<p>I have a passion for economics, but I find some aspects of business intriguing. I'm currently deciding between a Ross preferred-admittance and a UChicago spot. Any thoughts? I know econ and business are two completely different subject areas with little overlap. I am also very aware of holistic differences in campus life, academics, cost [this is huge], campus, etc. But is there any more specific input someone could provide me with? I honestly don't know how I'll make this decision. Thanks</p>
<p>Have you though about job prospects? UChicago has Northwestern to compete with, and within the university itself there will be many econ and business-related majors. UMich has no in-state competition and Ross is pretty small. Recruiting will be probably pretty similar for the two, though the location of Chicago might give you an advantage with internships. </p>
<p>Have you considered environment? You’ll find a wider range of people and interests at UMich, but probably overall more intellectual people at UChicago. Think about the extracurriculars you plan to pursue as well–for example, would you rather play a sport at Michigan or Chicago? Or would you rather write for the Michigan Daily or the Chicago Maroon?</p>
<p>In terms of pure opportunity Ross and Chicago are very similar. I applied to both, and though I was waitlisted at Chicago because I think it was apparent I spent a total of one and a half hours on their entire supplement, if I had gotten into both I still would have chosen Ross because of minute differences and preferences. If you don’t know your preferences, then just go with the one that costs less. There’s really no wrong choice unless you believe there is, and judging from your state of indecision, you don’t.</p>
<p>Those are two very different entities you are considering. If you intend on studying pur Economics, there is no better place than Chicago. If you intend on majoring in Business, Ross is the obvious choice. If you wish to proceed with a PhD in Economics or work for a think-tank/economics agency, Chicago would be the better option. If you wish to work for a major corporation, Ross would be more effective. If you want a highly intellectual experience in an academically intense environment, Chicago is the way to go. If you are looking for a well balanced college environment with a more laid back approach, great athletics etc…, Michigan is best.</p>
<p>You cannot lose either way, you just need to pick the right school for you.</p>
<p>Just how different is Econ from business?</p>
<p>As an high school student who studied both econ and business, econ and business are NOT “completely” different subjects. They are “cousins.” Some of the topics are present in both subjects such as price discrimination. However, they are different in a sense that in econ, u study about how society works “economically.” You’ll learn to analyze how the gov actions such as increasing taxes affects the society. In business, you are studying different aspects (marketing, finance, etc) of business. Here, you’ll study how business can meet its objectives for example, earning profits in what way. But you’ll learn lot more than this. These are just the basic level. But you get the difference. At least this is what I’m learning in IB Econ and Business and Management.</p>
<p>I was accepted into UChicago and Umich EA in December. I shadowed a current student during an overnight visit at UChicago in January. My host is majoring in Econ, and he finds it to be fascinating. UChicago has an unparalleled Econ department, and I encourage you to follow your passion. Chatting with countless students on campus showed me that the student body embraces the intellectual community of the university. Simultaneously, they collaborate and truly enjoy the academic AND social aspects of UChicago. They definitely did not view it as “the place where fun goes to die”. I believe that the students I talked to were very sincere; their opinions were unbiased since my overnight visit was an informal one. Umich is a great school, but UChicago is significantly more prestigious. Also, it is risky to lock yourself into a business program if you are unsure of your passion for it. It seems more logical to go to UChicago, where you will be able to build on your interest in Econ while receiving an outstanding liberal arts education. I also suggest that you sign up for an Admitted Student Overnight Visit at UChicago to experience it for yourself if you have not already done so. Good luck!</p>
<p>I’m at Ross right now, and I completely agree with Alexandre. Economics is very theoretical, while business is practical. If you enjoy theory, I would recommend econ at Chicago. If you prefer to apply your skills to the real world, I would recommend business at Ross. Another factor to consider is that both economics and business require post-graduate degrees, so even if you make the wrong choice now you’ll have the opportunity to pursue you preferred field in grad school.</p>