<p>Hello all,
I am applying to the schools of business for both Illinois and Indiana. There is about a 99% chance that I will be admitted to both, however, I am quite conflicted. I thoroughly enjoyed both schools, but I care what kind of connections I can make by going to either school. I will be majoring in finance, and fully intend on going Greek at whichever school I go to. Can someone explain to me the pluses and minuses of both Kelley School of Business and The School of Business at Illinois?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>I believe Indiana has an honors stream that is very well regarded. Overall, Illinois is a slightly better business school to the extent that it even matters at the undergraduate finance level. You’d likely get a fine undergraduate education at either school. </p>
<p>The Illinois accounting program is #2 last I checked. Indiana is good in accounting, but only the program at Texas is rated above Illinois. In accounting, the quality of the undergraduate program truly matters. Not so much in finance. Because I know a couple of the senior finance faculty members at Illinois, I would give it the nod over Indiana, though IU does have some quality people whose research I’ve read.</p>
<p>Let me summarize the basic difference between the 2 schools. A few years back when I worked in Chicago at a very prominent hedge fund, I worked with a guy who grew up in Illinois, but attended IU. I asked him point blank, “Couldn’t you get into Illinois?”. With a mild look of embarrassment, he replied, “No”. Though I do not intend to fan the already hot flames between the 2 schools, Indiana is viewed as a safety school for Illinois HS students. Right or wrong, that is a common perception.</p>
<p>If Illinois admits you, enroll. </p>
<p>Besides, Papa Dells deep pizza at Illinois is second to none. To me, it’s even better than Lou Malnatti’s.</p>
<p>As to the Greek system. Illinois’ system may still be the biggest in the nation: maybe not the best, but the biggest. There are pluses and minuses to going Greek. If you do decide to pledge, choose your house WISELY.</p>
<p>With of ‘handle’ like “johnwall11” I would have expected you to be Kentucky Blue. You do know that they pay everybody to attend to Kentucky – Kentucky residents, the basketball team, … They may even still use FedEx to send the cash.</p>