<p>My son has applications into both UVA and Vanderbilt, and is interested in business or economics. He has a 2290 SAT (790 CR, 740 M and 760 W), and 3.84 GPA at a very competitive public high school in Mass. His strengths are more language based and broadly analytical, rather than in detail oriented math. We have discussed (and read on CC) the relative benefits of an undergraduate business degree (probably in finance at UVA) vs. and economics background (Vandy), both in terms of marketability (likely in NY) and suitability given that he will likely pursue an MBA or law degree after working for sometime. He is a social kid who looks forward to the whole college experience, including football games and probably a fraternity. If he is lucky enough to be torn between these options, he asked me to throw it out on CC for discussion among people across the country: Which school would you choose, and why?? What pros and cons do you see for each?</p>
<p>If he wants to get into ibanking/consulting I think UVA-Mcintire is more targeted by those types of firms.</p>
<p>For MBA/Law school it doesn’t matter which one he goes to imo (unless going to UVa for undergrad helps you out with uva grad admissions? not sure)</p>
<p>Vandy has a better football team and I believe has a bigger frat influence.</p>
<p>You should review posts from previous years on some of the difficulties getting into the Comm School at UVA. Being a great undergraduate program, it is a very competitive process (even for high stats kids) and your son may want to evaluate his non-finance options at UVA if he is not accepted in to McIntire.</p>
<p>My son had a similar decision last year (Georgetown, UVA, Vandy) but chose Georgetown due to the guaranteed undergraduate business school admission. He’s very happy.</p>
<p>I’d go to UVa but that’s precisely because I wouldn’t want a school like Vandy (football and huge greek presence). If finances are viable for both schools, have him visit and see what he prefers. Did your son apply to any safeties?</p>
<p>Yes, he’s into a safety and considering the next round. One of his parents is a McIntire alum, and we are not too concerned about his ability to make that cut, as parent witnessed it, has researched recent stats, and he is a goal oriented kid. Same parent went on to earn an MBA, and found it a bit repetitive, hence the concern about combining that with an undergrad business degree. But the career options were great each time. He could always major in economics at UVA if he decided against McIntire, or they decided against him. We have visited both and liked both schools very much, so are just trying to consider the different degree options and their marketability in the northeast. Other than IB/Consulting, do you believe northeastern/mid-Atlantic business recruiters value UVA and Vanderbilt degrees equally or is one better?</p>