Sorry for the really long post, but I could really use some help!
Hi, I’m a senior currently very conflicted among 3 schools. I’m hoping to study either business or double major in economics and statistics, depending on the school I choose, and eventually go into consulting. I’ve narrowed down my search to Vanderbilt (College of Arts & Sciences), University of Virginia (Pre-Commerce), and University of Southern California (Marshall School of Business).
Considering weather, school spirit, sports, and social life, I know I would love it at any of these schools. I’ve visited USC and UVA and am going down to Vandy for their open house and Rites of Spring concert this weekend. My main concerns at this point are the academics and career opportunities available, particularly for business and consulting. Can anyone help out or clarify my impressions of these schools?
Vanderbilt - Ranked #16 Overall (US News), #15 for Economics (College Factual)
- []Cost over 4 years (with fin aid) = 21k + 20k + 34k + 34k = **$109,000/b
[]I’d double major in econ/stat at Vandy, but I’ve heard that the econ department does grade deflation. I also know that the HOD major at Peabody is notoriously easy, but I’m wondering if a combination in these departments might be desirable for consulting companies
[]How are the academic opportunities here? Supposedly Bain and BCG do some on-campus recruiting, but mainly for the Dallas and other Southern offices…I’m more preferential towards finding jobs in the Northeast after graduating
[]About a 2.5 hour flight from home
UVA - Ranked #23 Overall (US News), #6 for Business Undergrad (US News), #2 for Business Undergrad (Bloomberg)
- []Cost over 4 years (with fin aid) = 31k + 31k + 40k + 40k = **$142,000/b
[]I’d apply to the McEntire School of Commerce and concentrate in possibly Finance and Management. Having to apply during my second year might force me to work harder than I otherwise might lol
[]It seems like on-campus recruiting here is quite prominent, with many offers from the Big 3 consulting companies and smaller boutique companies giving great offers
[]The official stats for this year’s graduating Comm class is 80% currently have job offers with an average starting salary of above 70k, and by August that percentage should increase to above 95%
[]UVA seems to have the most well-known reputation around the Northeast and might have more job opportunities in DC and NYC
[]5 or 6 hours driving or by train from home
USC - Ranked #35 Overall (US News), #28 for Business Undergrad (Bloomberg)
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[]Cost of 4 years = **$48,000/b
[]Clearly this is the cheapest and not by any means a bad option, and USC seems like so much fun, but I definitely felt like academics were not as much of a priority here
[]I’d be really interested in the Cinematic Arts and Business major or minoring in Music Industry, especially with all the resources of LA, but I’m not sure how realistic of an option this is
[]I’m not too certain about recruitment out of Marshall, and it seems that USC has a strong presence mostly on the West Coast or internationally, especially in Asia
[li]6 hour flight[/li][/ul]
Honestly, I"m leaning towards UVA right now, simply because they stood out to me as having the best alumni network and resources for a career in consulting. But of course it’s the most expensive, and I don’t know if that justifies the higher price tag. I have three great options that I’m really excited about, but i’m also not sure how to pick what’s best for me. (I also got into Georgetown, UNC, and BC, but I wasn’t really considering those.) Any thoughts?