UVA vs Duke vs Vanderbilt

Im considering application to UVA, Duke, and Vanderbilt. I think they're all pretty good fits for me. I know that there are some similar forums and a lot say that Vanderbilt is less of a target school, but a lot those are dated, and I know that the school has been climbing the rankings and the acceptance rate has been going down and maybe this is changing. I'm wondering how these schools compare with reputation and recruiting for consulting and investment banking assuming that I got into McIntire.

8 Comments
 

There is a wide enough gap between these schools to objectively say that placement wise Duke>UVA>Vanderbilt. So assuming cost is the same I don't see any reason to deviate from this order of preference.

"Truth is like poetry. And most people fucking hate poetry."
 

I'd advise Duke ED with UVA early action if possible? duke's ED rate is 25%+ vs around 8% for RD.. From the looks of your profile pic you seem like an upper/upper middle class white male, so unless you're a legacy, you ain't gettin in RD

 

Duke is the biggest target but also the most competitive. the student body is on-par with Non HYP ivies so getting a 3.7 will be tough and I don't think there's a ton of grade inflation. Vanderbilt recruiting is still very subpar, especially considering its student body is on par w duke/ivies so you'd be screwing yourself over by going there UVA would be a fun 4 years and they place great as well. if you can get into duke, you can easily get a 3.7+ at McIntyre and end up at a BB. But more than likely this choice will be made for you (by the schools themselves). Apply to all 3 (and others) and THEN worry about which one places the best

 

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