UVA vs UIUC where should I go?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I'm having a hard time deciding between UVA (College of Arts and Sciences - Undecided major) and UIUC (College of Media - Advertising).
What I want to study is advertising but...
Should I choose a school by their major or by school rankings? :(</p>

<p>UVA (College of Arts and Sciences - Undecided major)</p>

<p>Pros: higher school ranking
Cons: they don't have any advertising related major</p>

<p>UIUC (College of Media - Advertising)</p>

<p>Pros: One of the top ranking majors in US
Cons: Lower school ranking</p>

<p>Top Undergraduate programs as ranked by faculty</p>

<ol>
<li>University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign</li>
<li>University of Texas</li>
<li>University of Florida</li>
</ol>

<p>Most mentions as a "Top 3" undergraduate program</p>

<ol>
<li>University of Texas</li>
<li>Michigan State University</li>
<li>University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign</li>
</ol>

<p>Most mentions as a "Top 3" graduate program</p>

<ol>
<li>University of Texas</li>
<li>Northwestern University</li>
<li>University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Michigan State University</li>
</ol>

<p>Top graduate programs as ranked by U.S. News & World Report</p>

<ol>
<li>University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign</li>
<li>University of Florida</li>
<li>Northwestern University</li>
<li>University of Texas</li>
</ol>

<p>SOURCE: University of Texas at Austin Web site.</p>

2

<p>Rankings aren’t very important. Going to a school that actually has your major is much more important, assuming you’re fairly certain of your career path.</p>

3

<p>Illinois has more top departments than UVa overall. The undergrad rankings are heavily based on factors other than pure school academic resources. Uva does have a nicer college town and better weather. But with no advertising what’s the point? Which costs less?</p>

4

<p>It depends. Advertising is a field that isn’t too focused on where you went to undergrad. My gf works in the industry and its much more important to get your “foot” in the door. So if Advertising is definitely what you want to do then UIUC is probably the route. On the other hand, UVA is overall more prestigious and there are other benefits to that, for example if you change your major. Also McIntire is no slouch so if you can transfer in then you will find a great advertising job.</p>