Duke vs UGA/GT
I am currently in the process of applying to colleges and am considering whether to commit to Duke University through Early Decision (ED), which is legally binding, or to attend the University of Georgia (UGA) which would be significantly cheaper due to in-state tuition benefits. My career aspirations are in PE or IB.
While Duke offers a program in Financial Economics which aligns with my career goals, committing to Duke would require taking on a student loan of $200,000. On the other hand, UGA would be practically free for me, and I have the option to study either Economics or Finance there. Additionally, I've applied to the UGA Honors Program and am aiming to join the Corsair Society, which is known for being a feeder into IB and PE jobs.
The main reason I am considering applying to Duke through ED is because I believe it's my best chance of getting admitted there. However, I am aware that this commitment comes with a substantial financial burden. I am torn between the higher probability of better job prospects and potentially higher salary with a degree from Duke, versus the lower financial strain and slightly riskier job prospects at UGA, especially if I don’t get into the Corsair Society.
I am seeking advice on whether to take on significant debt for potentially better job prospects at Duke, or to choose the more financially conservative route by attending UGA with a slight uncertainty in job placement in IB or PE sectors and do MBA at a better college.
Duke
This is going to be unpopular with people removed from the recruiting game and chase prestige but I'll shoot it to you straight. If you are a white guy from Georgia, UGA might be the better play here.
Truth: Duke is the better academic experience (if you care about the intellectual aspect vs solely the career prospects) and has more alumni in banking and the buyside.
However, the top banking/buyside internships at Duke go to wealthy white girls with connections, girls from all backgrounds that work very hard and are on top of things and get into exclusive organizations, and white guys who are either varsity athletes or who are from the Tri-State area with tight connections. However, there are even still dudes from these backgrounds who struck out/are still trying to land something.
It is simply not worth $200K in debt especially given you do not have industry connections to fall back on. If you know older guys in Corsair and can be ingrained in the social scene at UGA, it is even easier of a decision. You can break into MMPE (especially in the southeast) from being a stud at UGA and being average-above average at Duke. Those right-tail outcomes in PE lauded on this forum are reserved for diversity and white guys who are athletes/nepotism- at least as it stands now at Duke.
Duke’s buyside placement is largely non-buyout/flagship roles. Real estate debt, secondaries, capital markets etc.
delete
Duke
I don't know what that idiot above is spewing about, but Duke.
You will be fine at UGA, If you join the right clubs, have a good GPA, get internships freshman/sophomore year, and network. However, Duke is a far better feeder and school brand name matters to some funds. The debt looks brutal right now, but it's a solid tradeoff if you get into a lucrative career path.
Don't let people lie to you about "oh if you do well here you'll get the same opportunities." You wont. I wanted to save money so I went to a semi target/nontarget instead of going to Gtown (MFs wouldn't give me aid). You'll realize that school name is with you forever. In finance I feel like people really don't care that much who you are and instead care much more where you've been.
In that case, go to duke. Your opportunity set will be significantly more vast and much much better. The social life is probably comparable to UGA, and sports life is probs similar.
Early decision is legally binding? That can’t be right.
If Duke admits you, you’re obligated to borrow a few hundred thousand dollars?
He said $200K. A few is $300K. You're off by a hundo.
Technically yes but you can break it so easily. A college would never dream of enforcing this against an 18 year old who can’t afford tuition
Currently at Duke in Econ/ Finance. Can only speak for this program,but the opportunities in my inbox are abundant- each week speakers,recruitment info,internship mentoring/ prep,Alum really want to help so network is great and program well established. Don’t go anywhere if your unsure about affordability but there are schools where you get what you pay for( especially in IB/ Finance). Also ED is not legally binding but unless your finances change dramatically the ED school expects you to attend. Breaking contract can affect your subsequent high school students and the ED school possibly contacting your other colleges to give them an idea of the current situation( unlikely but it can occur).
You also mention GT in your title, but don't talk about it? From my understanding GT is one of the best public universities in the country (and definitely in the SE) and places well into the Atlanta and maybe even the Charlotte IB scene? Is that an option?
Seconding this. In-state GT with Hope/Zell has an amazing ROI, and should help you place well. Lots of kids from IE or Scheller end up at reputable IB/PE shops in Atlanta and around the country
If you’re thinking about UGA PM me
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