Last minute college decisions for Ohio resident that grinds his ass off (Gies vs. Kelley vs. Fisher and others)
I have been directly admitted to several schools and honors programs, and I am looking for input on which would provide me with the best opportunities to have a successful career in business. I am open to careers in all facets of business whether it be accounting or consulting. Although cost of attendance is fortunately not a big concern, it would be nice to save money where possible for graduate school. I have also made a list of some of my thoughts on each school below.
Stats + Extracurriculars:
4.4/3.9 UW, 9APs, 34 composite ACT, Captain of football team and all-conference player, Eagle Scout, National Honors society, National AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Commendation, moving essay about persevering through traumatic event, 200+ hours of volunteering
I got waitlisted from Carnegie Mellon, accepted into UMich but not into Ross, and I was direct admitted to Gies (UIUC), Darla Moore and South Carolina Honors, Fisher (OSU), Kelley (IU), and Lindner Honors (UC).
Some thoughts if wanted:
Ohio State: Direct admit to Fisher and Ohio State Honors
-
Ranked #13 by US News,
-
Massive school, maybe too big
-
Many friends attending
-
Not impressive honors program from what I have seen
UIUC: Direct admit to Gies
-
Most expensive option
-
Ranked #13 by US News, #2 for accounting
-
Smaller business school
-
Seems to be gaining momentum quickly
-
Great options for minors in CS, Engineering, and a Master's in Accounting
-
Where I would be most challenged by classes and peers
-
Considered a semi-target, target for big4 firms
-
Average compensation of $74k
IU: Direct admit to Kelley and Hutton Honors, 15k annual scholarship with Dean's scholarship + SSA
-
Ranked #8 by US News, top 10 in most subcategories
-
Seemed a little overrated during visit, don't want to sound snobby but I didn't think I would be challenged by my peers here
-
Massive business school
-
Considered a semi-target, somewhat of a target for big4 firms
-
Great workshops
- Average compensation of $74k
University of Cincinnati: Direct admit to Lindner and very selective Lindner honors (approximately 45 students)
-
Ranked #86 by US News, but small honors program shows a lot of promise
-
Cheapest option, almost full ride
-
Honors program has seemingly strong pull with local companies such as Cintas, Kroger, Procter and Gamble, places several out of 45 on Wall Street internships each year, but seems to have weak pull outside of Cincinnati area overall
-
No average compensation for Honors program available, but I talked with 10 or so of the 45 students in the graduating class and they seemed to be expecting $80k-100k
-
Classes did not seem as challenging as others
-
Less prestige
South Carolina: Direct admit to Darla Moore and IB Major and South Carolina Honors
-
Ranked #39 by US News, but honors program shows a lot of promise with networking, #1 for International business, top ranked honors program
-
Massive scholarship that reduces total COA to 40k
-
Classes did not seem as challenging as others
-
Average compensation for honors students is around $84k
-
Decent connections with McKinsey and BCG, walked by a networking luncheon hosted by the companies during visit
-
Hottest girls by a longshot, great social environment
-
Less prestige
I don't go to any of the schools, but I will say that IU Kelley seems pretty strong for placement and probs the best school out of your list. Hell there was an IU kid at my PJT RSSG's superday. I think he ended up bagging the offer too.
He did get the offer.
No way he got the offer? I’ve been following this news for sometime.
In the past I think two analysts at IU have gone to PJT rssg (might have made the exit out as in y2 now) and one in M&A
I went to IU Kelley and am graduating to an EB (MOE/PWP/LAZ). The workshop places 60+ kids every year and sends 1 or 2 to almost every shop (including GS and CVP). Excellent choice with a clear path to IB if you're able to get into the workshop.
Thanks, do you know if being in the Hutton Honors program provides an advantage for getting into workshops, or if it has any other advantages? I've heard that entry into the workshop can be a bit political and based on connections.
Pretty much every workshop applicant will be in Hutton Honors, so it won't be a differentiating factor. Instead, focus on getting into the business honors program during your freshman year, and get active in the financial services club and the restructuring/distressed investing club. Getting into the workshop can be a breeze if you're willing to put the effort in the pre-req course and prepare for admission interviews during the first semester of your soph year. Also, building relationships w IBW members through the financial services club and RXDI club will help A TON. Make sure to keep your GPA above 3.9 for the first 2 years to help your chances of admission (and eventually in recruiting). Happy to answer any additional questions about IU.
I’ll be different here and say give UofSC a second look. There is something to be said for having a lot of fun for 4 years while spending so little. You’re smart and hard-working. You’ll get a great GPA, join clubs, and find some early internships (probably Charlotte). Go where ever you want from there.
Looks like you have done your research. Your question of "what is the best option for me to be successful in business" is pretty broad. If you wanted Finance and NYC it would most likely be IU. If you wanted to stay in Ohio then either of the two programs Ohio programs.
But as the other commentator said you may was to give U of SC another look. I don't know much about it but they seem to have a pretty good International business program from what I've read and given your a honors accept it looks like you have auto acceptance if you choose that route - https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/moore/study/international_bus…; From the page - "Is highly selective — South Carolina Honors College students may select and gain immediate admission to the Classic IB track. The small number of remaining openings will be filled through a highly competitive selection process."
Given your uncertain about where you want to go with your business career, being able to put yourself in many different experiences in your undergraduate life will help grow yourself beyond the normal education. With the International Business track you need a take a foreign language and study abroad. Getting a global education will only broaden your horizons. The IB program does seem to be somewhat recognized https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/moore/study/international_bus… and I'm speculating this would have more prestige with consulting companies. Have you looked into this aspect of the SC program?
Thanks, I visited UofSC over Easter for an honors program tour but I wasn't able to book a spot in the business tour since it was already booked up. The starting compensation was outstanding for IB + Economics majors that go into consulting, but my biggest concern was South Carolina Honors having little pull outside of the Southeast, for both employers and grad schools. Also, other options seem to have promise in a wide array of areas of business study while UofSC is only seems to have a strong presence in International business. Despite this, the honors program shows amazing networking promise, small class sizes, and a great experience all at a (relatively) cheap price. Also, I am also unsure about the long term compensation difference between big4 accounting for schools like IU and Illinois and management consulting out of UofSC.
I was not aware that you got direct acceptance into South Carolinas IB program. Where else can you do that? That sounds huge to me and pretty much a guarantee for a SA in IB, the hardest part, IMO. At IU you have a series of gates, but certainly doable. Not sure I've seen a non-IBW IU person in IB. Do know a solid Market Risk Analyst.
Nice job at your research. As you say your a grinder so I think you will do well where ever you end up. Coming from Ohio though little disappointed your appreciation for SEC football.
U of I is a pretty underrated school for IB, but seeing as it's the most expensive option I think you should go with IU or UMich.
congrats, i got into U of SC as well. The Finance Scholars program seemed to have some decent opportunities, and one of the student speakers at my presentation yesterday has a job lined up at Credit Suisse in NYC.
If you're willing to work your ass of, Kelley without a shadow of doubt. Join FIR/CMC/ECMG/PMC your first semester, Knall-Cohen your second semester, all while keeping a 3.9+ GPA. If you do this, you should have little difficulty getting into the Investment Banking Workshop/Seminar or Capital Markets and Banking Workshop (CMBW).
Asperiores corporis et beatae nulla aspernatur distinctio. Nam perspiciatis molestias et iste corrupti ipsa eum. Quo quod fugit doloribus molestiae aspernatur deserunt. Sit repellendus molestiae asperiores molestiae.
Aut consequatur vel architecto. Facilis doloribus non eum ipsa at hic repellendus.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...