UNC vs Vanderbilt

<p>Hi guys, I have been admitted to UNC and Vanderbilt. As of now, I am not sure about where I will go next year. I am a sophomore right now and plan on majoring in Econ/Finance. </p>

<p>I want to do investment banking at a bulge bracket firm and later get my MBA from a M7 school. </p>

<p>Vanderbilt is ranked 17 and UNC is ranked 30 overall. That said, Vanderbilt does not have an undergrad business school while UNC's Kenan Flagler is ranked 7. Oh and the amount of financial aid that I am receiving is the same for both schools. </p>

<p>Thank you</p>

<p>You should definitely go to UNC. If you’re trying to study business, it makes a lot more sense to go to a school that has a business school.</p>

<p>Many of the top schools such as Harvard, Yale, Duke and Brown don’t have undergraduate business schools. Getting a business job has more to do with connections, networking, and internships than your actual degree. Many Vanderbilt students interested in business will major in Economics or HOD with a minor in 1 of the 3 business concentrations. Vanderbilt has an undergraduate Managerial Studies department, which essentially has a lot of the courses found in undergraduate business schools. In fact, some students build their own major that combines many of the Managerial Studies courses. Therefore, I don’t think you should make your decision based on the fact that Vanderbilt doesn’t have an official undergraduate business program. Many students get great jobs when they graduate as many employers expect the Vanderbilt name. The first year acceptance rate was 11.8 % this year and has been on a downward trend in the past 5-6 years. UNC is also a great school, but Vanderbilt appears to be more on an upward trajectory than UNC. </p>

<p>I would look at this website:
[Managerial</a> Studies | College of Arts and Science | Vanderbilt University](<a href=“http://as.vanderbilt.edu/managerialstudies/]Managerial”>http://as.vanderbilt.edu/managerialstudies/)</p>

<p>It’s a reasonable question. I’ve been admitted to UNC and have not yet heard from Vandy. Though Vandy is my first choice, UNC’s business school (also as an econ major) has been a definite positive for me. But I agree that a business school isn’t necessary for success IN business post-grad. Both are great schools - if I were you, I’d visit and see which one feels more like you. Also, take a look at job placement and alumni resources.</p>