<p>This is a repost from another thread.. trying to gain info</p>
<p>I am writing in hopes of getting some much needed advice. I am at my wits end and really hope you guys can provide some advice.I am currently in the process of identifying where I will attend for my undergraduate studies.</p>
<p>Little background:
-Identified as dyslexic at 8. Effected reading and writing/spelling making school "interesting".
- Grades were not very good in high school, very difficult time period. Was homeless twice and dropped out for a brief period to care for my father. With all the distractions I barely graduated.
-Returned to finish school instead of taking the easy way out and obtaining a GED. Left for the military.
- Served in Iraq and Afghanistan, where I sustained combat related injuries and was medically discharged in late '06.
- Found employment in the oil/gas industry as a "safety" man.
-In 3 years managed to become a "company man" or company rep in exploration/production projects ($50 million/+) for Chevron. The typical tenure of a company man is 20+ years before obtaining this position to give a bit more understanding on what I achieved. Have worked all over the world.
- Currently 29, looking to start next fall.</p>
<p>With my G.I. Bill I can attend any Public institution, but feel that I owe it to myself to obtain the best education possible. I have been able to save a substantial amount to cover the extra cost to attend a Private institution. I am sure, due to my grades, that I will have to attend a community college. Which I am fine with, but worry this is just going to put me at a further disadvantage. My motivation is not money, but I actually enjoy finance and Equity Analysis.</p>
<p>So I guess the long and short of it is: with my background where do you guys feel I would have the best opportunity to obtain a quality education and have honest exposure to IB's ,etc? I am looking at Columbia University General Studies, NYU Stern, UT of Austin McCombs, U of M Ross, UVa, and Northwestern. I have no doubt that I have the ability and work ethic to succeed at these institutions, but worry how much my poor showing during my high school years will be what prevents me from this. Any recommendations, no matter how honest or broad are welcomed.</p>
<p>Maybe you could take a few classes at the local community college in a subject that you may intend to major in to demonstrate to the admissions office that you seriously intend to succeed? You don’t have any traditional school courses post your high school/GED experience so having the opportunity to reference a success at the college level may help. Best wishes.</p>
<p>If you’re up to the work load, I think GS could be a great fit for you. Large veteran population, huge financial economics major with a heavy quant focus, good connections.</p>
<p>However there will be a lot of reading, a lot of writing, a lot of work. Go to CC for a year, if you excel and are ready for a larger challenge, definitely apply to GS.</p>
<p>Make sure that the community college you attend has the Phi Theta Kappa national honor society, and then qualify to become a member. I joined Phi Theta and within a month I received letters/emails from colleges including Columbia University’s GS. Columbia has sent me 2 letters and 4 emails inviting me to apply. Best wishes, I know you’ll do well.</p>
<p>Do you want to go to Texas, NYC, or elsewhere after graduation? What’s your interest - trading, consulting, something else? What’s the aid offer at McCombs? </p>
<p>Remember, Columbia isn’t magic. It’s good, but it’s very expensive. Plus, if you get an MBA that name matters quite a bit. Perhaps McCombs + top tier MBA is a better option. That’s not to say that Columbia isn’t great, it is, it’s just expensive and not necessarily the right choice for everyone.</p>
<p>Thanks Campaigner. Location doesn’t matter really. I am looking to go into PE or a HF, and think I will draw on my energy background. Not to sure if I want to be a trader yet. As for schools, McCombs (undergrad) would be free and GS would be about 40k out of pocket with all the other expenses covered by the government. I am thinking McCombs first and then if I feel I need a MBA to continue on then I would go to Columbia. I just want to know what types of chances I would have in Texas with the finance industry. I guess it is pretty much on par with NYC and London, or at least comp wise.</p>