Michigan Ross and USC Marshall

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey everyone,</p>

<p>I posted a few months ago about choosing between Ross and Marshall. I've been accepted to both universities. As I predicted, however, I was not accepted to Ross pre-admission. On the other hand, I was accepted to USC (Southern California, not South Carolina) with a dean's scholarship. Pros for USC are that I'm in the business school already, it's in LA, it's number 3 for international business (my intended major), and it's slightly cheaper than Ross. However, Ross is better overall and the degree seems to get more respect in the business world, I have family out there (two of my sisters and my dad's side), but I'm not in Ross and I could get denied if I apply for my sophomore year. I don't really want to end up living on the east coast, but California is also very far from where I live. I've been to Michigan's campus many times but I'm going to visit USC for the first time in April. Any insight on which would be the overall better pick would be great! Thanks </p>

2

<p>I would go USC where you know you are in the b-school. There is a lot of competition to get into Ross as a sophomore and I know a couple of people who didn’t get into Ross.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for your opinion! Anyone else?</p>

4

<p>If you are a reasonably strong student (determined, plan to work hard in school), Ross won’t be that hard to get in as a Soph. While about 45% get accepted, many are not qualified. You need a 3.6 in your Freshman year satisfying the requirements, adding one quantitative elective (e.g. extra econ or stat course), write a reasonably competent essay and be involved outside of the classroom. The Ross outplacement is so damn good that I really think that is the better choice. </p>

5

<p>I’ve heard from a lot of people that Ross places a lot of people on Wall Street/in New York, but I’m not really sure I want that. I don’t really like New York because it’s so gloomy every time I go, and all the Ross grads I know personally wind up going there. US News ranked Ross at #2 and Marshall at #11 overall but I’m not sure how much that matters in the long run if USC is better for my particular major. I know it may seem like I’m leaning towards USC but I really do love Michigan. My parents keep telling me I can’t really make the wrong choice because both programs are great but I don’t want to regret whatever choice I make. </p>

6

<p>Both good options. Here is how you can avoid regretting whatever decision you make - pick a school, kick butt at that school, and don’t look back and dwell on what ifs. That works for all decisions, by the way.</p>

7

<p>Thank you!</p>

8

<p>For Ross, 40% end up in the NE. Just as many in the MW. These are the '13 undergrad placement stats by geo and pay. You most certainly don’t need to work in NY if you don’t want to. </p>

<p>2013 Detailed Compensation Information
Region Base Salary Signing Bonus Other Guaranteed Compensation
% of Reported Median ($) Mean ($) Range ($) % of Reported Median ($) % of Reported Median ($)
Northeast 40.4% 70,000 65,315 40,000 - 84,000 82.2% 10,000 26.7% 10,000
Midwest 40% 60,000 61,517 32,500 - 80,000 77% 5,000 39% 10,000
West 12.8% 70,000 66,147 31,000 - 100,000 71.9% 5,500 53.1% 6,000
South 3.2% 51,250 52,063 35,000- 70,000 50% 12,500 50% 12,500
Mid-Atlantic 2.4% 52,500 54,667 48,000 - 70,000 66.7% 9,000 50% 7,000
Southwest 0.8% 62,500 62,500 55,000 - 70,000 100% 6,000 50% 7,000
International 0.4% 90,000 90,000 90,000 - 90,000 100% 10,000 100% 15,000 </p>

9

<p>Thanks! Anyone else?</p>

10

<p>OP I think you really need to visit USC before you make the choice. The two campuses are very different. That may sway your choice.</p>

<p>Also where do you want to work? USC is great for the west coast and especially LA. They are proud of their alumni network and it is great on the west coast. If you want to work out there USC is the better choice. If you want to work elsewhere and are confident that you can achieve the grades to get in as a sophmore, Ross would be the better choice.</p>

<p>FWIW when my son was going through the process last year, he preferred Michigan over USC, but would have been content at either. He wasd lucky, however, and ended up getting into Penn/Wharton and chose to go there. </p>