Urgent Help In College Decision, Im Pulling My Hair Out!

<p>Hi everyone, I've been trying to decide where I want to go for a long time now and it's basically down to Duke or NYU Stern. I am interested in business, especially the field of finance. I do plan to get an MBA so is it better if I do undergrad econ at Duke and then working a few years and going back to get MBA or would I be better off going to NYU Stern and being part of one of the top finance programs. Duke has more overall prestige so I don't know if going to Stern would hurt my chances of a good MBA program. Money is not an issue in my decision. Would Duke's prestige be worth it in the long run over Stern's top finance program? Please help. Thanks.</p>

<p>Those two schools are so very different. Have you visited them both? I wouldn't worry about the prestige, I'd worry about what's best for you -- fast-paced city environment, no central campus, or southern, residential campus. Your happiness in the environment will have a big impact on your performance in school, and that's what will get you into those programs.</p>

<p>I have heard for business, the prestige of the program that you are in matters very much in business school and job placement. Therefore, I would suggest Stern. </p>

<p>Though of course, visit both schools before you commit. If NYU doesn't suit you, then go for duke, it's still really awesome. :]</p>

<p>any other opinions?</p>

<p>
[quote]
I do plan to get an MBA so is it better if I do undergrad econ at Duke and then working a few years and going back to get MBA or would I be better off going to NYU Stern and being part of one of the top finance programs.

[/quote]

It's not going to make a difference for getting into top MBA programs.</p>

<p>From your choices, I would prefer to major in econ at Duke then get an MBA vs. majoring in finance at NYU. If you major in finance at NYU and then go on to get an MBA, the MBA is kind of diluted because you already sort of have an MBA-lite with the finance major at NYU.</p>

<p>Go for "fit". Do you like a more rural campus environment with more school spirit or do you prefer being in the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in the world? For a college education, I prefer the former, but that's me.</p>

<p>Which option is cheaper for you?</p>

<p>STERN! Normally I would say Duke over NYU but not in this case. Stern is thee program to get into at NYU along with Film. The access to Wall St alone is worth it. NOW, both are great choices and if you want more of a traditional university experience (and that is important) then pick Duke.</p>

<p>i'm more concerned with the academic aspects of both schools rather than the social aspects (campus style). I'm sure i can find a social scene at either school but i'd like more light on which would provide the best academic program for my interests. thanks for the inputs guys.</p>

<p>I would go to Duke, major in econ, get your MBA later.</p>

<p>Go to Duke. The name, the network, the education, the population - it's all better than NYU.</p>

<p>For finance, what you're interested in, NYU is one of the top in the country, go there.</p>