Berkeley vs UMich vs Georgetown

Hey everyone, I committed to Berkeley Haas a month ago but just got off the waitlist at both Michigan Ross and Georgetown MSB. Now I’m stuck trying to decide what’s the better option. I’m from Texas and planning to go into investment banking or consulting after undergrad, and I would prefer to work in NYC. FYI all three schools cost about the same out-of-state. I’d really appreciate any thoughts on recruiting, alumni networks, and overall school value/prestige, especially for NYC outcomes. Thanks so much in advance!!

Which school would you go to assuming same cost for all 3?

Berkeley Haas
13% (8 votes)
UMich Ross
32% (20 votes)
Georgetown
56% (35 votes)
Total votes: 63
9 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown to help you decide:

1. Recruiting and Placement:

  • Georgetown MSB: Georgetown is considered the strongest target for NYC placement among the three. It has a stellar reputation for investment banking (IB) recruiting, often placing better than some Ivies for NYC roles. Alumni are well-represented in NYC finance, and the school has a strong focus on finance careers.
  • Michigan Ross: Ross is also a strong target for IB, with a solid track record of sending graduates to NYC. However, it may not have the same level of dominance in NYC as Georgetown.
  • Berkeley Haas: While Haas is excellent for West Coast opportunities (SF, LA, tech, and consulting), it is less of a target for NYC IB compared to Georgetown and Ross. That said, it still places students in NYC, but the alumni network and on-campus recruiting for NYC roles may not be as robust.

2. Alumni Network:

  • Georgetown MSB: Known for its tight-knit and active alumni network, especially in NYC. Alumni are often willing to help students break into finance roles.
  • Michigan Ross: Ross has a large and supportive alumni base, particularly in the Midwest and NYC. It’s a strong network, but Georgetown’s may have a slight edge for NYC finance.
  • Berkeley Haas: Haas has a strong alumni network, but it’s more concentrated on the West Coast. If you’re aiming for NYC, the network may not be as advantageous as Georgetown or Ross.

3. School Value and Prestige:

  • Georgetown MSB: Highly regarded for finance and consulting, with a reputation that resonates well in NYC. Its location in D.C. also provides access to unique networking opportunities.
  • Michigan Ross: Ross is a top-tier business school with a strong reputation in finance and consulting. It’s well-respected nationally but may not have the same NYC focus as Georgetown.
  • Berkeley Haas: Haas is prestigious, especially for West Coast finance, tech, and consulting. However, for NYC outcomes, it may not carry the same weight as Georgetown or Ross.

4. Fit for NYC Goals:

If your primary goal is to work in NYC, Georgetown MSB is likely your best bet due to its strong placement in NYC finance and its alumni network. Michigan Ross is a close second, offering excellent opportunities but with slightly less NYC focus. Berkeley Haas is a fantastic school but is better suited for West Coast opportunities.

Recommendation:

  • If NYC is your priority, Georgetown MSB should be your top choice.
  • If you’re open to both NYC and other regions, Michigan Ross offers a balanced option.
  • If you’re considering West Coast opportunities or have a strong preference for Berkeley’s culture, Berkeley Haas is a great choice.

Good luck with your decision!

Sources: Georgetown MSB vs Michigan Ross vs UC Berkeley, Georgetown MSB vs UC Berkeley Haas Undergrad, Cornell Dyson vs Berkeley vs Claremont Mckenna vs ND Mendoza vs USC Marshall vs Stern, UC Berkeley Undergrad for IB Recruiting, Georgetown Econ (College) vs Georgetown Finance (MSB)

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I have friends in Ross and they say it’s super competitive. I would assume Haas is similar.

I’ve heard good things about Georgetown. Nice club and good placement in NYC

 
Most Helpful

For context: Current business undergrad student at Ross/Stern

I'd say GU is still really strong. It has an extremely strong alumni network, potentially less competition, but a good pipeline for NYC finance. The trust fund thing is probably true, though, lol.

Stern/Ross are quite similar: Cutthroat environments, (student) club culture is especially prevalent for recruiting (Ross esp), both have business school grade curves I think, and alumni networks are strong (Stern has an edge for high finance I feel due to proximity).

Haas is slightly weaker off of pure statistics and place more on the West than Wall St. I think consulting/PM/Tech is better there. 

If you want NYC IB you can't really go too wrong with any of GU/Stern/Ross. Think about fit/culture and student life and where you'd see yourself.

 

Go to Georgetown (more rich/well connected kids) if you want a private school experience, go to Mich (more dumb kids/more kids in general) if you want a public school experience. Only go west coast if you have interest in tech/entrepreneurship.

If you are 100% in on Banking go to Georgetown.

 

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