<p>Hey everyone, I am currently trying to decide where to attend college next fall in 2014. I applied everywhere as a Business major--concentrating in Finance. I have gotten in a lot of places and gotten denied by a good number as well. Ultimately, it has come down to USC|Marshall vs. Fordham|Gabelli. </p>
<p>I have no idea which school to go to and need help deciding on which school to pick. Here is my thought process: </p>
<p>I know USC is ranked 23 overall, and its Marshall school of business is ranked 31. I also know that USC is now considered to be quite a prestigious university, or at least one that has had a difficult year for admissions with its (19.7% acceptance rate). USC|Marshall will provide me a lot of opportunities in the Los Angeles area, and it will give me a strong background in business and finance.</p>
<p>I know that Fordham's Gabelli school of business is ranked 40, but I also am taking into consideration how Fordham's ranking has significantly increased in the past few years. Furthermore, Fordham's new Gabelli School of Business at Lincoln Center will offer me the opportunity to live and study in Manhattan--the financial capitol of the world. I feel like Fordham will give me endless opportunities for internships and jobs because of its location in New York City. I would like to get a career in finance most likely in the areas of: investment banking, risk management, or M&A. I would definitely love to experience Wall Street at a well reputable company such as JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Barclays, Oppenheimer, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Ernst & Young, etc. I love New York and the New York culture and vibe. I would love to experience something new since I am a California Native. </p>
<p>Though Fordham provides me with much more opportunities, I know that USC Marshall is a very well reputable school and it will provide me with a great alumni network and an amazing college experience. Should I put my ambition aside for finance for my undergraduate college experience and look towards New York down the line by attending USC or should I attend Fordham Gabelli School of Business (a less reputable/well known school).</p>
<p>My main dilemma is I feel that if I attend USC, I certainly will be getting a great education for business and finance--along with a one of a kind college experience. But I feel as though I would learn about finance second hand. I feel that I would be sitting in the classroom trying to learn about what goes on on Wall Street or in the NYSE. I feel that my internships through Marshall would always be second to any opportunities I could have in Manhattan, because they would be mirroring on a smaller scale that what is offered in New York. Basically, I think would be giving up an opportunity to be in on all the action in New York at Fordham's Gabelli School of Business(which does have exceptionally high internship and job placements) into the types of firms I am looking into. </p>
<p>Any comments will be appreciated greatly.</p>