CMU VS. University of Chicago!!!

<p>I have been accepted to both Carnegie Mellon and Chicago. After visiting both campuses in Pittsburgh and Chicago , I am still unsure which school to choose. I want to pursue a career in business, perhaps along the track of finance, marketing, management, etc... With that in mind, at CMU I would attend the Tepper School of Business, while at UChicago I would major in economics (which is highly rated among LACs). </p>

<p>My indecision comes from not knowing which school would give me an edge in finding jobs/internships (recruitment out of graduation). I know UChicago is well known for their economics major, but Tepper is an actual business school that allows you to specialize in certain tracks of business and might cover a wider array of business aspects.</p>

<p>I need to make my decision as soon as possible to move on and be happy with my choice. Anyone who reads this, please feel free to give me your insight/opinion--especially if you have first-hand experience with either school!</p>

<p>Chicago may be well known for its excellent economics department, but that isn’t really its most distinctive feature. What sets it apart from many other research universities is its whole approach to liberal education (emphasizing small discussion classes often taught by distinguished professors using primary source materials to address big questions that cut across disciplinary boundaries). So it’s like a big LAC. Far fewer than half your classes will be in the economics department.</p>

<p>Two excellent choices so you can’t go wrong. The poster above is correct, UChicago has one of the outstanding economics departments in the country. You have to decide if you want a liberal arts track or a business track. There will be important differences in the coursework for economics and at a business program. Business schools typically have business core classes in addition to what is required for your major. I would look carefully at the requirements for the two schools and think about where your interest lies. You can also try to contact career services at the two schools to try to get an idea of who recruits from those programs. Good luck.</p>

<p>@ tk21769 & happy1: Yes, after studying the school’s course catalog I can see exactly what your saying. The general education component for the curriculum dominates a large part of all the classes. With that said, I worry that employers may see that as a negative aspect since it doesn’t completely focus on your chosen major…On the other hand it may be appealing seeing you are more well-rounded…</p>

<p>sruffolo94 - Many, if not most schools have general education components so employers will not be bothered by that at all. My S happens to be at a Jesuit school which has a huge core curriculum (in the liberal arts as well as all the standard business core classes) and it has not hurt his employment opportunities in the least. Look at the courses and see if you are more attracted by the business or the liberal arts coursework that will go with your major.</p>