<p>I have recently been admitted to SMU, Tulane, and GWU and am trying to make my decision on which to attend next year. I definitely want to be a Finance major and want to eventually pursue a Masters of Science in Finance. What are the pros and cons of each school. And what school is going to give me the best overall chance for success in the Financial world. I am interested in IBanking-wealth management-equity research- and possibly floor trading. I have seen some of FallenChemists post on Tulanes program. I am visiting Tulane in a week or two and I really need some help on which program to choose.</p>
<p>SMU without a doubt. Tulane is in New Orleans…this means very little connections to the ibanking world. In contrast, SMU is located in Dallas which is an economic hub in the US and growing more and more every year. SMU’s Cox School of Business is very competitive and has a far better reputation than those at Tulane and GW. SMU rose 12 spots in the rankings last year and is expected to go up at least ten this year which will officially put it in front of both GW and Tulane. SMU’s applications increased by 75% this year which is making the incoming class the best class to date. The estimated average ACT is projected at 33. Dallas, football, Cox, SMU’s beautiful campus, and a tremendous alumni network make it the best option for you. Congrats!</p>
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<p>Who exactly is expecting this?</p>
<p>You’re also assuming neither Tulane nor GWU move up… </p>
<p>Since you want to bring up US News rankings, I’m surprised you didn’t bring up how SMU’s Business school fell 8 spots in the latest list… </p>
<p>Which is kinda funny since Tulane’s Business school rose 8 spots…</p>
<p>But SMU’s business school has a “far better reputation” because…?</p>
<p>I was mistaken:</p>
<p>Tulane’s business school rose 13 spots.</p>
<p>US News rankings are more or less meaningless though; I just find it hilarious you’re using them to assert SMU’s ostensible superiority even though US News lowered SMU’s rank and raised Tulane’s…</p>
<p>Also the claim that Tulane has no connections to ibanking is false, as has been demonstrated by posts from former Tulane Freeman students in the past.</p>
<p>SMU and Tulane are both good schools, I know little about GW and business/finance. I am sure you would be fine with either. Hopefully you have more insight after the Tulane visit.</p>
<p>OP, I too came down to Tulane and SMU for Finance. In the end I chose SMU because of the better reputation/ranking of Cox and all their connections. Like the 2nd poster said, Dallas>New Orleans for business opportunities, although thats not to say that Freeman doesn’t place well but there is a certain benefit to going to school in the same city as a ton of companies which has executives/employees that went to the same school as you. Cox is better for IB, Freeman for energy trading, both are probably equal for corporate finance. SMU does have a nicer campus but Tulane/New Orleans will make for an interesting college experience. Visit both and decide! I liked both campuses but being in SMU’s Cox BBA Scholars/Honors program helped push me there (I kind of didn’t like that Freeman lets anyone in, it makes it seem less prestigious IMO)</p>
<p>This has nothing to do with finance: Tulane v. SMU, Football. Nov. 5, 2011, in Dallas! 
(I have a S at Tulane and another starting SMU in the fall)</p>
<p>have you thought about where you want to live after graduation? Cox/SMU has an over-the-top network of alumni in Dallas and, I have to agree with other posters, a wider national rep than Freeman. </p>
<p>Still, the opportunities for growth in NOLA are pretty awesome; you’d get a quality education at Tulane as well.</p>
<p>GW – so very, very different than the other two. I’d think GW would be a choice if you’ve visited the other two and really have a preference for its campus style and Washington, D.C. </p>
<p>Kind like you need to decide between SMU/Tulane v. GW first and then, if you go with the former, decide between SMU and Tulane.</p>