Middlebury or Emory?

Hey everyone, I'm currently a high school senior applying to schools. I have pretty decent stats, not HYP perhaps but not too far off. I am planning on applying under binding Early Decision to either Emory or Middlebury, but I'm still deciding which one, so I was hoping to get some feedback here. Do you guys believe one is better regarded than the other on the street, and what do you guys think their IB (or PE, etc.) placement is realistically like? 

23 Comments
 

Emory. Middlebury is a liberal arts college - they don’t have finance or accounting classes, and you won’t be exposed to any of the graduate-level programs / opportunities that a full university has. At best, you’d have to self-study for IB / PE and you’d likely still be behind your peers with recognized finance backgrounds and Excel-based classes. Emory has a respected business school (Goizueta) with several IB and PE-focused clubs and classes, as well as a BBA degree at the undergrad level. There is an established pipeline for placements at top NY firms and great reputation at southern firms.

 

Honestly even leaving placement aside. I would most likely go to Emory simply because Middlebury seems too niche. As it’s cold in the middle of nowhere and very skewed towards preppy white liberal arts kids. At Emory you’ll have those kids those along with basically everyone else from around the country and world. The weather is better and you have Atlanta. I personally wouldn't like spending 4 years in Vermont. Some would love it but you have to make sure that you would. Schools like Emory or just generally national oriented schools fit most people vs liberal arts that appeal to a niche

 
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I'd go Midd. This finance/accounting knowledge that everyone is mentioning is ridiculous. Banks want to hire smart students, not a 19 year old who thinks he/she is a financial modeling guru. Learning to become an IB analyst is not rocket science. The EQ/overall education that you will get at a school like Midd is priceless. A well-rounded liberal arts education will teach you problem solving and critical thinking that will make you a smarter and better person. In the long run, over the course of your career, a well-rounded education is much more important than being marginally more prepared for IB technical interviews.

Now if this was Wharton/Ross or a similar business school it may be another discussion. But, assuming similar school quality, I always tend to prefer the liberal arts education when reviewing candidates. They are generally more reasonable people and aren't finance-obsessed hardos.

Now, if you don't like the small school feel of Midd (or being in VT) that is another story. But, I would suggest you apply to other LACs (including ivies) as they give you a much better eduction than taking Accounting 225 or whatever is done at those state schools.

 

Emory isn’t a state school lol. It’s liberal arts too but not to the same degree. That said I would pick based on fit and I think most would fit better into Emory because midd appeals to a more niche demographic. If op fits that then Middlebury would be an amazing time

 

Agree. Emory is a great school. Can’t go wrong with either. My comment was in response to those who think Emory is a better choice because of exposure to finance/accounting classes.

 

They are way different schools. For some one is better for others the other.

Recruiting is virtually the same from both. Maybe emory a bit better since alumni base bigger

 

Emory 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Definitely Emory. Emory has a stronger brand, as well as their business programs are quite rigorous. The alumni netowrk is good in Lazard, so you would even have a decent shot for EB. My friend went to Emory and got an offer at LAZ. Can't not mention, it still comes down to your skills & characteristics (also good GPA). Hope I could help!

 

Yeah, my buddy went to Emory (Math and Econ majors), then went to Bain and KKR Ops and finally started his own business and raised $200M. He is doing pretty well.

Capital on Tap Secures $200M Funding | Capital on Tap

(2) David Luck | LinkedIn

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

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