RSM vs ESE vs a better school (LSE, Oxford, HEC etc.)

Short summary: dropped out of uni due to personal problems, started again at Erasmus School of Economics, have a 4.0/4.0 GPA atm with no prior internship experience (I did teach at my uni + various extracurriculars).

I've been accepted at both Erasmus School of Economics and Rotterdam School of Management, respectively for Financial Economics and Finance & Investments. Which one should I choose and if I want to work in Asset Management/IB at a bank in London/Frankfurt (with my profile)? I prefer Erasmus School of Economics because RSM students usually aren't the brightest in my very honest opinion, but then again RSM has a (much) better name than ESE.

Also, is taking a gap year to study for the GMATs and to do an internship worth it? In other words: is taking an entire year off to get admitted into LSE/HEC/Oxford worth the effort? Or would you rather do Finance at Erasmus University and do two full-time internships during your master's degree? Is it even possible to pursue a career in AM/IB this late during my studies?

I know that these questions are quite ambiguous but I'm feeling kind of lost right now, so any advice is welcome.

 

I would say RSM is a good school (not an outstanding one compared to LBS, HEC or LSE). But considering its price, I would seriously consider it compared to the other business schools in Europe (excluding the ones I mentioned). But then, depends on what you want and the debt you can/want (take the pressure into account when you start working).

Good luck :)

 
Most Helpful

Congrats on your RSM admissions!

RSM is a strong school, while it doesn't have the cache of a Oxbridge or LSE, it does place into London banks as well as top firms on the continent. The ROI is also very high given the low cost tuition. 

I'd suggest taking the RSM offer and pushing for AM/IB or ER. The school has London treks and if you do well academically / during interviews, you should land a great role. 

Best of luck!

 

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