Harvad Extensions School vs. Traditional comeptitive program...which to choose?

<p>I've gotten into a few top 25 undergrad schools, but for the sake of this argument let use UVA Arts and Sciences (I would major in a science, and minor in finance or econ). That being said, I know harvard does not accept transfers, and am dubious I would get into the Ivies that DO take transfers (other than Cornell, which I am not very interested in/counting). To put it bluntly, I am an above average student, but not quite top 5 Ivies level (yet). My main goal for undergrad is to set myself up to get into a top graduate school, be it a Buisness school or Medical school (I am not undecisive, there are just other factors playing in to that decision). My main concern is for internships in the more comeptitive IB firms, since I know they can be very discriminatory of schools. I AM NOT TRYING TO PASS OFF AS A HARVARD COLLEGE STUDENT. There, now that we have gotten that out of the way. I am merly trying to do my best to gain access to the best opportunities I possibly can. There is no argument that if I got into the extension school (yes, you have to be accepted...Harvard does not just hand out degrees) I would have a “Harvard degree” (confirmed by both the college)...but I agree with the general consensus that HES degrees are not as prestigious as Harvard College degrees. What I am asking is, in you guy’s opinions do you think that HES is more or less prestigious than a 2nd or 3rd tier traditional degree, such as from UVA? Anyone have any experience with this/how employers view these degrees (assuming you were ethical and did not try to pass off as a traditional Harvard student)? This is only for undergrad, so my more significant degree (and the one I’d be pointing to more often) will be from a traditional program.</p>

<p>PS, to give some personal insight my other problem with the other schools I got into is that while I like their programs, I do not like the school’s ambiences much (as opposed to the vibe I get from private colleges)</p>

<p>If you are planning on going to grad school, whether business or med, don’t waste money on an undergraduate degree. You can save money, and then go to a prestigious grad school. An UG degree-- whether at HES or ASU-- is pretty much useless if you are planning on continuing your studies.</p>