<p>Hi! So I'm currently torn between UVA Wake and UMD for business but UVA is my top choice. I just want to know how hard it is to get into McIntire? I know that ~63% of applicants get in and that the avg GPA is like a 3.7 so yes I know it is very competitive but I just want to know to what extent. I'm especially torn because at UMD (in-state) I got into the honors program AND guarantee into the business school for my intended major. So yeah, I don't know what to do. Is it worth spending a lot more money to go to a better school but no guarantee or with the instate school with a guarantee.... any advice is welcome, thanks soooo very much :)</p>
<p>This may sound cheesy, but, go with your heart. It’s more important than any prestige or monetary concerns…if you’re miserable at the prestigious UVA program, or your heart isn’t in the UMD program, you’ll get bad marks and will be in a tough spot. Go where you feel the happiest, and listen to your heart. I hope this helps.</p>
<p>Check mcintireblogs.org This year 577 sophomore UVA students applied. 239 granted outright admission to McIntire and 159 deferred. They expect to ultimately take 310-320. That’s only a 55% acceptance!!</p>
<p>Go to Maryland. It is not worth the risk…if you want added prestige, get your MBA from Darden…but why take the risk of not being able to major in what you want to major in. </p>
<p>While UMD is not considered a Top-5 undergrad business school, it is a Top-20. Does that ranking difference truly justify the difference in cost you will pay between in-state and OOS (*see my note below), and the time you’ll spend worrying about getting in to the college? It may (there’s more to your college experience than just your major), but then again it may not. How does the answer to this change if you aren’t accepted into McIntire? There are other business-related majors/options, but you ABSOLUTELY must have a fully thought-out backup plan that you’ll be happy with at UVA in the event you don’t get into McIntire. If you’re banking everything on getting in, then that’s a bad gamble to make with your money and your chosen education. If all else between the two schools is equal to you, then the decision should really be very easy: Honors program, in-state, guaranteed admission to business school… UMD would be the clear choice if the business school is your dream. If however, the business school is a “bonus” and you feel you fit in better at UVA, have more options, etc., etc. then the decision might be more complex. </p>
<p><a href=“http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/about-us/full-rankings”>http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/about-us/full-rankings</a></p>
<ul>
<li>One final note about that cost. Many people assume that the cost between in-state outside of VA and OOS at UVA is always a huge difference (assuming OOS are always paying full tuition rates @UVA). Make sure you’re comparing your actual COA numbers for your situation, especially if you qualify for FA. In our case, the difference between our in-state Univ and OOS at UVA turned out to be quite workable.</li>
</ul>
<p>Most students who attend business school are keenly interested in their post graduate job opportunities, so I’ll assume that applies here as well. With that in mind, I’ll add that I work for a DC area based Fortune 500 company that consistently ranks high on Fortune’s Best Places to Work list. We routinely hire from both UMd and UVa business programs. Choose the school where you feel you’ll fit in best. Study hard and get good grades. PM me in four years and I’ll make sure you get an interview, regardless of whether you have a degree from UMd or UVa. </p>
<p>PS If you choose UVa but don’t get into McIntire, get an Econ degree and take a couple of accounting classes. The interview offer will still stand.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision.</p>