I’ve narrowed my decision down to two schools, NYU and BC. I am accepted into Stern at NYU and arts and sciences at BC (I didn’t apply to Carroll). I would like to end up with a Wall Street type job and do intend on going to grad school down the road, either for an MBA or masters in finance. I originally intended on just studying economics undergrad and then getting an MBA, however I understand to get into the top grad schools (be it for an MBA or finance) I need to show some relevant experience from a strong job; can I get that from an economics degree? Basically everyone I’ve spoken to has recommended I go economics undergrad and then get an MBA because getting a business degree and then a business degree will lead to a lot of repetition when I could have with a wider base of knowledge then narrowed into business. Of course, I could also do something like business with a concentration in economics at Stern and then get a masters in finance, or attempt to do the same thing at Carroll albeit with a management degree (I understand it is hard to transfer in but I definitely have a good chance based on some of my business prerequisites, and I did get into Stern). So basically, here are my questions:
NYU vs. BC: is one particularly more prestigious and would lead to better job and grad school opportunities?
Business with a concentration in economics vs. economics- how much more economics will I be learning with a standalone degree?
Management major vs. business major- what is the difference? (assuming I can transfer into Carroll)
I really have an interest in business as a whole but value the opinions of those who recommended I go economics undergrad and then MBA, and I do enjoy econ as well. Is there an advantage to choosing a certain route?
Honestly, if you were my son, I’d advise you to go to Stern since you definitely know that you want to pursue business now and in the future. You have already been accepted to Stern and even though you are an outstanding student, it is nearly impossible to internally transfer into CSOM. Unless you plan on double majoring in a field outside of business, go with a sure thing.
Pick Stern! Stern>Carrol and your not even in Carrol. If you would like to end up on wall street, stern is the one to go to. I was talking to my cousin who went to Columbia and works on wall street. MBA’s are not as necessary as they used to be. They hire 20 analysists for every MBA, and in 2-3 years working as an analyst, you get the same benefits/pay as with an MBA. This is only true though for top undergraduate business schools.
If NYU had a community like BC I would take NYU in a heartbeat. However, I feel by going to NYU I am missing out on a real college experience because there’s no community or school spirit at NYU. There’s no big football games to go to or greens to hang out on, it’s just walking back and forth to classes and your dorm room.
There’s no question that BC is probably a more social campus.
But NYU is by no means less exciting than BC, it’s just for a different kind of people. I’d take being in one of the most exciting parts of NYC over the boring Boston suburbs any day. But I don’t like football games or house parties. I prefer other types of entertainment that I would be able to pursue better while at NYU.
Oh and for Wall Street, Stern hands down. Transferring into Carroll is super difficult, almost impossible (as is transferring into Stern, but you’re already there.) But your major isn’t as important as the school’s prestige in Wall Street, and NYU is superior in that area.