(I also posted this in the Tufts section but wanted a “WashU” opinion as well!!!) Hey! I have been accepted to both of these universities but have no idea which one to choose… I plan on studying business at the Olin Business School at WashU and if I was at Tufts I would major in Economics/Quant. I want to get a job in consulting or finance out of school. I was very impressed by WashU’s placement; however, I feel like being in Boston would be better. But, I don’t know how well Tufts does with students who want to go into business since they don’t have a business school. Then again, I know you don’t have to study business undergrad to get a job in the consulting/finance sector. I think the vibe is similar at both universities and cost is not a factor. I am also concerned with international rep as I definitely want to work abroad/in international business. Surprisingly when I looked online at world rankings WashU was higher than Tufts, but I would think Tufts has a better rep? Sorry I totally just spewed words haha but if anyone could help me I would appreciate is SO much, as the May 1st deadline is fast approaching…
WashU is ranked higher generally, but you should choose based on fit and cost.
Olin is pretty well known for Business and while you don’t need a Business or Econ degree to work in consulting or finance, it helps to understand the issues businesses face, how they operate, how they attract and retain customers and investors, how they manage debt and equity, how they deal with the regulatory environment and international trade and currency issues, etc. Those are things (among others) you can learn about with a Business major, taking a broad array of business-related classes like Marketing, Ops Mgmt, Corporate Finance, Accounting, International Business, Macro and Microecon, and Business Law.
WashU for sure, unless Tufts is demonstrably cheaper. But I get the impression from your response that you’re not factoring money into your decision so much. But WashU is the stronger of the two schools all around in my opinion (except maybe for IR or Govt or those who aspire to work in Boston specifically).