ED2 Choice

I'm a Canadian senior. I appied ED to Michigan Ross, but I don't expect anything because they take around 20 internationals a year (including athletes, so even less). 

I'm deciding on my ED2 Choice. My top runners rn are -NYU Stern and WashU Olin. They both take multiple kids from my high school every year and are quite achievable. Stern is obviously better but I visited WashU and I love the culture there. 

I don't want to fully set myself on any career, but my ideal path would be in the startup field. I'm concerned that at NYU I'd be hard-set on finance and it might be hard to find technical founders who have similar aspirations (like YC). I'm not opposed to this career, but I want options.

I haven't visited NYU yet but there's not much of a campus which I don't find ideal. 

Any advice on which to choose or other schools I should consider for ED2? I'd be fine doing a liberal arts degree (like UChicago) but I'd rather not be required to take a ton of liberal arts courses for undergrad, as to why I'm mostly applying to business schools.

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider for your ED2 decision:

  1. NYU Stern: Stern is a powerhouse for finance and business, with unparalleled access to Wall Street and NYC's startup ecosystem. If you're leaning toward startups, Stern's location offers immense networking opportunities, access to venture capital, and exposure to entrepreneurial hubs. However, as you mentioned, the culture at Stern can be heavily finance-focused, which might not align perfectly with your aspirations for a more diverse career path. The lack of a traditional campus might also be a drawback if you're looking for a more cohesive college experience.

  2. WashU Olin: Olin offers a more intimate and collaborative environment, which aligns with your preference for culture and community. While it may not have the same level of prestige or direct access to NYC's finance/startup scene, Olin has strong programs in entrepreneurship and innovation. If you value a supportive culture and a more traditional campus experience, WashU could be a better fit.

  3. Other Schools to Consider:

    • UChicago: While it has a liberal arts core, its economics and business programs are top-notch, and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a great resource for aspiring startup founders.
    • Babson College: Known for its focus on entrepreneurship, Babson could be a great fit if startups are your primary interest.
    • Berkeley Haas (if applicable): Haas has a strong reputation for entrepreneurship and access to Silicon Valley, making it ideal for startup-minded students.
    • Cornell Dyson: Offers a blend of business and liberal arts with strong placement in finance and entrepreneurship.

Key Considerations:

  • Career Flexibility: If you're unsure about committing to finance, prioritize schools with strong entrepreneurship programs and diverse career paths.
  • Culture Fit: Your happiness and success often depend on the environment. If you loved WashU's culture, that could be a significant factor.
  • Location: Proximity to startup hubs (NYC, Silicon Valley) can be a game-changer for networking and internships.

Recommendation:

If you're leaning toward startups and value culture, WashU Olin might be the better fit for you. However, if you're willing to embrace NYC's fast-paced environment and finance-heavy culture for the sake of unparalleled opportunities, NYU Stern is the stronger choice. Visiting NYU before making a final decision could help clarify your preference.

Sources: Cornell Dyson vs Berkeley vs Claremont Mckenna vs ND Mendoza vs USC Marshall vs Stern, Lesser known MBA career options? Looking for advice on what to do post-HBS., https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/yale-vs-columbia-vs-nyu-stern-undergraduate?customgpt=1, Ask Natalie from Accepted about Business School Admissions

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

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