LSE or UNC
Bit of an unconventional one. I'm a UK/US dual citizen that has grown up in the UK but applied to both schools in the US and UK. I got in to quite a few in both countries, but I managed to narrow it down to these two based on a number of factors. I'm on a gap year and currently hold a place at LSE to read Politics and Philosophy and a general place at UNC. My goal is to go and work in IB/PE etc., less so consultancy but perhaps. I'll make a list of pros and cons for both of these schools and would appreciate some advice. I will preface this however that I have a very strong personal preference to both go to school, live, and work in the US because I fundamentally prefer the higher educational system and the US as a country in general, so it would take quite a bit to convince me to take the LSE place, but I do want to be 100% sure that I'm doing the right thing.
LSE Pros:
- Objectively a better school than UNC. It just is. I'd argue that LSE and Imperial are the best schools in the UK behind Oxbridge - the same cannot be said about UNC in any regard.
- I do genuinely love London as a city, LSE has always been my dream school in the UK in part due to its location.
- Cheaper than UNC. It is not much cheaper at all per year than UNC due to London costs dragging it up massively, however it is only a 3 year course v 4 year course at UNC and I'd have access to gov student loans which are free money for all intents and purposes.
- Recruiting at LSE is top notch for the fields that I want to go in to. It is however mostly confined to the UK because it is so hard to break into the US market without the extensive networking that wouldn't really be possible from LSE.
LSE Cons:
- Although I obviously do have a deep interest in both Politics and Philosophy, otherwise why would I bother applying for that and LSE wouldn't give me an offer if I didn't, I don't know how I feel about studying just that for 3 years, especially with the option of UNC where I could pretty much do whatever I want.
- Also I imagine that recruiting for LSE Politics and Philosophy is no where near as good as it would be for Econ, though equally I doubt it's bad.
- LSE isn't exactly known for its electric nightlife...
- It's in the UK.
UNC Pros:
- I prefer the US and would prefer to go to college and work there.
- Am not confined to just one subject, could major in Business with a minor in maths or poli sci.
- Social life in every single regard far exceeds that of LSE and that is a big draw. I know plenty of Brits that absolutely love the social aspect of college in the states compared to the UK and especially at UNC.
- Recruiting from KF is good - not excellent, but good.
- Obviously recruiting for the US is better than LSE as it is in the US.
UNC Cons:
- More expensive as explained above and would require some private loans unlike LSE.
- Not as prestigious a school as LSE.
I have visited both schools and as you can tell, I loved UNC. As I said before, I do definitely have a strong preference for UNC. I feel the US college system is fundamentally a far better fit for me personally compared to the UK, and LSE is pretty much the opposite of that.
Anyway, what are your thoughts?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how you can weigh your options:
LSE
Pros: - Prestige and Recruiting: LSE is one of the top schools in the UK, with excellent placement in IB and PE, especially in London and Europe. Its reputation is globally recognized, which can be a strong asset for your resume. - Location: London is a financial hub, offering proximity to top firms and networking opportunities. - Cost: While London is expensive, the shorter 3-year program and access to UK government loans make it more affordable than UNC.
Cons: - Limited Flexibility: The Politics and Philosophy program is less versatile compared to UNC’s broader curriculum. It may not align as directly with your IB/PE goals as an Economics or Finance degree would. - US Market Challenges: Breaking into the US market from LSE is difficult without extensive networking, which is harder to achieve from the UK. - Social Life: LSE is known for being academically intense, with a less vibrant social scene compared to US colleges.
UNC
Pros: - Fit and Flexibility: The US college system allows you to explore multiple disciplines, such as Business with a minor in Math or Political Science, which aligns well with your career goals. - Social Life: UNC offers a more traditional and lively college experience, which you’ve expressed a strong preference for. - US Recruiting: Being in the US gives you better access to the US job market, and Kenan-Flagler (KF) has a solid reputation for IB/PE recruiting.
Cons: - Cost: UNC is more expensive, requiring private loans, which could be a financial burden. - Prestige: While KF is respected, UNC as a whole doesn’t carry the same global prestige as LSE.
Key Considerations:
Career Goals: If your ultimate goal is to work in the US, UNC provides a more direct path to networking and recruiting opportunities in the US market. LSE, while prestigious, may limit your ability to break into the US without significant effort.
Personal Fit: You’ve expressed a strong preference for the US college system and lifestyle. This is a major factor, as your happiness and engagement during college can significantly impact your performance and networking.
Financials: While LSE is cheaper overall, the cost difference may be worth it if UNC aligns better with your career and personal goals.
Recommendation:
Given your strong preference for the US, the flexibility of UNC’s curriculum, and its better alignment with your career goals in IB/PE in the US, UNC seems like the better fit for you. However, if you’re willing to prioritize prestige and cost savings, LSE is a strong contender, especially for a career in Europe.
Sources: One day to decide: US or UK?, LSE V Bristol uni, LSE is Paradise, Choose Between Two Offers (BB/MBB) - Looking for Advice
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