UT Austin McCombs vs Emory Goizueta/CAS?

College Search & Selection
1

Hey all, high school senior here trying to decide between these two schools. I honestly think I am a better “fit” for Emory; I’m a bit more intellectual/introspective and actually see value in studying theory/having intellectual discussions. I’ll probably double major in Finance and Philosophy ( strong interest ).

I’m probably the most unathletic guy you’ll ever meet ( not even exaggerating ) and I don’t give a crap about watching sports at all. Despite this, I also appreciate the parties/weather/fun-aspect in a school. But, it just seems like I’ll fit in better socially at Emory. Emory has a 2+2 business program which allows me to explore and develop unique interests. Emory will probably be more competitive student-body wise because it’s significantly more selective. However, Emory does seem to place more into NYC than UT; UT seems more focused on Texas.

I forgot to apply to BHP at McComb’s because I am an idiot. McComb’s in general has a better reputation than Goizueta and is THE TOP target for Bulge Bracket Investment Banks/Consulting for Houston. There is also a chance that I can transfer into BHP after freshman year if I absolutely kill it. (no guarantee)

However, I’m not a fan of a) it’s huge size and huge class sizes b) it’s overbearing focus on athletics c) McComb’s fratty culture d) wayyy more pre-professional focused that Emory. Weaker intellectual culture - most people just want the best jobs.

However, I love Austin, with it’s slew of things to do and it’s awesome diversity/liberalism. I think UT in general is in a better location ( heart of Austin ) vs. Emory ( in a boring suburb near Atlanta ) and nothing near Emory will never be able to match 6th Street. It just seems like I might get overwhelmed by UT and get completely lost - I had a couple bad experiences in the past when I visited it. However, I also have an interest in technology and start-ups. UT’s amazing CS program and Austin might offer more opportunities that I might miss out of at Atlanta/Emory.

If I get into BHP ( which I might but probably not ) it’s UNDENIABLY and UNPRECEDENTEDLY better than Goizueta. Even if I don’t get into BHP, McComb’s > Goizueta. However, I find Emory’s value of lib. arts and it’s heavy focus on academics rather than athletics more attractive to me.

My HEART says Emory, my BRAIN says UT. I feel like if I go to Emory, I might miss out on UT’s incredibly fun culture, Austin, and McComb’s BHP recruiting. If I go to UT, I might miss out on Emory’s unique intellectual culture, better fit, smaller class sizes, beautiful campus, opportunity to leave the state, inclusive community, ect. However, it just feels like there is a chance that UT might offer superior employment benefits. If I get into BHP, UT blows Emory out of the water… Texas’ economy will continue going strong.

*While UT is in-state, finances shouldn’t be too big of an issue at either school.

2

Go with your heart.

3

Bump ? :slight_smile:

4

If we speak academically, Emory is the better school by far. It has smaller classes and a more intellecutual vibe.
On top of that, Emory has more prestige then UT. It sends its students to better firms and companies and they tend to have higher starting salaries.
But saying that,It depends on the price of both schools and the loans you would need to take if any.
if its 63000 for Emory and 30000 for UT, go UT

5

The above poster is not exactly correct. Emory Goizueta is not a better school “by far” and does not necessarily send students to better firms / companies.

The OP is perfectly spot on in his analysis. I’ve been to both and his post seems incredibly accurate.

Go with the one that seems like the better fit.

6

Texas and McCombs are obviously larger than Emory and Goizueta. Texas also has a clearly stronger athletics tradition than Emory. But I see two misconceptions on this thread:

  1. That Texas has a more active greek scene than Emory. That is not necessarily the case. In fact, 30% of Emory students belong to Greek life, compared to only 15% at Texas. Emory's social scene reportedly revolves around Greek life, which is definitely not the case at Texas, where students have far more social venues and options to choose from. Also, Austin is a college town, so most off campus venues are designed for college students, which is not the case with Atlanta.
  2. Goizueta is not "more intellectual" than McCombs. For one, the University of Texas and Austin are highly intellectual environments, certainly no less than Emory. And business schools, and curricula, are not exactly known for their intellectual intensity. Students who pursue degrees in business tend to be more focused on career than on academics.

I agree with andrewt787. If cost of attendance is not a concern, I would go for fit. But I hope that the misconceptions mentioned above are not factored in the final decision.