Stay at UVA or transfer to Cornell AEM?

<p>I just found out that I got into Cornell as a transfer to their AEM program (business). I am very undecided and need help making a decision. I have already gotten involved at UVA and have leadership positions in a few clubs. I am pretty sure I will get into the Mcintire School of Commerce as my GPA is higher than the average that gets in. I know I am having a great time so far, but my only concerns are long term: will transferring to Cornell and having that ivy league business degree help me more than a UVA commerce degree? I want to work on Wall Street after I graduate, and if Cornell would help me do that more than UVA would then I'd want to go there. I am already heavily involved in extra curriculars at UVA so I feel like I would have to start all over and it would be much harder for me to have good ECs at Cornell since I'd be entering as a second year. I am so torn and have to make my decision so soon, so I would really appreciate some feedback. I know that UVA's business school is ranked higher than Cornell, but does it have more prestige in NYC than Cornell does? Thanks! Please don't give me any answers like "you are guaranteed the business school at Cornell and you won't at UVA" because I have already taken that into account and just statistics wise it looks like I will get in.</p>

<p>I am out of state for both so it costs pretty much the same.</p>

<p>Personally, I’d stick with UVa.</p>

<p>why curvyteen?</p>

<p>You’re well established there. I don’t think the minute difference in prestige between the two schools warrants a transfer.</p>

<p>Do yourself a favor and stay there. Unless you believe that you aren’t being challenged enough at UVA, or don’t find enough opportunities to succeed, there really is no reason to go to Cornell at this point as you really don’t want to start over again. From personal experience, I can tell you that getting into a bulge bracket is more about what impact you’ve made where you currently are and how much you’ve challenged yourself. Having said that, you probably already know it, but make sure to definitely leverage UVA’s alums on wall street as that’ll be essential, especially as UVA might not be as much of a “target” as AEM is.</p>

<p>I would think that Cornell’s name will help you more on Wall street. You may want to consult with an academic adviser.</p>

<p>UVA is a great school, and if you have plenty of friends and a strong GPA, I honestly don’t think leaving for Cornell is worth it. Unless you were absolutely in love with Cornell in high school or something.</p>

<p>UVA is a great school, but I’m not sure how its relationship with Wall Street is. Getting into AEM is an incredible accomplishment, as it is VERY competitive, and businesses tend to recruit straight out of the program for finance, accounting, etc. Cornell is very transfer-friendly and has a lot of orientation and campus programs geared towards transfer students, so if you take advantage of those opportunities, it won’t be difficult to make friends and transition. However, there is no “bad” choice here - both schools are great and you should do what will make you happy. You only get to go to college once!</p>

<p>You should do some research on your career center’s website to see how many IBs (or any firms) recruit on UVA, or to speak with someone at the career center. You should also look at their reports on where graduates go after graduation. You can such information on Cornell’s website. It would be much harder for you to get a job if the company doesn’t recruit on campus. My older daughter got her IB job through campus recruiting, and she gets a lot of support from many Cornell graduates at her firm. If you were my kid, I would tell you to take the transfer.</p>