For economics: NYU vs. Duke vs. Vanderbilt vs. Cornell vs. Brown

<p>I'm torn between these schools. I'll complement my econ major with a math minor or double major. My ultimate goal is to work for an investment bank. Any advice? Thank you</p>

<p>hmm… IMO, Econ+Math+ I-bank hopeful = NYU all the way.</p>

<p>NYU might be slightly less selective and/or prestigious than Duke, Cornell or Brown, but NYU’s Econ and Math departments are both extremely well-regarded… higher ranked than those in the other schools you’ve listed. And of course, being in NYC makes it all that much easier to land an internship down on Wall Street or wherever you hope to end up.</p>

<p>I think they all are good schools, but it may come down to location and money. I think these schools are all in different places and you may hate Nashville but love NYU. I don’t know many people who would love two totally different places. The atmosphere is also different, liberal and conservative. Something to consider, good luck!</p>

<p>I would go with Brown, Cornell or Duke. All three have excellent (top 20, which is all you need at the undergraduate level)) Economics and Math departments and strong ties with Wall Street. </p>

<p>NYU is also excellent at Economics and Math, but unfortunately, its lack of campus/campus life does not offer a well rounded experience.</p>

<p>Vanderbilt is an excellent and well rounded university, but its Economics and Math departments are not as strong and its ties to Wall Street are not as established as te other 4 schools.</p>

<p>^I agree and disagree with what you’re saying. In terms of the traditional gated college experience, you’re right about NYU. However, it offers a very different college lifestyle, so it’s unfair to say that NYU doesn’t offer a “well-rounded experience” just because it isn’t traditional. It’s definitely not for the timid. </p>

<p>You’re right though. The OP’s listed universities are all excellent, but very different from one another. He just has to visit and see what’s right for him.</p>

<p>Thanks a lot. NYU is really ranked above the other schools in econ/math? The lack of a traditional campus doesn’t concern me.</p>

<p>Personally I wouldn’t go to NYU, but NYU is walking distance from Wall St and has a top notch econ program so it would be a logical choice. Of the schools you listed I’d go with Duke.</p>

<p>

Brown, Cornell, Duke, and NYU are all ranked between #10 and #20 in econ and math.</p>

<p>I agree with Alexandre. Brown, Cornell, and especially Duke are just as likely (if not more so) to get you into what’s left of IB as NYU CAS, and you’d have a much better quality of life to boot.</p>

<p>“Thanks a lot. NYU is really ranked above the other schools in econ/math?” </p>

<p>All of those schools except for Vanderbilt have top 20 departments in Economics and Math. NYU is is ranked slightly higher, but not by any significant measure. I would not chose between those schools based on insignificant diffierences in the rankings.</p>

<p>“The lack of a traditional campus doesn’t concern me.”</p>

<p>It should. College is a very important phase in one’s life. </p>

<p>If I had a choice betwen those 5 universities, I would recommend Brown, Cornell or Duke, depending on fit and personal preference. Those three universities are all equally effective at placing students into IBanks…and NYU Econ does not provide an advantage in this respect.</p>

<p>I know NYU’s applied math is ranked #1, which is probably a bit higher than the others. Economics wise Duke, Brown, Cornell and NYU are about the same, although ranking wise NYU can be a bit higher on some rankings than some of the other schools. Internship wise NYU has the leg up because they have better access to all the big companies, not just on Wall Street but in NYC in general. NYC is one of the biggest financial capital of the world after all. Internships are often easier to get during the year as there are less competitions. However for sports and traditional college life and campus Duke, Brown, Vandy and Cornell wins over NYU. If you want the best balance beween traditional life and academics, pick Duke, Brown or Cornell. Brown has an open curriculum and Duke is better for sports and Greek life. If either of those attract you, go for it. If you want an untraditional college experience, like to live in a big city, prefers clubbing over dorm parties, pick NYU. You should try visiting them. After all you would only do well in a place where you feel comfortable and happy. Also, is money an issue? They’re all such fine schools that none of them is worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars over another. There’s no point in putting stress on your parents or putting yourself into debt.</p>