This is an undergraduate discussion between both schools. I have been accepted to both schools, but I’m having trouble deciding between the two. The first thing to note is I don’t have financial aid back from Michigan ( I’m OOS so it may not be very enticing). On the flip side, Dartmouth has granted me a full-tuition scholarship, leaving only room and board for me to cover. I like both schools a lot but I was curious if anyone could help me make a pros and cons list for each school. I want to go into Finance, more closely PE, IB, BB. If anyone has placement stats for undergraduates that would help too. Thank you!
With a full tuition scholarship in hand, Dartmouth College is the easy choice.
Both place well in finance.
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Dartmouth Econ has a pipeline to Goldman Sachs, so getting to The Street is doable from either. Unless Michigan coughs up a lotta cash, welcome to Hanover.
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Follow the money for sure. Michigan may match that scholarship if you let them know, though!
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Unless Michigan reciprocates, Dartmouth is a no brainer.
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Update: Aid has been matched. Still Dartmouth?
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@burleighb I think your decision should come down to what courses are most interesting for you to take. Compare and contrast the courses you would be taking at Michigan and Ross business school versus the non-business courses you would be taking at Dartmouth. If you are more enthusiastic about taking the business courses, then go to Ross. IMO all other considerations, while important to consider, should not be of as paramount a concern. But the edge on these other considerations—the college town, the rah rah college spirit, the spectator events—-football, basketball and hockey, the Greek life, and the academic and recreational facilities, goes to Michigan.
^ That depends on the student.
But I agree. The environments are very different. Both are feeders in to the Street (so getting there will come down to what you bring to the table rather than which of these 2 schools you choose). If cost is not an issue either, go with fit and where you would be happiest.
A BS in Econ for a stellar student and finance from Ross are a wash. The more middle of the pack student at Ross can make up for it with better internships and the vast alumni network.
There’s the lifestyle differences which can be a factor too. Dartmouth is fun but in a different way than a big ten school. Ann Arbor is is a better college town than Hanover from a size and scope of things to do. But it’s very pretty and quaint little town too.
Money wise Is the only “no brainer” as has been mentioned. If UMich is anything other than some reasonable and small difference. Enjoy your time in NH. You’re officially an Ivy leaguer.
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Go for fit.
Putting any fit things aside, Dartmouth is probably the better choice if you are set on a career in IB/PE. It is potentially the best feeder (proportionally speaking) to IB/PE gigs at the undergraduate level.
Ross is great, but it cannot compete with the strong fraternity-augmented finance bros network at Dartmouth.
And yes, this is coming from a proud Michigan Man.
@yikesyikesyikes
I’m sure your post is well meaning. But it’s 100 percent inaccurate. It’s the opposite or at best a wash for the Dartmouth econ major. Obviously a star student at Dartmouth will have their pick too. But statistically and pure numbers perspective, not accurate OP.
Maybe socially once you get there they hang with each other sure. But finance frat bros and recent grads aren’t hiring anyone. If they are running deals later in life. They still aren’t hiring anyone. Can it matter for connections and promotions down the road, maybe. But that’s a reach. It’s not an experienced or someone with a long term view of the business.
And you will most likely find one of the millions of business opportunities and executive paths outside of banking.
I specified proportionately. Only 27.4% of Ross BBAs end up in IB, S+T, or PE (these are usually considered the most desirable FO roles for undergrads).
https://michiganross.umich.edu/undergraduate/bba/careers/employment-data
Also, general consensus on WSO (which I used to be on before I switched into tech) is that Dartmouth > Ross for undergrads.
WSO compiled a pretty impressive University report based if you want to see it for yourself (not linking, since it might be against ToS).
I agree there a lot of business ops and executive paths outside of banking. I am, by no means, an IB fanboy (jumped off that bandwagon ~2 years ago).
was your aid strictly merit based or was it need based?
similar admissions situation so the question but no aid from either school thus far. Wondering if its better to wait until May1st to accept in case some merit based scholarship comes along as we will not qualify for financial aid
Dartmouth, like all Ivies, is need-based aid only. Mich offers both types of aid.
Dartmouth sophomore here. Dartmouth is a smaller, more undergrad focused uni. Most of your classes, even in econ which is our most popular major, will be small, and all will be taught by profs. You will get a lot more individual attention than at Mich, and attention directly from professors at that. Undergrads at Dartmouth are preferred for research positions if that is a factor. Our alumni network is smaller than Mich’s in proportion with our size, we have a strong alum network in wall street and a strong pipeline to all the top finance firms. While the same is true at Mich, at Dartmouth there will likely more opportunities to network and engage in finance to the individual student (without rampant competition that is) than at Mich. Last but not least, Dartmouth has a liberal arts, so you are completely free and in fact encouraged to take courses in multiple fields outside your major and explore all your academic interests. I’d say with all FA being even, go for Dartmouth. It’s a lovely school, super quirky and fun, and full of students who love it for its strong community and amazing opportunities. Welcome.