<p>So im currently in undergrad studying accounting in NC. I know I ultimately want to live in Chicago. My gpa right now, while not the best, is definitely not terrible (3.27). It will definitely go up by the time I graduate. Anyways, I want to go to either UIUC or Depaul for my Masters in accounting so i can sit for the CPA. I've got a pretty solid resume to boot. After this summer I will have two internships under my belt (internal auditor and purchasing analyst), I've worked part time throughout college, and good extracurriculars and volunteer work. May have some summer leadership conference things with Deloitte and BDO also, we will see how that goes. Now all I have to do is take the GMAT. </p>
<p>Anyone who has a clue, give me an idea as to what it will take to get into either of these schools for the Macc in terms of gpa and gmat scores, and assuming I were to get into both, which would you lean towards. I am definitely a city guy, and greek life, to me at least, is a joke and not worth the time. Given this, I lean more towards Depaul. But at the same time, UIUC is always pretty high up there as far as accounting goes.</p>
<p>Any thoughts???</p>
<p>If you are looking to start your work career in the Midwest / Chicago area, both schools have great reputations and I wouldn’t say either has a big advantage over the other. All the big accounting firms, banks and large companies recruit actively at both schools and both have great CPA exam passage rates. UIUC probably has a more national reputation, so if you want to start your career in NY or LA I would go with them. </p>
<p>If you notice, I am stressing where you want to start your career. Once you have the first “real” job, your career opportunities will all based upon what you have done - not where you went to school.</p>
<p>Thanks Chicagobear. My goal is to move to, work, and live out my life in Chicago. I don’t really care to go anywhere else, at least not permanently anyways. From your advice, it seems like Depaul is the choice for me, which is what I was leaning towards anyway. Im guessing from your name that your from Chicago. Any suggestions on where an out of stater should go to get familiar with the city and meet new people?</p>
<p>While the DePaul B-School is located in the “loop” - downtown Chicago business district, consider living in the Lincoln Park campus area. Its about a 20 minute “El” (elevated train/subway) ride to the downtown campus. Wrigleyville is another attractive option for DePaul students. Wrigleyville is just a couple stops further north on the El.</p>
<p>While I went to DePaul 25 years ago, I believe there are grad student dorms available. If not, a lot of students take apartments in the area. Residential life use to have apartment lists - if not they could probably refer you to someone that does. Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville are some of the most desirable areas in the city with plenty of nightlife opportunities.</p>
<p>I was considering the lincoln park area too. I want to be some place where its fairly easy to meet new people, but still convenient to the loop campus area. I know the lincoln park campus is the main campus, so I figured this would be the best place to meet new people. I will go in knowing absolutely no one, and will know nothing about the city, so finding good trustworthy friends and places to hang out is important to me. Thanks for the advice. Anything else you would like to offer?</p>
<p>I think you have made a good choice. Either school will give you a good start at your career; however, to be 21/22 living in Lincoln Park will be a great experience. </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>