<p>Trying to help a friend out. (international student)</p>
<p>So, she's trying to decide between Indiana University Bloomington and Boston University. Business major (undergrad).</p>
<p>IU:
-Kelley's the better business school--at least, that's what the rankings say. I would love to tell her not to place so much emphasis on rankings, but I'm not sure how that works out for an undergrad business major.
-It's a lot cheaper, and she also got a $5000/year scholarship. Parents are paying full freight btw
-I think one of her relatives is staying in the area, so, being an international student, it'd be great to at least have someone to run to, just in case. And the occasional home-cooked meal would be awesome as well :)</p>
<p>BU:
-Better name recognition in this part of the globe.
-Better overall ranking? (I'm not sure, correct me if I'm wrong)
-Boston's a more happening place! (But more happening = more expensive? And would that matter a lot?)</p>
<p>Yeah so practically everyone she's talked to has told her to go to BU. I think I might be the only one she knows who's slightly more in favour of IUB haha. But honestly even I'm getting confused, and seeing as I'm pretty uninformed myself, I thought I'd get some help from CC.</p>
<p>And I haven't had the chance to ask her stuff like.. what kind of setting she'd prefer (urban vs suburban), size, vibe (midwestern vs east coast), that kind of thing. My friend's pretty laidback but she's the sort of person who gets along with practically everyone. So if you could just tell me the major differences between the 2 schools, and your own opinions, I'd be much obliged!</p>
<p>For business the cost of BU over Indiana is not worth it. Besides that, Indiana has a better campus and offers a great college experience. BU has Boston, which is a fun city, but it isn't worth the $$$. My personal opinin is that BU is too expensive of a school. Period.</p>
<p>Honestly, considering IU is known for a great business school the BU name recognition is definately not worth the extra $$$. Boston is a great town, but Bloomington I hear is definately great for college students as well. I think it's a no brainer ;)</p>
<p>There is one thing to consider that nobody has brought up (and I'm not sure which way it goes).</p>
<p>For someone who wants to go into business, it's important to make connections, even as an undergrad. Which place will give her better connections? I don't know. IU's great business school, and BU being in a "happening" town, probably both work in their respective favors in this regard.</p>
<p>I've been researching undergrad business schools lately for my S and it does seem that location can make a big difference. in after-college jobs. Some highly rated undergrad b-schools have great regional business contacts, but not such great national ones. So yuor friend should consider where he wants to work when he graduates.</p>
<p>A ton of companies come to IU to recruit. Also, keep in mind that in Boston you have a LOT of competition for those contacts, with about a zillion other colleges in the city!</p>
<p>^^Momof: Oh, I hadn't actually thought of that. Competition for jobs/internships from the Boston area should be pretty stiff, I imagine. Thanks for bringing it up!</p>
<p>researchmaven: I think my friend may want to come back to Asia after she graduates. That's why I couldn't be completely in favor of IU, because name recognition tends to matter more for us international students.</p>
<p>Any more opinions?</p>