As a senior in high school, I have been meddling with the idea of finding a proper business college, and whether or not small or big is better. Expensive or cost-effective? Reputation or lesser known? I am struggling to find a college where I will enjoy a college life as a social person, but will exceed all my past academic capabilities in business. I have been told an MBA is utterly useless (a boat without oars) if I get one coming straight out of school without experience.
Your budget, GPA, and test scores (unless you are rich and brilliant) usually limit your choices.
Your first step is to explore your in-state system and apply to the campus that best matches your stats plus a reach campus with a better business program if there is one. (If you’re in California, there may be multiple choices.) If money is tight, also investigate the pretransfer business program at your local community college(s).
Then, have a talk with your parents about your EFC and budget and build a list of additional schools that fit your stats and budget. The FAFSA opened October 1st, so your family can file it and get your federal EFC right now. If a school requires the Profile for financial aid, your EFC for that school will likely be higher.
For a quick list of business schools, Google College Transitions Dataverse then click on the business majors list.
Of course cost is always a huge issue so that may temper your situation. Definitely do the EFC so you have an idea of expenses. That said, where do you want to live / work? That’s important in business as internships are easier found in the general market of the school. That’s not to say that you can’t get an internship in a different part of the country but it’s easier to get an internship in the city or cities close by. More of those companies will have a working relationship with the college, are on campus more frequently, etc.
Many kids in undergrad business use that internship as a launching pad to their first job after college. In fact, many of them will get an offer upon completing the internship based on performance. I know this is a lot to think about now, but a little planning goes a long way. Think good business school in the market that I see myself living in. Then figure out the cost scenario and go to the best one you can afford. That may be your local state school or a private school with great financial aid based on your situation.
The MBA conversation is premature. The good schools will want you to have 3-5 yrs working experience prior to enrolling and will build a class around that collective experience (not just test scores).
Each college and university has a Net Price Calculator on its website. Run those. Your EFC only tells you if you will qualify you for a Pell grant in addition to the federal student loans. The NPC will give you a better notion of what your costs at a particular college/university are likely to be.
What are your stats, parents’ budget, and state of residence?
Thank you so much for the replies! I have a 29 on the ACT, decent grades in school( AP classes, a five on APENG and APUSH, as well as mostly 90s and up) As far as budget in concerned, I have about 25-30,000 dollars available. Closer to twenty five though. I am a resident of New York, but am looking maybe to leave my state, but I know financially it’s not as good. I love business administration because I know im good with people, but I really do not know the specific field I hope to work in. Thank you all so much relieving the stress of a senior, Thank you.
By the way, as far as business goes, I know the fields are many in number, but is it bad that I do not yet know what I will excel in regarding business? I am a fairly approachable and think I can do well in sales(I know that sounds immodest as hell, but all I really know I can do in life is interact with people well.
That’s a great skill regardless of specialty both within and outside a company!
College is a time for self exploration. Many, in fact most, either don’t know what they want to do, or will change their mind at least once. That’s OK provided you figure it out within a few semesters. You may start in one dsicipline within business and switch to another or out of business entirely. Just be honest with yourself.
Now back to the people skills…an anecdote…one of my best college mates went accounting (Big 8 at the time for all you old timers), He has one of the best personalities I have ever met. EVERYONE loves this guy. Where is he now? CFO of a F200 company. When I recently visited with him and asked him about his ascent, he told me a real important step was leadership at his accounting firm recognized him as smart, diligent and PERSONABLE. They fast tracked him more because of his ability to get along with others and lead teams than his technical skills (which most have in that field). Of course, then grad school, industry, etc. He’s still the same guy!
Sales is also a great track and very rewarding on several levels; helping people, personal growth, and income (and many more).
First you should apply to some of the SUNY schools, because given your monetary constraints, they might work for you - I would suggest looking at Binghamton, Buffalo, and Albany, and, if you live in the NYC area, possibly CUNY Baruch. I can’t tell whether you qualify for financial aid or not, but assuming you do, I would look at some schools which either meet full financial need or where your stats are above the 75th percentile. Although it’s a reach, I would probably include Colgate - it’s a great feeder school for the NYC financial services area, and possibly University of Richmond (also a reach, but it says that it meets full need). And other schools to look at would include Marist, Fordham, RIT and, since you might want to leave the state, University of Denver.
I would recommend applying ASAP to Binghamton, Geneseo, Albany, and Baruch, applying to the Honors College at the last three. Then, run the NPC on Hobart&William Smith, St Lawrence, Marist and add the colleges that are affordable to your commonapp dashboard.
OOS, you can run the NPC on Muhlenberg, St Michael’s, Temple, Ohio University (you’d qualify for their excellent Business Honors program).
Dickinson and Denison would be reaches but they’re good with need-based aid and have excellent management programs.