UNC Chapel Hill vs. UGA vs. Vanderbilt vs. Boston University vs. Boston College vs. Northwestern vs. Northeastern
Hey guys so I've gotten into all seven of these schools listed above as a transfer student. I wanted to know which of these schools would prepare me best for a good finance career in Investment banking, consulting, investment management, etc. I am also still waiting to hear back from NYU Stern and USC Marshall.
UNC- I would be able to study at least econ, but ideally would want Business Administration (B.A.)major with concentration in finance. Will try to get into K-F, but at worst case, will apply for minor to B.A. major. Will i still be able to get decent opportunities coming out as an econ major if I cannot get into K-F?
Vandy- great school, nice campus, have questions about the recruitment apart from the southeast, would have to basically retake all my coursework (need to complete all Gen ed requirements), 15-18k more/yr than unc and would graduate a year later
UGA- in state school, in-state tuition and can graduate in 5-6 semesters
Northern finance schools- don't see much difference between them and other options; Boston good for potential Asset Management opportunities
Northwestern- great school, have some concerns about safety in Chicago (have never visited Evanston), don't mind working closer to Chicago at BB or MM bank, but would ideally want to work in either South or NE
What would you guys recommend if you were me?
Northwestern.
Evanston is in a nice Chicago suburb that's close enough to Chicago to make day trips convenient for interviews but far enough away so safety is not even close to an issue.
Vanderbilt and Northwestern are the best schools you got into, so I'd try to select between those two as they will have the largest reach. Both will pigeon-hole you a little geographically, but their names should carry. I'd personally select Northwestern but that's because I liked it a lot when I visited a few years ago. It should give you comparable options to Vanderbilt.
As others have mentioned, Northwestern is completely safe. It's in the North suburbs and far from the violence issues. It will provide you by far with the most career options. NYU is a close second, if you get in.
As a state school grad (UIUC), I will tell you to go to the best f'ing school possible. Worry about paying for b-school when/if you get there. Northwestern gives you a better opportunity to have branding for a top b-school than any other option on your list. It's also national enough that you should be able to get a job in any region you choose.
You can get to NYC or the SE from either UNC or Vandy, but if you think getting a MBA is your goal, you'd be making a mistake to pass on Northwestern. And, as an Illini, I hate saying that because the purple kitties suck.
.
Re-read that dude