Ross vs. UChicago (UCIB)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

<p>I know there is a thread underneath this one (basically), but that poster asks for a different field of study. Please be aware, that I already posted this exact same post in the UChicago discussion. </p>

<p>Also, I am out of state for Michigan so cost is about the same for both Universities. </p>

<p>The real question is this basically: Which is better for a career in I. Banking, the UCIB program at UChicago or the Ross BBA Degree at UMichigan?</p>

<p>The only issue is that UCIB (from what I hear) is fairly competitive to get into. On the other hand I've been given Preffered Admission to Ross already. I won't call myself the worst of students, but certainly not the best when it comes to the Humanities. There is where my dilemma lies; I like UChicago more than Ross, but I don't know if I'll be able to get good enough grades in the Core to get into the UCIB program. Some of you may say at this point "Work harder!", but English is my third language and I do struggle with expressing myself.</p>

<p>With that in mind I would appreciate if someone is willing to entertain the following Scenario analysis:
1. I go to UChicago and get into UCIB
2. I go to UChicago and don't get into UCIB
3. I go to Ross</p>

<p>In my mind #1 is my personal choice, but the likelihood of that happening seems small to me. So my next question is: How is the UChicago Econ. or Math + Econ. Program vs. Ross BBA? (Assuming that I don't get into UCIB)</p>

<p>Onto a slightly different topic now: What's a good GPA at these 2 schools? I've heard some "horror" stories of the Grade Deflation at UChicago and am wondering if a 3.4 would be considered a good GPA? Also, What sort of GPA (from either school) would I be looking at to break into the Bulge Bracket firms? Is there a significant difference in recruitment or perception by these firms from these 2 schools?</p>

<p>On the topic of me being a poor student, if I were to place in the top third of each school, what sort of job and compensation would I be looking at? Would I even stand a chance at the BB? Is there any place I can find more detailed data on Job placement for each of these schools? Ideally something like this: <a href="http://www.bus.umich.edu/pdf/EmploymentProfile2010.pdf"&gt;http://www.bus.umich.edu/pdf/EmploymentProfile2010.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Lastly, can you please characterize the environment of each school. For example, I've heard that UChicago is really "hardcore" in terms of academics, but does that mean that everyone is constantly studying and that you'll find no parties (unless you go to Northwestern) or is this an extreme characterization? Similarly, I've heard that Michigan is a school where you can go to have tons of fun.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for the help!</p>

<p>NEW INFORMATION: </p>

<p>What I posted gave me some response and you can see those here: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-chicago/1626150-ucib-chicago-vs-ross.html/hobsonsEncodedUrl/bmV3PTE%3D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-chicago/1626150-ucib-chicago-vs-ross.html/hobsonsEncodedUrl/bmV3PTE%3D&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>After doing some more research, I found all the data I wanted (very helpfully posted by TheBanker), but that data only reflected the Michigan side of the picture. UChicago does NOT publish any data that goes into the depth that UMich does. For that reason alone, I feel that UChicago feels that their placement isn't strong enough to warrant a lengthy report. This, obviously, does UChicago no favors.</p>

<p>As I mention in that post up there somewhere, I'm not the most confident in my abilities to get a good GPA and get into the UCIB program (the UChicago Careers in Business) due to the very strong Liberal Arts core. I know Michigan doesn't have a core nearly as strict or rigid. Is it possible for me to just load up on Science/Math Courses and avoid the Literature/English and Foreign Language?</p>

<p>Once again, thanks for your help!</p>

2

<p>This is an interesting choice. From an intellectual point of view, I am partial to the Economics and Mathematics double major, and for that combination, Chicago is unbeatable, although Michigan is certainly no slouch (equal to Chicago in Mathematics, particularly at the undergraduate level, but weaker in Economics). However, if your career goal is to work for a BB, Ross would likely be a safer option. In such a case, I would probably recommend a Ross Math double major over an Econ Math double major at Chicago. </p>

<p>As for the social aspects of attending both schools, it really depends on your personal preference. Some students are much happier at Chicago while others are happier at Michigan. Michigan will definitely be more versatile, with a niche for virtually anybody, while Chicago may be more limited in social offerings. But that should not influence your decision. </p>

3

<p>The social aspect of the schools should absolutely influence your decision. Either school is going to give you options in IB (IMO Ross is the safer choice for that given that you’re a preadmit), but you want to be happy during your 4 years of college. If you’re a more social person Chicago probably isn’t a great choice.</p>

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<p>I’d visit UChicago for sure before you make your mind. The old mantras about student life at UChicago (“where fun comes to die…”) probably do NOT apply. The student body now is very different than it was 15, 10, or even 5 years ago. It seems to be a much more traditionally “fun” college than it used to be. </p>