<p>Hey, I am a new user to CC and I currently am transfering from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. I have decided to change my major to something that they do not offer. I want to graduate with a dual degree: a BS in finance/economics and a BS in mechanical engineering. I have been accepted to all of these schools to do this dual degree:</p>
<p>Northwestern (MechE and Economics)
Cornell (MechE and Applied Econ & Management)
Washington U in St. Louis (MechE and Finance(Olin))
Carnegie Mellon (Mech E & Finance(Tepper))</p>
<p>I want to go into investment banking and possibly work in Mergers & Acquisitions for Engineering companies. I would also like to continue on to get an MBA from Wharton somewhere down the line. I was just wondering if anybody has any input that could help me make my decision for the best possible opportunities for internships in the "bulge bracket" as well as careers in the same? Thanks!</p>
<p>I would say Washington U St Louis is not at the same level as the other three in the areas you named.</p>
<p>Best possible opportunities for internships? Northwestern and Carnegie Mellon might have an advantage because of location although Cornell has somme good NYC connections in the finance area. I know a Cornell comp sci/finance major who already has a job lined up in NYC where he interned. </p>
<p>Several years ago during the application process, Cornell was the choice for engineering over Northwestern and Carnegie Mellon. I think Cornell is really excellent for engineering and the school has a great environment. Northwestern and Carnegie Mellon are terrific too. You can't go wrong among those three. My preference is Cornell for the academic excellence, overall experience, culture, and Ivy prestige.</p>
<p>Given its high ranking in econ, the track recond is probably pretty good. It's very known in Chicago. As far as MBA placement goes, it's more a function of your GMAT score, your performance at work (hence recs from employers), and essays; where you went as undergrad matters somewhat but I don't think the MBA adcom sees any difference whether you went to NU, Cornell, CMU, or WashU as undergrad. I know four Northwestern grads did their MBA at Northwestern (Kellogg), Chicago, Harvard, and MIT, respectively. Two of them went to work for big consulting firms in Boston and NYC and they got job offers while still on student visas (usually a big turn-off for many employers). The one that got into Kellogg was one of my classmates and his undergrad GPA was just ok. Anyway, they are all smart and driven and they would probably get into the same list of MBA schools had they gone to some lower-tiered colleges. That said, NU, Cornell, and CMU are about the same in both mechanical engineering and econ/finance (NU is ahead in econ but it has no finance major, though the econ dept does offer quite a few finance courses). WashU is not considered at the same level as other three in your interested fields.</p>
<p>WashU is a great school that you would love to spend your four years. Not only academics but the social life and quality of life at WashU is top notch. Once you come visit I know you'll want to attend WashU :p</p>
<p>Cornell and CMU are rated slightly higher than Northwestern in engineering, but Northwestern is really good too. Cornell might have an edge over CMU in econ. Cornell has a nicer campus than CMU but CMU has Pittsburgh and Cornell doesn't. Cornell is Ivy. </p>
<p>I honestly think very highly of Cornell, CMU, and Northwestern but, as I said, when it came down to the final choice I gave the edge to Cornell and have not regretted it. The workload is probably brutal at all three places, definitely so at Cornell. </p>
<p>Cornell offers an unaccredited "independent major" that you negotiate with your advisor. This is an opportunity to combine mech eng coursework with finance coursework. Other schools might have something similar. </p>
<p>Cornell engineering is very "results oriented". It is not a warm, fuzzy major. But, students are definitely not "cut-throat" on a personal level. They are considerate, friendly, and mutually supportive. </p>
<p>Whichever school you choose, you can feel good about your decision.</p>