Fordham University vs. George Washington University

I'm currently a senior in high school and I have basically narrowed down my college choices to either Fordham University or George Washington University. I'm currently interested in pursuing Equity Research, and am having trouble deciding on which school would be best.

I have read a lot on this forum about how Fordham is just barely a semi-target with some on campus recruiting, but very little. However, despite that, it does have access to the city for interviewing and networking, and can provide pretty solid placement if you're willing to work for it. However, it is known for being in a pretty bad part of the city, and as far as I'm aware, the dorms and food are pretty terrible (not to mention restrictive Jesuit rules like no guests of the opposite sex).

George Washington University is still in a pretty good city as far as I'm aware, and D.C. isn't that far removed from NYC. That being said, I've read next to nothing about recruitment, if there is any at all. I've seen somethings here and there about people getting to firms like GS, but I can't imagine you'll get many places without really working for it. That being said, I love the city and I have heard great things about the dorms. There isn't much school pride, but being in the middle of the capital has it's advantages. It's also worth mentioning I got into the Honors College at George Washington, but would be a regular student at Fordham.

I am able to attend both schools with either zero or negligible debt, so money isn't really a concern at this point. I was just wondering if anyone could offer some commentary on the advantages of either school, both from a life perspective going to the business school as well as for career prospects.

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clauritzen, sorry about the lack of response. Maybe one of these topics will help:

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    I have friends in New York from both of these universities. From my understanding both are pretty much peer schools, with GWU having minimal advantage in overall reputation. Regardless, you'll have to work really hard from any of these universities. I would've gone to GWU and tried to network with alumni in New York, I feel like you would have more competition if you were doing that from Fordham since everyone's target city is NYC.

     

    GW has a solid rep across MM/boutique shops in the DC area...depending if you're BB/NYC or bust. and/or you could start at one of these shops then look to lateral after couple years of experience. either way, if you get solid grades, start early, plus zero debt, then you should have optionality by the time you graduate, so congrats

     

    GS, BAML, and RBC visited GW this year so surprisingly there is a BB presence. But, from what I've seen and heard, a very small handful of students get offers. Like what was mentioned earlier, networking is vital if you go to GW and want a BB job.

     

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