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Double major or not?

(Chimp, 7

Points) on 7/24/08 at 11:50pm

I am a rising junior at a top 15 undergrad business school which most would say is a semi-target. I have been considering the option of a double major in Economics. The only reason I wouldn't do this is the risk of my GPA staying the same/lowering due to the added work. Right now I have a 3.6 GPA. In order to put myself in the best position possible when applying and interviewing for IB internships, would I be better off with a double major and GPA around, say, a 3.55 or just a Business major and a GPA of 3.65? Obviously my best chances are with a higher GPA and the double major, but I'm basically wanting to know will the addition of an Econ major outweigh a lower GPA?

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Business School Barrage

Hi. Good question. If I'm

by AdmissionsConsu...

(Senior Chimp, 25

Points) on 7/25/08 at 9:14am

Hi. Good question.

If I'm strictly wearing my admissions hat, I'd advise you to stay focused on your GPA and your career goals – both pre- and post-MBA. So, assuming your first major is considered "difficult enough," and you don't see the economics degree helping to advance your career goals, then I don't see the career-enhanced benefit of doing it.

The I/B recruiting perspective is obviously a component of the career goal perspective. We continue to see the bulge brackets recruit analysts from a range of majors, including liberal arts. If you believe the additional degree will give you an edge in the recruiting process, go for it. Just bear in mind the banks' discount a bit what you learn in undergrad and will be planning to indoctrinate you into their way of doing things.

Best of luck!

Sincerely,

David Petersam
President
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com

AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
www.AdmissionsConsultants.com
703.242.5885