UVA Vs. Stern Undergrad

Hey everyone, I've lurked a ton of threads on this website but this is my first post so I apologize if I'm not formatting this correctly.

I know this topic has been beaten to hell and I've probably read every thread that has either of these schools in it but I was recently accepted to both and really need some advice. Cost is not a significant factor as I have the GI Bill helping out with that's not of concern. My concern is that I love everything about UVa but I'm scared out of my mind that I won't get into McIntire my second year. I'm a decent student but really don't know how I got into Stern in the first place. I pride myself in being able to network decently with far more social skills than the kids at Stern probably have but everything I've heard about it being cut throat and having no campus feel has really turned me off. I would like to eventually get into PE or ST but know that often you have to go through IB first. If I didn't get into McIntire would have no chance at either as an economics major? Sorry if this is all over the place but any feedback is greatly appreciated, really don't know what to do.

 

Stern - networking opportunities in the city are endless and most Stern students don't take as much advantage of it as they should since the school has such a strong OCR recruitment

Plus undergrads don't know how to network well (maybe at Stern it's a little better than most schools because of the environment) but even still definitely not was well as MBAs at any program so if you network you will have a pretty good advantage.

You said you're a decent student but Stern is a competitive school so be prepared to work very hard if you do go

 

My perception (and I think it's supported by rankings) is that UVA is a better undergrad school than NYU. And I've seen a lot of UVA grads in finance and consulting who majored in econ or engineering or history, so I don't think the "McIntire or bust" mentality is really warranted. McIntire doesn't really have an identity or reputation the way that Stern does, so people like me just see all UVA students as the same. And there are lots of Darden military alums who you could network with. Sometimes as high as 10% of Darden is ex-military.

The college experience at NYU is unlike almost any other, for better or worse. UVA, on the other hand, has one of the nicest traditional campuses in the country. If you've visited both, the contrast couldn't be starker.

For me, this would be a no brainer for UVA. Good luck!

 

agreed with consultant798. uva is a better overall school than nyu and mcintire and stern are comparably ranked and have similar recruiting ops. it really comes down to personal preference for city life vs traditional college experience. you'll do fine from either school but i'd go to uva if i was in your shoes

 

Definitely Stern. If you have above average social skills, you will have a leg up on most Stern students and be more able to take advantage of NYC and the incredible OCR.

 

Thanks everyone for your input, the more things I can take into consideration when deciding, the better. Onmywayup, what kind of job opportunities are available to you or other econ majors? I'm leaning towards Stern because I think I can network my way to a decent job, but I'm also interested in interning part time during my first years. Does anyone know if it would be possible for me to do this with a little bit of elbow grease? Thanks again everyone.

 

Are they usually paid or unpaid? I understand to get the experience I'll probably just have to take a bunch of unpaid ones but I'm going to be very broke so it would be nice if there were paid options available.

 
onsight:

Care to elaborate?

The campus (or lack thereof) is awful. You're expected to do inter-year internships to remain competitive. The student body is unnecessarily competitive and relatively one dimensional (obviously there are exceptions). No college sports to speak of. Below average Greek life if you're into that. You have to sign guests into dorms, which are also expensive, cramped and generally shitty. Let me know if you want me to keep going....

You can get into IB from either. Placement isn't materially different. Choose whichever one you think you'll enjoy more. Remember though that you'll be in New York for a number of years. Might as well try someplace else while you still can.

 

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