Hey guys, I’ve narrowed my choices down to the University of Connecticut or the University of Virginia. I’d really appreciate it if you could offer some insight/advice/guidance as this is a very difficult for me.
A little bit about me first. I’m a white male from Connecticut and I plan on majoring in Finance at either school. I’m not 100% sure what I want to do with that finance degree quite yet but I could see myself in IBanking, Real Estate, or starting my own business. I definitely do NOT want to be a quant. I also play on working for a few years then going back to get my MBA. Now for the pros and cons of each school.
Uconn Pros:
I’ve been accepted to the business school as a finance major.
I could probably walk on and run for their track team, which would be pretty awesome because I LOVE track.
I’ve been admitted to the Honors program which offers honors housing. This will give me the opportunity to like with like-minding, high-achieving peers. I’m attracted by this.
It’s in state so getting summer internships would be easier.
If I go, I don’t have to take out student loans.
Proximity to NYC and Boston. Plus Hartford is right around the corner.
Uconn Cons:
I really dislike the weather, it’s too cold.
It’s just your average state flagship university.
Recruiting for IBanking isn’t too great.
The campus itself is in a rural area.
UVA Pros:
“Public Ivy”
McIntire is a stellar business school with a killer Ibanking reputation.
The weather is nicer.
I like the history associated with the school. Thomas Jefferson and the honor code.
UVA Cons:
It’s a 7 hour drive.
I have to apply to the business school as a second year. If I don’t get in, I’m kinda screwed.
I’m not into Greek life, and it’s really prevalent at UVA.
Even though Charlottesville is a nice town, it’s truly in the middle of nowhere.
I can’t run varsity track.
I’d have to take out about $20,000 total in student loans.
My gut tells me UConn because I’m guaranteed a major in Finance and I will graduate without debt. That will help me pay for my MBA later on down the road. However, if I do go the IBanking route I feel UConn has a significant disadvantage over UConn. Plus for grad school, a UVA applicant is more impressive. As far as “fit”, both schools feel pretty much the same to me and I’m confident I can find my niche anywhere.
If you’ve read all this, THANK YOU. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.