Olin School of Business vs. U. of Wisconsin-Madison vs. Carlson School of Business

<p>I am interested in undergrad accounting programs and would be paying in-state tuition to UWM and Carlson and would pay significantly higher tuition at Olin. I was wondering (1) how these accounting programs are considered by recruiters for the Big4 and other accounting firms and (2) whether advantages of the accounting/general undergrad business program at Olin would justify the higher cost. Thank you for your opinions!</p>

<p>any thoughts, anybody?</p>

<p>I’m in a situation very similar to yours. Don’t consider Madison, think about where it is. Madison. St. Louis and the Twin Cities are business epicenters. What does this mean for you? More legitimate work experience opportunities.<br>
To answer your first question, Olin holds more weight with the top tier firms because it is more selective and more prestigious. However, consider the fact that there are firms other than the Big 4 that provide great salary and opportunities to progress. I worked for the VP of US Bank and he graduated from the University of St. Thomas, a school that many students sleepwalk into. Strictly professionally speaking, Olin probably is better than Carlson for recruiting for the top tier firms. That being said, I don’t think it necessarily justifies the high cost. It’s not where you go, it’s what you do. Write that down and circle it and underline it. Name recognition of the school where you got you undergrad doesn’t mean anything in the workplace. It’s what you did there. Be sure to consider the other factors that make up the college search. If you want to be part of a Big 4, be prepared to move. Ultimately, you determine your values that make up your decision. Recognize what is important to you and act on it. Want name recognition for you undergrad school? Go to Olin. Want a significantly lower cost? Go to Carlson. Either way it’s your decision. I’m assuming you’re a junior from Minnesota/Wisconsin/Dakotas. Which one is it? I’m a junior from Minnesota</p>