<p>I am currently a sophomore college OOS, non-LDS, student thinking about transferring to BYU. Seems to be a great education for an amazing price (want to spend money on a top grad school). I am currently a finance major, but I noticed Marriott at BYU doesn't have a finance degree technically. I contacted them today and they explained that you can major in management w/ an emphasis in finance( <a href="http://marriottschool.byu.edu/management/emphasis.cfm?emphasis=finance%5B/url%5D">http://marriottschool.byu.edu/management/emphasis.cfm?emphasis=finance</a> ). I am looking for some advice on the repuation of this program, since after graduating I am hoping to get admitted to a top b-school such as NYU to get my MBA. How do they view this program and does it seem solid for finance?</p>
<p>bump......</p>
<p>I donlt even think u have a chance at getting into BYU anyway.
Im pretty sure that religion is the #1 criteria for getting in.
Then GPA.</p>
<p>Ahm, a lot of MBA programs really like taking people who have degrees in things other than business. Anyway, they like to take people who have some business experience.</p>
<p>BIGTWIX: That is not true.
Tarhunt: Not sure what you're talking about. I'm not majoring in general business if that's what you're saying.</p>
<p>Hey Normalguy,</p>
<p>BYU's program has a strong reputation. However, for finance, I think it's a good choice if you intend to settle in the West (i.e. CO, UT, CA) versus I-banking at Wall Street. </p>
<p>You mention that you want to get an MBA. What Tarhunt was referring to is that to get into an MBA program, you don't need to major in finance from a top school. You need solid undergrad grades, GMAT test scores, and, possibly, solid work experience. </p>
<p>I have an MBA and my undergrad degree is in engineering. </p>
<p>MBA programs want students with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Hence, many MBA programs require at least a couple years of work experience.</p>
<p>Well what I liked about it is the price + reputation.</p>
<p>Can you make a visit to the campus before deciding?</p>
<p>What other schools are you considering?</p>
<p>I'm also considering these schools:</p>
<ul>
<li>Indiana University</li>
<li>Ohio State</li>
<li>Univ. of Wisconson</li>
<li>Univ. of Michigan</li>
<li>Purdue Univ.</li>
<li>Univ. of Arizona</li>
<li>University of Washington (Seattle)</li>
</ul>
<p>You're right BYU tuition is cheap, even for us non-Mormons.</p>
<p>All the schools you have listed are good. Do you plan on applying to them all?</p>
<p>No I don't have the money for that. Probably about 5 total.</p>
<p>Hmmm...</p>
<p>Well, if it were me, I'd say apply to:</p>
<p>BYU
Indiana
Wisconsin
Washington
Michigan (this I think will be toughest, so depending on if you think you're competitive enough for admission, maybe substitute Ohio State.)</p>
<p>Thanks. Solid list.</p>
<p>Good luck, man.</p>
<p>One more quick thing: How much do the top MBA programs care a/b where your undergrad was completed in regards to admission. Say a school like U of Michigan compared to U of Washington. Is a top MBA program like NYU-Stern going to favor an applicant who earned their degree from the better school?</p>
<p>^ All things equal, they might choose the candidate from the better school. But, for all the schools you are interested in applying, there is little difference, IMO.</p>
<p>Grades, GMAT score, and work experience are more important than the school.</p>
<p>Hey NormalGuy, academics and reputation aside, BYU is a horse of a different color as far as the environment you will encounter, especially as a non-LDS person. I graduated from the U of U and my older sister attended BYU as did some friends, so I'm familiar with what it might be like for you, and being non-Mormon in a sea of believers is not for the faint of heart.**</p>
<p>OP:</p>
<p>A finance degree is a subset of a business degree. </p>
<p>Frankly, my experience with MBA faculty is that they actually prefer students who majored in something not any more closely related to business than economics. They tend to look very favorably on people who major in something unusual, like the arts, but have done well on required undergrad math-related courses, and do well on the GMAT.</p>
<p>As for the perceived strength of your undergraduate school, I honestly can't think of a single grad department in any discipline that doesn't take this into consideration.</p>
<p>Are you already living a lifestyle that's compatible with BYU's values? I could see a non-LDS person surviving there if you are conservative in your personal life, and you already don't swear, don't drink, don't have sex, you wear modest clothes, you would never attend a mixed sleepover, etc. But I don't think it is realistic to aim to adjust to that lifestyle in order to attend the school. Most people could not be happy following such a strict honor code unless they AGREED with the code in their hearts. Many or most students at BYU would be following those rules for personal reasons even if the school didn't enforce them (and make no mistake, BYU enforces them).</p>