hear some of the other potential students and any current students in or out of the business program.
I totally get where you are coming from. I’m also a potential finance major from out of state, and the prestige of the business program plus the fact that UVA meets 100% of need are what attracted me. I think the acceptance rate for McIntire applicants is around 50-60% so if I end up going to UVA I’m just going to have to be in the top half of the class. I know everyone there is extremely intelligent so I know that’s not “easy”, but it’s that’s my mindset. If I don’t get in to McIntire, I guess I’d just major in Economics.
It will, however, definitely factor against UVA if I’m weighing it against a school where I’ll be guaranteed the opportunity to graduate with a Finance major.
If you think you are McIntire’s material, please read and reread http://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2014/11/edel-the-road-less-traveled
@quanfo Thanks for the article.
@1600mPenn Plus, the 50-60% acceptance rate does not factor in the amount of people who realize that they do not have the grades to get in… it is self selective making it even more difficult…
I am trying to decide whether I should take the chance (if I am accepted) at UVa or if I should attend Villanova School of Business which I am already accepted to… the issue is money… $30,000 for the risk and $60,000 for a guaranteed business major. Does anyone have any suggestions/opinions?
Money aside. You are talking about a sure vs. maybe bet. I would go with the sure bet. $30k difference is worth the hedge. Another view, is $30k worth a 2-year fighting chance?
Has anyone looked at the acceptance rate for transfers? 12% from last year and it’s dropping. Anyhow, my message is “The going get tough, the tough get going; however, you must at least try to get going with a backup plan along the get going”. BEST OF LUCK!
As @swimdad mentioned: the acceptance rate is completely misleading because of the people who know they didn’t do as well as they wanted and don’t even apply. You need to be probably in the top 1/4 of the UVA student body to get into McIntire. I remember reading at one point over the last few years that the avg was a 3.6 while the rest of the University is closer to a 3.2 avg.
However…there are lots of kids who don’t get in who just major in econ etc (which you don’t have to apply for). When those kids get out they might not have quite the same prospects as Mc grads but I bet you there isn’t a huge difference. Many employers will just see UVA and Econ and think “wow, a business type major from a Business School powerhouse”.
I’m a student at UVA, though not a business student. I would not recommend counting on being accepted into the Commerce school, and therefore would not recommend you come here. UVA prides itself on McIntire, but then barely accepts anyone, leading to an influx of students whose only prospects are to major in Econ.
UVA should either make the commerce school bigger or stop advertising its commerce school so much, as it is very misleading. Also, most of the students who want to get into the Comm school are very superficial. Go to a school that lets you do what you want to do.
Wow. This thread made me even more worried. But I guess I’ll worry about getting into Uva first
“Also, most of the students who want to get into the Comm school are very superficial.”
^^^^^ I’m sure you’ve met most of the students who want to get into the Comm school and this is how you know they are “superficial”. What a BS statement to make.
@jamesjunkers…business is all about risk and reward. Yes, there is risk in applying to Virginia in hopes of getting into McIntire, but the rewards (in my opinion) are worthwhile.
Good luck to you.
A great article, but it fails to mention the easiest cure to this problem…have direct admissions like Wharton does. Then students know exactly what they are or are not going to major in.
@ltjenkins et al., It’s easy for us outsiders to tell Mcintire what to do. I am pretty sure Dean Zeithaml is working FOR someone, too. Behind a closed door, it’s all politics at play