I've gotten good news back... but now I'm stuck!

Hi all,

I’m really happy to have come out of this whirlwind of a week with 5 acceptances under my belt. However, I’m now faced with the dilemma of having to pick between them, and would really appreciate any help you guys could give me!

I’m currently deciding between:
Duke (Econ)
Williams (Econ)
Amherst (Econ)
Georgetown (McDonough School of Business)
UMich (Ross BBA Pre-admit)

I unfortunately haven’t been able to visit any of the campuses (international student from a SE Asian mega-city for reference) so my understanding of all of them has largely been derived from second-hand accounts.

I’m sure my decision would be a lot easier if there was money involved, but I’m unfortunately going to be paying the full sticker price at all the institutions listed. Post-undergrad, I don’t have anything in particular in mind although jobs in finance (and in particular I-Banking) and the consulting industry have caught my eye.

Thanks in advance!

If you think you might like to work in Finance/I-Banking for a while in the US after graduation, then contact the career center and international student office on each campus and ask about internship and job placement for international students. With a student visa there are limits on the time that you can work here under the CPT and OPT rules. And, with only an undergrad degree in economics or business, it will be almost impossible for you to find an employer who will be able to get you an H1B (work) visa after your time expires (the only people that happens for are engineers and computer scientists). That means that you will need to work for a company that will give you the kind of experience that is well-recognized by employers in your own country when you return home.

Woops, I’m not exactly sure why I used the term ‘international’ - I’m actually an American living abroad (who ideally would like to work in the States post-graduation). Sorry about the confusion and thank you for your comment nonetheless happymomof1.

I think the decision would boil down to UMich (Ross BBA Pre-admit) and Duke (Econ). These are two different types of programs though. Ideally, what would you like to major in and what are your short/medium term graduate degree goals?

Both are well respected schools in the USA and Internationally.

You can’t go wrong (they’re all Street targets), but they’re very different.

Do you want a tiny Ivy-equivalent LAC, a mid-sized Ivy-equivalent private university, or a giant near-Ivy public with a top b-school?

Do you want to study econ or a field in business? Might you change your mind later?

Do you like very urban, very isolated, a college town, or something else?