Middlebury vs McCombs

Hey Monkeys,

I don't know what I want to do post-college as of now, but which college is better for Econ/Finance in general? I want to keep my options open, however I am looking at HF(Distressed/Global Macro), IB, PE, AM, or even Trading(FX, S&T). (aka. finance related jobs)

Middlebury is a top LAC and McCombs is a stellar Undergrad B-school. McCombs has its BHP program, FAP, and a huge alumni network. But in addition to Middlebury's tier and ranking, Middlebury also has a Winter Term (like Dartmouth) which can be used for internships/research/other activities. (How useful can this Winter Term be)?

Both schools have their pros, but is there a clear winner? Will attending one school or another keep my options limited? If so, which one and how? Thanks for your help.

 
WallStreetOasis.com:

this is a tough question to answer since both schools are so different...one very small, one very large...one in the NE, one in the South. I'd say both have good reputations in their respective regions, so you should choose the school that is a best fit for you personally. Good luck! :-)

I like Middlbury b/c I live in the south and Middlebury would be a cool experience. Also, its nice to get input from you. Greatly appreciated.

 

I mean I think middlebury probably places lights out for anyone who actually wants to work on wall street, prob easier then mccombs but it depends on where you want to go to school.

 

From a non academic standpoint... Middlebury is in the middle of absolute nowhere with brutal winters that last a majority of fall and spring. I've never been to Texas, but UT seems like heaven.

 
PaulAllenIsInLondon:

From experience, I'd say NESCAC placement is a tad overestimated: it takes a greater deal of hustle to end up in IBD/buyside from them than I originally though (attended one). Although, I'd say from a prestige standpoint Midd's the better choice (although McCombs would be much, much, much more fun, and warm).

I also go to a really highly ranked LAC school and can confirm how difficult it can be to end up in IBD. From what I've seen and experienced, if you're highly motivated and succeed academically, then a school like Middlebury isn't going to hurt you. Going to an elite small school generally means a tighter alumni network and if you have the credentials alums can push you through the recruiting process a lot.

But if you have a say, 3.2 then going to a school like McCombs might be better because you will benefit more from the greater OCR options. A big thing is kids who don't know they want to do finance might get left behind at a school like Middlebury because there isn't as great of a support/recruiting network that will bring attention to how to properly prepare for a career in finance, though that clearly won't be a problem for the OP given that he is posting here already.

Above is all just based off of my own experiences, so take that for what it's worth.

 
<span class=keyword_link><a href=/resources/skills/finance/going-concern>Going Concern</a></span>:

I'd go with Middlebury if you have the cash. Then again I'm a dirty yankee

Actually McCombs would be quite expensive also because I am would pay out-of-state tuition. Anyways, why do you say Midd over UT?

 
SpicyTouch:
Going Concern:

I'd go with Middlebury if you have the cash. Then again I'm a dirty yankee

Actually McCombs would be quite expensive also because I am would pay out-of-state tuition. Anyways, why do you say Midd over UT?

It's one of the most selective liberal arts colleges, not too far from NYC/Boston/Philly, and I've met some chill bros who went there

 

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the responses. Can anyone give input on the 'Winter Term' which some schools have? I feel like this would be greatly beneficial for experience. For example:

Freshmen Summer: PWM Sophomore Winter: maybe Boutique IBD Sophomore Summer: MM IBD

^^Even before Junior year summer, it gives me potential to get a ton of more experience. Do winter terms actually work this way? Or am I overestimating its potential?

 

The "Winter Term" form my experience is one of two things. Some schools have "J-Term" which is just part of the regular school year, and is a class that runs for a few weeks and you are on campus only taking one class, something like 4 hours per day. Other schools, like mine have whats called a "Winter Session", where there are classes held in addition to some programs geared towards more specialized learning, like a Wall Street Prep course or something along those lines. Not exactly sure which bucket Midd's Winter Term falls into, but I know they both generally offer unique opportunities, and from my experience they are usually not an internship type thing, unless the winter term isn't required and you chose to do that.

 
Cyril Figgis:

The "Winter Term" form my experience is one of two things. Some schools have "J-Term" which is just part of the regular school year, and is a class that runs for a few weeks and you are on campus only taking one class, something like 4 hours per day. Other schools, like mine have whats called a "Winter Session", where there are classes held in addition to some programs geared towards more specialized learning, like a Wall Street Prep course or something along those lines. Not exactly sure which bucket Midd's Winter Term falls into, but I know they both generally offer unique opportunities, and from my experience they are usually not an internship type thing, unless the winter term isn't required and you chose to do that.

The website says you can request an internship for credit. I don't know the specific guidelines which have to be met. I have the links below if you would like to read for yourself. Also, you have the option to opt out-->do whatever you want during that time. Another option(more like a loophole), but still opens some doors, I guess.

http://www.middlebury.edu/academics/catalog/winter#WTC

http://www.middlebury.edu/academics/catalog/winter/OptOut

 
SpicyTouch:
Quaneaser:

Middlebury

Why do you say that?

University of Texas is a huge school and McCombs is a pretty large undergrad business school. On a numbers basis it probably sends more kids to IB but you have to be a rockstar there. The average kid there is no where close to IB and especially not NYC IB.

Now if you are dead set on doing O&G banking in Houston then go to McCombs. If you want to do NYC IB then go to Middlebury. I know it was mentioned that UT places well in NYC but (and maybe I just am ignorant) I've come across only 1 or 2 UT kids in IB in NYC. I've come across far more top LAC kids.

Plus Middlebury is much better academically and all the top LACs have fiercely loyal alumni. The pool of kids competing for IB jobs will be much smaller at Middlebury also.

 

I met a Middlebury kid last night that did 2 yrs ibd in nyc and now works at a HF. He seemed pretty chill. I went to McCombs (non BHP) and ended up doing just fine. I run across guys UT guys at banks, HF, PE, VC all the damn time. I walked into a meeting yesterday and half the management team was a UT alumni. A random UT guy came up to me at the airport because I had a longhorn on my backpack. Alumni are everywhere...Getting any of those 'high finance' jobs is doable at either of these schools as long as you grind. I personally think a decent state school like UT offers a more well rounded college experience (decent business school, athletics, party scene, the fact that you'll be living in Austin). Good luck.

Disclaimer for the Kids: Any forward-looking statements are solely for informational purposes and cannot be taken as investment advice. Consult your moms before deciding where to invest.
 
glen ross:

schools are close enough to make the difference non-material. go to UT. your kids will be telling your grandkids the stories about what your undergrad experience was like......not everything in life is about getting ahead. undergrad should be the most fun you have in your life. and you'll still place fantastic coming out of McCombs

+1 if I were looking at undergrads now Id look at Berkeley, Stanford, and Michigan. I know none are listed in the OP, but Id include them in the same category. You may not place much value on saturday football games or basketball season nos, but trust me... you will at some point. If you are a gunner and know what you want to do then either school will get you there. Texas will just give you the real college experience, which Ive noticed a lot of finance kids in the city lack, and its really evident.

Also, its generally assumed that smaller schools = stronger alumni network. Its a numbers game. While the 10,000 texas alumni are willing to help, they may get emails from 50 kids in a recruiting cycle so culling through that or being near the top of the list is harder. Compare that to a small school where an alumni MD at a bank may receive 10.

 
glen ross:

schools are close enough to make the difference non-material. go to UT. your kids will be telling your grandkids the stories about what your undergrad experience was like......not everything in life is about getting ahead. undergrad should be the most fun you have in your life. and you'll still place fantastic coming out of McCombs

+1 if I were looking at undergrads now Id look at Berkeley, UCLA, Stanford, and Michigan. I know none are listed in the OP, but Id include them in the same category. You may not place much value on saturday football games or basketball season nos, but trust me... you will at some point. If you are a gunner and know what you want to do then either school will get you there. Texas will just give you the real college experience, which Ive noticed a lot of finance kids in the city lack, and its really evident.

Also, its generally assumed that smaller schools = stronger alumni network. Its a numbers game. While the 10,000 texas alumni are willing to help, they may get emails from 50 kids in a recruiting cycle so culling through that or being near the top of the list is harder. Compare that to a small school where an alumni MD at a bank may receive 10.

 
DaBBzMan:
glen ross:

schools are close enough to make the difference non-material. go to UT. your kids will be telling your grandkids the stories about what your undergrad experience was like......not everything in life is about getting ahead. undergrad should be the most fun you have in your life. and you'll still place fantastic coming out of McCombs

+1 if I were looking at undergrads now Id look at Berkeley, UCLA, Stanford, and Michigan. I know none are listed in the OP, but Id include them in the same category. You may not place much value on saturday football games or basketball season nos, but trust me... you will at some point. If you are a gunner and know what you want to do then either school will get you there. Texas will just give you the real college experience, which Ive noticed a lot of finance kids in the city lack, and its really evident.

I am a huge believer of the entire college experience. UT will be awesome. At Midd, however, I plan on rowing(sports), the college is one of the more frattier LACs(parties/bang girls/wake up not knowing wtf happened), and also I have lived in the south my entire life, so the snow will be a new experience for me. Yea-I wont go to tailgates and huge football games, but still get the whole college feel. Also, I am that guy who likes to smoke a blunt with 3 other dudes and talk about life.

Regardless, I definitely agree that UT will give me a more college feel. It is a hard decision for me, and I appreciate your input. I will take your comments(and previous ones) into consideration.

 
DaBBzMan:
glen ross:

schools are close enough to make the difference non-material. go to UT. your kids will be telling your grandkids the stories about what your undergrad experience was like......not everything in life is about getting ahead. undergrad should be the most fun you have in your life. and you'll still place fantastic coming out of McCombs

+1 if I were looking at undergrads now Id look at Berkeley, UCLA, Stanford, and Michigan. I know none are listed in the OP, but Id include them in the same category. You may not place much value on saturday football games or basketball season nos, but trust me... you will at some point. If you are a gunner and know what you want to do then either school will get you there. Texas will just give you the real college experience, which Ive noticed a lot of finance kids in the city lack, and its really evident.

I am a huge believer of the entire college experience. UT will be awesome. At Midd, however, I plan on rowing(sports), the college is one of the more frattier LACs(parties/bang girls/wake up not knowing wtf happened), and also I have lived in the south my entire life, so the snow will be a new experience for me. Yea-I wont go to tailgates and huge football games, but still get the whole college feel. Also, I am that guy who likes to smoke a blunt with 3 other dudes and talk about life.

Regardless, I definitely agree that UT will give me a more college feel. It is a hard decision for me, and I appreciate your input. I will take your comments(and previous ones) into consideration.

 

McCombs alumni here, UT is good if you want to place in Texas, spots are very limited for NY (5-15 people per year do IB in NY out of the hundreds in McCombs (maybe another 20-30 in Houston/Dallas banking). There are still a lot of alumni around the country, but wouldn't make a decision based on that.

I would second the guy saying Berkeley, Michigan, USC, UVA, NYU. They are comparable to McCombs and probably place better in NY.

 
nkhanlegend:

Winter term isnt enough for a finance internship unless you've got a serious connection somewhere.

Thanks for the update. Seems like the UT vs Midd is pretty split.

 

Think about where you want to live after college as well. If you go to UT, chances are high you end up in Houston, Dallas or Austin. Midd opens doors to NYC and Boston. I'm not saying other cities can't be done, but that's where the majority of the alums will end up. And going even further than that, your IBD city could determine your next city as well. I personally would go with Midd as I think the name carries more weight in general, but you can't go wrong.

 

Another NESCAC grad here (graduated a few years ago) so keep that in mind. If you're goal is IB and that's all you want then neither of these schools are a good choice. I say that because, if you can get into Middlebury, you can probably get into Cornell, BC, Dartmouth (might be a longer shot but you'll be competitive), UVA, etc. that place much better into IB. Middlebury is a phenomenal top-5 LAC that has a fantastic network. However, where all NESCAC schools suffer is recruiting. If you're a BB firm recruiting your newest class, are you going to recruit at a school like BC where you will get 100+ potential candidates or Middlebury where you get 15? It will cost the same to travel to either one. Schools like Middlebury, Bowdoin, Colby, Wesleyan, etc. are all 2,500 students and less, so many large firms just don't have them on their radar. My school had few kids without connections going to BB IB, although we placed very well in consulting, especially mid-tier firms. Also, b-schools LOVE kids from small liberal arts schools because they are seen as more unique - Wharton gets piles of apps from kids from Duke, UVA, etc. but far fewer from schools like Amherst which are equally as competitive and loved by the "academic" types in b-school admissions offices.

I would expect McCombs would have MORE opportunities but the opportunities would be worse - other than O&G banking in Texas there are likely few opps in the northeast and you're competing against thousands of other students. However, in all honesty, I know little about the school. Middlebury is a much better pick in the long-term - better name, better alumni network. I would pick Midd hands down but look at some larger schools at Midd's competition level if all you're looking for is IB placement.

 

Another NESCAC grad here (graduated a few years ago) so keep that in mind. If you're goal is IB and that's all you want then neither of these schools are a good choice. I say that because, if you can get into Middlebury, you can probably get into Cornell, BC, Dartmouth (might be a longer shot but you'll be competitive), UVA, etc. that place much better into IB. Middlebury is a phenomenal top-5 LAC that has a fantastic network. However, where all NESCAC schools suffer is recruiting. If you're a BB firm recruiting your newest class, are you going to recruit at a school like BC where you will get 100+ potential candidates or Middlebury where you get 15? It will cost the same to travel to either one. Schools like Middlebury, Bowdoin, Colby, Wesleyan, etc. are all 2,500 students and less, so many large firms just don't have them on their radar. My school had few kids without connections going to BB IB, although we placed very well in consulting, especially mid-tier firms. Also, b-schools LOVE kids from small liberal arts schools because they are seen as more unique - Wharton gets piles of apps from kids from Duke, UVA, etc. but far fewer from schools like Amherst which are equally as competitive and loved by the "academic" types in b-school admissions offices.

I would expect McCombs would have MORE opportunities but the opportunities would be worse - other than O&G banking in Texas there are likely few opps in the northeast and you're competing against thousands of other students. However, in all honesty, I know little about the school. Middlebury is a much better pick in the long-term - better name, better alumni network. I would pick Midd hands down but look at some larger schools at Midd's competition level if all you're looking for is IB placement.

 
Best Response

I will expand on why I think McCombs is the better pick.

  1. It's easier to go to NYC from McCombs than it is to go to Texas O&G from Middlebury.

  2. You say you want the party/fraternity scene? Go to UT. You think smokin' a blunt with a few lax bros on a Tuesday night is cool? Wait until you walk into a fraternity rush party on West Campus at UT surrounded by hundreds of intoxicated freshman girls and Johnny Manziel.

  3. Sports. UT provides a vast amount of intramurals as well as NCAA sporting events to go to.

  4. The UT alumni network is powerful. The McCombs network is powerful. Certain organizations within UT have even MORE powerful alumni (ex. Cowboys, Silver Spurs, FIJI, SAE, SigEp).

  5. OCR. McCombs boast probably the best finance recruiting in Texas and the South.

  6. There's a lot of Longhorns in NYC.

  7. Austin > Vermont. There are so many different scenes in Austin. Greek Life, hipster, granola, yuppie, sporty, outdoorsy, etc.

Oh and I'm not even a Longhorn. I'm an Aggie.

 
GrandJury:

I will expand on why I think McCombs is the better pick.

1. It's easier to go to NYC from McCombs than it is to go to Texas O&G from Middlebury.

2. You say you want the party/fraternity scene? Go to UT. You think smokin' a blunt with a few lax bros on a Tuesday night is cool? Wait until you walk into a fraternity rush party on West Campus at UT surrounded by hundreds of intoxicated freshman girls and Johnny Manziel.

3. Sports. UT provides a vast amount of intramurals as well as NCAA sporting events to go to.

4. The UT alumni network is powerful. The McCombs network is powerful. Certain organizations within UT have even MORE powerful alumni (ex. Cowboys, Silver Spurs, FIJI, SAE, SigEp).

5. OCR. McCombs boast probably the best finance recruiting in Texas and the South.

6. There's a lot of Longhorns in NYC.

7. Austin > Vermont. There are so many different scenes in Austin. Greek Life, hipster, granola, yuppie, sporty, outdoorsy, etc.

Oh and I'm not even a Longhorn. I'm an Aggie.

After this post, I feel like McCombs is the better pick. I haven't received financial aid info from them, so considering how much each costs will also factor in the decision process.

 

SpicyTouch at the end of the day it's your choice, do what makes you happy. with that said i could not agree w/ GrandJury more.

i'm finishing up at an SEC school this spring. i transferred in from a 6,000 person private school in Cali. i used to smoke blunts with 3 dudes and talk about life on a Tuesday and I thought college was awesome. then I washed up at my current school and went to my 1st SEC game day and thought, "holy shit this isn't real life." i'm from the northeast and over my 3 years at my school all my good friends from home (went to Nova, Qunnipiac, Catholic University of America - all small private schools) have come and visit and left saying the exact same thing, "holy shit this isn't real life. my sons are going to state school in the south."

i start at a BB in S&T in June (my dream scenario going into school). if you're smart you can get wherever you want to go from anywhere. it's all about hustling and grinding. i saw some posts in here touting the fact only 10-20 kids from McCombs out of thousands get to NYC IBD. alright, how many of those kids are on this blog their senior year of high school asking the questions you're asking? you're set up to be one of the those 10-20.

****another story that speaks directly to DaBBzman's post about the true college experience. I was up visiting my bank in December. i was sitting next to a 1st year analyst from Yale on a little stool trying to not come off as a complete nuisance. i introduced myself and said where i went to school. I shit you not, immediately the entire row on the trading desk whipped around in their seats and asked, "Wait you actually go to ______? What is that like? What is game day like? I've heard it's unreal." Just like that I met 3 VPs, because I was different and I could tell some stories to a group of middle aged people (probably going through mid-life crises) had never heard before. I wouldn't trade my college experience for anything, and at the end of the day I got to have my cake and eat it too......so in my incredibly biased opinion you should go to UT, have the time of your life and make fun of all the Ivy League grads in your analyst class at your bank after you graduate for not having as much fun in undergrad as you did.

 
glen ross:

SpicyTouch at the end of the day it's your choice, do what makes you happy. with that said i could not agree w/ GrandJury more.

i'm finishing up at an SEC school this spring. i transferred in from a 6,000 person private school in Cali. i used to smoke blunts with 3 dudes and talk about life on a Tuesday and I thought college was awesome. then I washed up at my current school and went to my 1st SEC game day and thought, "holy shit this isn't real life." i'm from the northeast and over my 3 years at my school all my good friends from home (went to Nova, Qunnipiac, Catholic University of America - all small private schools) have come and visit and left saying the exact same thing, "holy shit this isn't real life. my sons are going to state school in the south."

i start at a BB in S&T in June (my dream scenario going into school). if you're smart you can get wherever you want to go from anywhere. it's all about hustling and grinding. i saw some posts in here touting the fact only 10-20 kids from McCombs out of thousands get to NYC IBD. alright, how many of those kids are on this blog their senior year of high school asking the questions you're asking? you're set up to be one of the those 10-20.

****another story that speaks directly to DaBBzman's post about the true college experience. I was up visiting my bank in December. i was sitting next to a 1st year analyst from Yale on a little stool trying to not come off as a complete nuisance. i introduced myself and said where i went to school. I shit you not, immediately the entire row on the trading desk whipped around in their seats and asked, "Wait you actually go to ______? What is that like? What is game day like? I've heard it's unreal." Just like that I met 3 VPs, because I was different and I could tell some stories to a group of middle aged people (probably going through mid-life crises) had never heard before. I wouldn't trade my college experience for anything, and at the end of the day I got to have my cake and eat it too......so in my incredibly biased opinion you should go to UT, have the time of your life and make fun of all the Ivy League grads in your analyst class at your bank after you graduate for not having as much fun in undergrad as you did.

Very nice post. I am still waiting to hear back from UNC and Vanderbilt which are both southern Semi Targets. Congrats on your gig. I really appreciate your input and the experience is certainly a factor in deciding where I go. In terms of kicking ass in college, if I can maintain a 3.5+ at either school, doors will be open for me. If you have any tips of maintaining a high GPA, specifically tips on how to study, that would be great.

Also, i'm glad you made it-nice hustle. It is always nice to hear success stories!

 

If this is a strict question of recruiting:

If you get into BHP, (Business Honors Program), UT is where you want to be. BHP kids place more or less wherever they want to; NYC is not a problem--you just see most of them end up in Texas because...they want to stay in Texas.

If this is a question of regular UT vs Middleburry, then it becomes a touch more complicated.

If we're talking about quality of life, it really depends on what you want out of your college experience. I'd pick UT in a second. GrandJury's post is the truth. This is coming from a northerner who works in Houston.

 

Disclaimer: NESCAC grad working in real estate who played sports. I also have a brother who went to Midd (he is now doing PE out of undergrad in Boston). I grew up in the South, far removed from the "elite liberal arts college" scene. That being said, I'm VERY biased. I don't really know much about McCombs, and on more than one occasion, I've been called a college elitist. I'll try to be as honest/forthcoming as possible, though.

Go to Midd. The NESCAC alumni base is extremely tight knit. The schools are small, but you can network with alumni from 10 other schools almost as easily if you were the same undergrad. There are a ton of NESCAC guys in New York, Boston, Chicago, SF, etc, working in finance, consulting, real estate, doing entrepreneurial stuff, you name it. If you're motivated, and make the effort, you can find something. Especially if you're planning on doing sports.

Speaking of, NESCAC sports are great. A lot of great athletes, but it's not a 100% focus. You can take out what you put in, and that's totally fine. You'll have the time to do them, as well as get involved in other extracurriculars.

As for academics, again, I don't know McCombs reputation, but Middlebury across every poll is a top 10 ranked LAC. You're going to have, on the whole, very smart, motivated people. Plus, many of them have wealthy families, which provide a great touch point. Parents of NESCAC athletes (at least from my experience), go out of their way to help out their kids' teammates. The professors at Midd are great, you can take interesting classes - and not just business ones, but the whole liberal arts.

As far as social life goes, I had a blast in college. I've also partied at Midd, and it's a ton of fun. You can get as rowdy as you want, and the highest authority you'll deal with is Midd police - not cops. Plus, odds are you'll get to know more people on a closer level. The campus tilts heavily to the left, but regardless of politics you'll find people you like. You'll also (maybe) get more of those opportunities to smoke up with some brilliant dudes and talk philosophical shit. Lots of preppy/frat dudes, and you'll probably not find a higher density of Bean Boots per capita outside of Bates.

On campus recruiting, as mentioned, might be less than stellar, but I believe the alumni network can offset that, with a little work. Also, no matter how awesome a state school is, almost everyone I know has an inherent bias toward them (not a good one, if you couldn't guess; most of my friends are NESCAC/Ivy). It might be elitist, but I'm gonna hire a NESCAC guy 10 time out of 10 over a UT guy. (Just being honest here, but ready for MS).

Midd has a J-term, where my brother took some cool classes - analyzing the bible in the original Hebrew, Chinese painting. I'm not sure how an internship would work, but you're not required to take a class every J-term, so you could definitely swing it.

Overall, I'm very pro-liberal arts. Shoot me a DM if you want to chat more.

 
copecre:

Disclaimer: NESCAC grad working in real estate who played sports. I also have a brother who went to Midd (he is now doing PE out of undergrad in Boston). I grew up in the South, far removed from the "elite liberal arts college" scene. That being said, I'm VERY biased. I don't really know much about McCombs, and on more than one occasion, I've been called a college elitist. I'll try to be as honest/forthcoming as possible, though.

Go to Midd. The NESCAC alumni base is extremely tight knit. The schools are small, but you can network with alumni from 10 other schools almost as easily if you were the same undergrad. There are a ton of NESCAC guys in New York, Boston, Chicago, SF, etc, working in finance, consulting, real estate, doing entrepreneurial stuff, you name it. If you're motivated, and make the effort, you can find something. Especially if you're planning on doing sports.

Speaking of, NESCAC sports are great. A lot of great athletes, but it's not a 100% focus. You can take out what you put in, and that's totally fine. You'll have the time to do them, as well as get involved in other extracurriculars.

As for academics, again, I don't know McCombs reputation, but Middlebury across every poll is a top 10 ranked LAC. You're going to have, on the whole, very smart, motivated people. Plus, many of them have wealthy families, which provide a great touch point. Parents of NESCAC athletes (at least from my experience), go out of their way to help out their kids' teammates. The professors at Midd are great, you can take interesting classes - and not just business ones, but the whole liberal arts.

As far as social life goes, I had a blast in college. I've also partied at Midd, and it's a ton of fun. You can get as rowdy as you want, and the highest authority you'll deal with is Midd police - not cops. Plus, odds are you'll get to know more people on a closer level. The campus tilts heavily to the left, but regardless of politics you'll find people you like. You'll also (maybe) get more of those opportunities to smoke up with some brilliant dudes and talk philosophical shit. Lots of preppy/frat dudes, and you'll probably not find a higher density of Bean Boots per capita outside of Bates.

On campus recruiting, as mentioned, might be less than stellar, but I believe the alumni network can offset that, with a little work. Also, no matter how awesome a state school is, almost everyone I know has an inherent bias toward them (not a good one, if you couldn't guess; most of my friends are NESCAC/Ivy). It might be elitist, but I'm gonna hire a NESCAC guy 10 time out of 10 over a UT guy. (Just being honest here, but ready for MS).

Midd has a J-term, where my brother took some cool classes - analyzing the bible in the original Hebrew, Chinese painting. I'm not sure how an internship would work, but you're not required to take a class every J-term, so you could definitely swing it.

Overall, I'm very pro-liberal arts. Shoot me a DM if you want to chat more.

My head is about to blow. So many stories of baller people coming out of both schools with amazing jobs. Its clear that both schools will prepare me well, its just about the fit. This comment however describes the college experience I desire.

45 comments still no winner.

 
SpicyTouch:
copecre:

Disclaimer: NESCAC grad working in real estate who played sports. I also have a brother who went to Midd (he is now doing PE out of undergrad in Boston). I grew up in the South, far removed from the "elite liberal arts college" scene. That being said, I'm VERY biased. I don't really know much about McCombs, and on more than one occasion, I've been called a college elitist. I'll try to be as honest/forthcoming as possible, though.

Go to Midd. The NESCAC alumni base is extremely tight knit. The schools are small, but you can network with alumni from 10 other schools almost as easily if you were the same undergrad. There are a ton of NESCAC guys in New York, Boston, Chicago, SF, etc, working in finance, consulting, real estate, doing entrepreneurial stuff, you name it. If you're motivated, and make the effort, you can find something. Especially if you're planning on doing sports.

Speaking of, NESCAC sports are great. A lot of great athletes, but it's not a 100% focus. You can take out what you put in, and that's totally fine. You'll have the time to do them, as well as get involved in other extracurriculars.

As for academics, again, I don't know McCombs reputation, but Middlebury across every poll is a top 10 ranked LAC. You're going to have, on the whole, very smart, motivated people. Plus, many of them have wealthy families, which provide a great touch point. Parents of NESCAC athletes (at least from my experience), go out of their way to help out their kids' teammates. The professors at Midd are great, you can take interesting classes - and not just business ones, but the whole liberal arts.

As far as social life goes, I had a blast in college. I've also partied at Midd, and it's a ton of fun. You can get as rowdy as you want, and the highest authority you'll deal with is Midd police - not cops. Plus, odds are you'll get to know more people on a closer level. The campus tilts heavily to the left, but regardless of politics you'll find people you like. You'll also (maybe) get more of those opportunities to smoke up with some brilliant dudes and talk philosophical shit. Lots of preppy/frat dudes, and you'll probably not find a higher density of Bean Boots per capita outside of Bates.

On campus recruiting, as mentioned, might be less than stellar, but I believe the alumni network can offset that, with a little work. Also, no matter how awesome a state school is, almost everyone I know has an inherent bias toward them (not a good one, if you couldn't guess; most of my friends are NESCAC/Ivy). It might be elitist, but I'm gonna hire a NESCAC guy 10 time out of 10 over a UT guy. (Just being honest here, but ready for MS).

Midd has a J-term, where my brother took some cool classes - analyzing the bible in the original Hebrew, Chinese painting. I'm not sure how an internship would work, but you're not required to take a class every J-term, so you could definitely swing it.

Overall, I'm very pro-liberal arts. Shoot me a DM if you want to chat more.

My head is about to blow. So many stories of baller people coming out of both schools with amazing jobs. Its clear that both schools will prepare me well, its just about the fit. This comment however describes the college experience I desire.

45 comments still no winner.

@"copecre" such a spot on comment that perfectly describes the NESCAC, +1

 
DickFuld:

Texas

You will have more access to willing poon than just about any other place on Earth. (Disclaimer: I sent my kids to Middlebury)

First, its amazing I am receiving college advice from you. It's an honor. Some questions for you.
  1. Most people fail to move up in the corporate world for many, many years. You moved up from being an intern at Lehman, all the way up to the CEO. How did you do it? Did you take initiative and show everyone you were working with you were a complete baller and knew more than everyone else? In my case, this would help attain leadership in Clubs/Organizations in college. Also, never hurts to get advice from such a successful person like you.

  2. If you sent your kids to Midd, then why advocate UT? Did they not like Middlebury, or are you trying to say Texas/Southern chicks are hot?

 
SpicyTouch:
DickFuld:

Texas

You will have more access to willing poon than just about any other place on Earth. (Disclaimer: I sent my kids to Middlebury)

First, its amazing I am receiving college advice from you. It's an honor. Some questions for you.

1. Most people fail to move up in the corporate world for many, many years. You moved up from being an intern at Lehman, all the way up to the CEO. How did you do it? Did you take initiative and show everyone you were working with you were a complete baller and knew more than everyone else? In my case, this would help attain leadership in Clubs/Organizations in college. Also, never hurts to get advice from such a successful person like you.

2. If you sent your kids to Midd, then why advocate UT? Did they not like Middlebury, or are you trying to say Texas/Southern chicks are hot?

1. Combination of hustle, initiative, and having a phenomenal mentor who believed in me at always put me in stretch positions.
  1. My first kid who went to Middlebury was one of my daughters.

I would never allow a daughter of mine to attend UT. Which is exactly why I'd recommend it for you.

 

I've got maybe a unique perspective because I currently go to school w/ a bunch of NESCAC kids and did my internship in Texas, where UT is a dominant force and I interacted with many of its grads.

You have to decide whether you're going to college for the best traditional experience or the best access to jobs. NESCAC kids I've met all come from top finance shops, are extremely well connected, a bit fratty, and less stuffy than some of the ivy league kids I've had to work with. When they tell me stories about how they found their jobs or advanced throughout their careers, I shake my head in disbelief. These people are networking machines and doors open for them almost at will based on their connections and you'll find a critical mass of them at any BB.

The impression I get from UT folks is that so long as they're in the top 5% of their class, or in the BHP, similar doors open. My roommate last Summer was in the final year of his undergrad at UT and had the most impressive UG resume I'd ever seen-internships at Jeffries, GS, and a HF. He participated in numerous stock pitch competitions (which UT tends to perform extremely well in) and had a rolodex the size of a Tolstoy novel as a result. Point is, he will write his own ticket from here on out because of his legwork. I met several other grads both in and out of BHP who, while not quite as stellar, had access to great OCR and def. took advantage (one at MBB, one doing O&G banking at a boutique)-but obviously most stayed in Texas. When we all went to Austin for some festival, they were excellent wingmen and just cool to have around but weren't really focused as much on trying to become BSDs

So NESCAC IMHO is a notch higher, but UT is at no disadvantage if you're a driven, type-A personality. You've got to decide on the experience you want to have and make a decision on just how career oriented you want to be at this point. But my vote is for Middlebury only because it seems a touch easier to end up specifically where you want

 

Sorry, but if you're dead set on IB, Middlebury is the way to go. I went to a NESCAC school. Had interviews at most BBs for IB and MBB/Tier 1 and 2 consulting firms. Liberal Arts kids really stand out from your typical Wharton/Duke/NYU Finance crowd (no offence to anyone who attends) when it comes to recruiting season.

 

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Use more debt than your competition or get out of the business. Any other policy is either self-limiting, no-win, or a bet that the competition will go bankrupt before they displace you. - Bruce Henderson
 

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