I am deciding between SMU and Indiana for a degree in Finance and Spanish. The eventual hope is to work in either banking or consulting. I am a direct admit into Kelley at Indiana, and a Business Direct for Cox at SMU. The cost difference is around $3,000, so it does not really impact my decision. I have less than a week to decide. Life advice is much appreciated.
If I were you I’d choose IU. It’s so pretty there, and Kelley is a really good school for business. When you’re getting a job one day that might give you an edge. Although, I’m not very familiar with the business program at SMU.
@connected22 My vote is SMU. I would pick a smaller private over any public state university. My kids went to private universities and they see the advantages. They didnt’ even apply to one state school. They knew up front they wanted to be able to talk to the professors and be in smaller classrooms. There are vast differences between the private vs. public and they aren’t the same. Universities are trying to compete with the privates be offering honors programs. Did you know that the top privates are @5k in size (Harvard, Princeton, WashU, Rice, ND, etc.). Privates are better because you aren’t a number in a rat race and will be part of a family. You will be able to meet and talk to your professors anytime. You wont’ be part of a harsh weed out process either.
I’m very impressed the cost difference is only $3K. I’m assuming you received an amazing merit offer from SMU. Congrats! That’s definitely not easy to get.
My son attended SMU and he LOVED it. SMU is really beautiful too. I hope you had a chance to visit. My son is working for the top software co. in the world. He was offered a job he couldn’t refuse while he finished his Junior year at SMU. He has been offered so many things that he would never have had those opportunities at a state university (TA, co-ops, internships, research, masters, etc.). Its all because of the size. He also had three advisers that helped him at college - freshman adviser, major adviser and career adviser. SMU business school is ranked the top 20 in the country which is amazing. You should be able to have the same opportunities my son had at SMU if you apply yourself and take advantage of what SMU offers.
The key to selecting a college is picking the college that FITS you. We were told by a professor friend that happy students are successful students. Its so true. If being at a large university is what you want, then go for it. Good luck!!