<p>I got into all three schools with substantial financial aid so they are all extremely viable options. I realize that of the three, Northwestern is the only one without an undergrad business administration program, but all three options are all located within or close to big cities that would be able to provide a lot of access and opportunities</p>
<p>USC - I got into Marshall, and I'm also in the global leadership program which is offered to like the top 10% of admitted students. The best part is the sense of security, because unlike Berkeley and Northwestern where I'd have to apply into the majors/programs in my junior year, I am already in the program at Marshall so I don't have to stress about it and I would have better internship opportunities earlier on. Plus it's a private school so the alumni network is amazing, and they gave me the most money (virtually free). I feel the school is less prestigious than the other two though</p>
<p>Berkeley - I'm currently undecided but I'd want to apply to Haas in my junior year. However, it's a really competitive program and I'm afraid I won't get in and be screwed over. It's kinda my dream school though, and if I knew right now that I would be able to get into Haas then I wouldn't hesitate. It's a public school so the lack of guidance and the overwhelming student body size is kinda daunting though.</p>
<p>Northwestern - Since there's no undergrad business program, I would try to double major in econ and communications, and try to get into the Kellogg certificate program in my junior year. I like that its a private school, but I don't like the lack of certainty</p>
<p>So if you were in my position, where would you go?</p>
<p>I would say go with Berkeley. You'll be able to get good internships as they understand that you can't be a business major until you're a junior. Not to mention that's the school you seem to like best. All are great options though.</p>
<p>I say go to Berkeley because Haas is your dream school. If you do well, you will get into Haas. You must have had good stats to get into all of these schools to begin with so I wouldn't worry too much. No matter where you go, if you don't do well, you're not going to get a job, do well in life, et cetera, unless you have mad connections. The only security in that sense would be that you would study business. That's it.</p>
<p>Even if you dont get into the Haas program, an econ degree from berkely should set you up well for a carreer in ibanking provided you maintain a high GPA</p>
<p>I assume NU is going to cost you considerably more than Berkeley. I'd pick Berkeley because of this and because you said it's kinda your dream school.</p>
<p>Yes, that data says that 86% of seniors have a full-time job 3 months after graduation, and only 9% are still seeking employment. The other 5% go to graduate school. Very decent.</p>
<p>The problem with that USC survey is the timing. They send the survey out early during fall recruiting when most students are still going through 2ed round interviews etc, by the time the student finds out about their offer, the student survey is buried deep in their inbox.</p>
<p>Although I can't stress this enough, have a backup plan. NO ONE AT USC ( especially Finance) expected the mortgage meltdown issues would result in such a CRAP job market right now. I don't know about other schools, but finance majors are struggling for jobs at USC. </p>
<p>Our accounting school is expecting a HIGH boost in enrollment next year for accounting majors because of this, thank god I am walking out before the acct school fills up with finance people ;)</p>