Duke v. Northwestern v. Cornell

Hi guys, this is my first time posting, but I'm interested in entering a financial career following graduation and I was recently accepted into these undergraduate schools. I know you're all knowledgable about this sort of thing, so I'd greatly appreciate any advice you have on choosing between these three schools. Thanks.

35 Comments
 

Are you interested in a financial career in Chicago? If so, Northwestern might be your best bet. If you're looking at NYC, then I would go with either Cornell or Duke.

Anyway, they're all peer schools, and you should probably use other factors to guide your decision (social life, academic options, financial aid, etc.).

EDIT: I would choose Duke without a second thought.

 

I never post in these threads but have an actual dilemma.

Where did you get money? That's very important; don't saddle up with debt to go to Cornell or Duke or something because these schools are all on par. One isn't worth 50k more debt IMO.

Ceteris Paribus, I'd say Duke > NW >Cornell.

Cornell has a really competitive student body (that's bad) and is where fun goes to die. NW is a great school but will really lend itself to a career in Chicago postgrad. Duke is a blast and places well in Chicago and NYC, it also places really well in consulting if you go that route.

My drinkin' problem left today, she packed up all her bags and walked away.
 

That's given the fact that the financial aid package at all schools are comparable and/or you don't have to take much loan.

 

I'd go Duke or Northwestern. ACC Basketball or Big Ten Football, equal if not better than Cornell academically and definitely seem more fun from my limited dataset of friends who have attended the schools. If you want to end up in Chicago, obviously choose NW. Otherwise, take your pick between Duke and NW, though Duke does place a lot better on the East Coast. Also, not sure about Duke but I know NW places lights out with regards to consulting.

 
Best Response
State of TranceIts the top target outside of HYPSWM

Where do you people even come up with this shit?

I'd go to Duke. Fun school, good reputation.

 
triplectz
State of TranceIts the top target outside of HYPSWM

Where do you people even come up with this shit?

I'd go to Duke. Fun school, good reputation.

It'd be a fair statement if he said "a" top target instead of "the" top target.

 

You're splitting hairs, they're all solid programs. As long as you do work you'll place. Just don't forget to have fun outside of running after IBD or whatever.

'Before you enter... be willing to pay the price'
 
BepBep12You're splitting hairs, they're all solid programs. As long as you do work you'll place. Just don't forget to have fun outside of running after IBD or whatever.

^ This - they are all perceived about equal for undergrad. You should go visit and see which school feels best. All else being equal, its more important to go somewhere you're happy and don't hate being for 4 years. College is an awesome experience.

 

I'm a fellow fall 2013 applicant and based on what I've read and heard, you will find it slightly easier to break into bulge bracket banking from Duke.

But the FOTM is that all three are target schools and place well. Just maintain a good GPA and do relevant internships. Weigh things like fit and location when making your decision.

For example, I personally would pick Northwestern because I don't like the general feel of Duke and because I don't think I'd be happy in Ithaca, which I perceive as cold, isolated and sort of sad. Unfortunately, I was just rejected from Northwestern on Thursday.

You should also factor in Northwestern's proximity to Chicago. You likely won't be able to intern during the school year but it can help to be that close to a major financial hub.

If you're keen to major in business, then obviously Cornell is where you want to be. A certificate from Kellogg isn't the same as a full-fledged business degree. From what I understand, there will be a greater number of boutique and MM banks recruiting at Cornell too.

Oh and if warm weather is what you want then obviously Duke.

 

As a first-year Duke student, I would definitely recommend Duke, not only for its rankings (it's top 8, so a target), but also for its opportunities (Duke Investment Club, Entrepreneurship Club, strong Pre-Business group, Duke Start-Up Challenge etc.). For your career, I'd say that it's the best, bur the choice is up to you. PM me for more information if need be.

Also, Cornell probably gets more hits because it has a much larger student body, and it used to be ranked a lot higher than it is currently. An analysis of the positions of these 68 vs. 150+ results would also be needed before a conclusion about Goldman Sachs placement could be made.

 

I disagree. Duke has impeccable job placement for those qualified, and offers (in my opinion and experience from considering both schools for undergrad) a better academic program in both economics and business.

 

Look, if you're going to be the best fucking student around, it doesn't matter which one of those schools you go to. If you plan on being mediocre, then don't plan on going into banking.

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 

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