As a senior in high school, where should I start?
I've been reading about commercial real estate lately and feel as though I might be interested in it. I've been accepted to Ohio State University, Indiana University, Emory University, Villanova University, WashU, and Boston College. I've been directly admitted to all of the business schools except for Emory, which I will apply to at the end of my sophomore year. Which school, and which major, should I select? Also, there is a chance I'd like to pursue a career in corporate finance or law, or work in PE/VC/HF/IB, though I don't think IB would be very enjoyable long term for me. Basically, I'm undecided on my career, but feel as though it will be something finance, and/or accounting, related. Do you have any advice?
Whichever school you prefer out of those they will all get you into CRE (along with internships)...can't speak for any of the others you mentioned - Major in Finance preferably
It probably helps a lot to go to either a well respected school, or one that is near (on the coast or within a couple states) where you want to live. Lets say you wanted to be in New York, Villanova or Boston could be good choices, but if you want to be in Chicago, Ohio or Indy could be good, if you like the south, then WashU or Emory. Commercial Real Estate is a large network driven industry and it could be advantageous to have the same alma mater as the interviewer.
For your major, it looks like you're interested in RE, but also a number of other industries. I think Finance would be your best shot to cover everything.
From there, I would try and get involved with Greek Life and a few different clubs and make your network as large as possible. Try and do some internship or gets jobs that will help with whatever you decide you want to do.
It is okay to not know as a high schooler where you want to be in four years. When I was considering the options at high school, I had offers from universities in different countries, with subjects ranging anywhere from Business to Linguistics to Neuroscience to Egyptology... lol.
Okay, straight to the point. If you want to study law, then you should go to law school straight away. It will be quite challenging to switch to law afterward. Also, you need to be passionate about the law to be successful there - believe me, I come from a family with two Doctors of Law as parents.
If you opt-out for a business school and study something broad as BBA, or BA in Management, etc., then this may be a good option for you now if you are undecided about whether you want to do corporate finance or real estate. B-school will also (supposedly) give you some basic sales skills, teach marketing, etc, and also teach you accounting and finance, and give some law background. Then, if you decide to dive deeper into corporate finance, you can learn it yourself without a problem. Though if you know right now, for example, that your passions do lie in valuation and financial modeling, that you are so interested in what is moving the markets, then I strongly suggest doing a degree in Finance and Accounting, and concentrate on being awesome in Accounting from year 1.
Good luck in all future endeavors!
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