LSE Worth it?
Student in the U.S going to a non-target university. I recently got an unconditional offer to study abroad at LSE and was wondering if it's worth it to go? From what I have heard from alumni at my school, LSE makes you stand out on your resume and helps you get rid of the "non-target curse" to some extent. However, at the same time, the con is that it gets very expensive to study abroad there, and as a first-generation student myself, my financial resources are limited. Do you still think going to LSE is worth it? The program offered at my school is for an entire academic year only.
If it's for the General Course, then you'll have a good life experience but it will likely only be marginally helpful in US undergrad recruitment I think. Like someone mentioned, a nice conversation piece but I don't think it's going to move the needle much. So if you're set on going, go because you want to have a life experience that will make you more well-rounded, give you perspective, etc...
If you're going for an LSE master's in one of the finance/commercially oriented programs then obviously European recruitment is going to be awesome but it will be contingent on work visa stuff, which is going to be a big question mark for a bit I think. I spent time at LSE as a grad student and my cohort/group of friends all had pretty strong placements across banking and consulting and many are now in top VC and PE firms. I found it easy to find in-term internships and to network.
Literally no one cares where you studied abroad. It's a non-factor. Zip. Zilch. It's study abroad, nothing more nothing less.
That said, it would be a fun experience. Everyone I've ever known loved studying abroad. Who knows maybe you'll be able to finagle into an internship or something while there, which could ultimately boost your chances (are study abroad students allowed to get internships?).
But if the question is as straight forward as - will studying abroad at LSE help in for US recruitment, its a resounding no.
Someone hit it over the nail already, a study program is not that useful. Undergrad at LSE - one of the best school and programs in the world, unless you are socially retarded you will get into a BB Masters at LSE - one of the best school and programs in the world - harder than an undergrad to get into banking as you only have one year there, but if you start recruiting early you will get into a BB
One year hanging out at the LSE as part of an undergraduate program, unless it's your ultimate year or second to last year I wouldn't bother. Second to last year, you will be able to take advantage of the on-campus recruiting for an internship. Last year, you will be able to take advantage of the on-campus recruiting for a job. Then it's going to be up to you to transfer that into a full time offer - you'll need grit and determination. Hiring as a non-EU citizen is going to be a challenge. If your goal is to go back home and work in the US - forget it unless you are ok to stay and do an internship in London and are applying as your second to last year