Stanford vs. LSE (Undergrad for both) – Best Choice for IB/PE Career in US & Europe?
Hi everyone
I’m an international student from Europe deciding between two undergrad offers: Stanford (USA) and LSE Accounting & Finance (UK). Both are undergraduate programs, and I’m aiming for a long-term career in investment banking or private equity, ideally working in both the US and Europe over time. I am set on working on finance in the future fyi and do not want to consider alternative career options.
My key points: • LSE is a 3-year degree, while Stanford is 4 years. • LSE is significantly cheaper – about half the cost of Stanford. • Stanford obviously has a top-tier reputation globally and strong US recruiting. • LSE is extremely well-regarded in Europe, especially in London finance.
My main questions:
• Are they both Super Targets in terms of prestige, and which has the stronger brand name and prestige in global finance circles? • Which school is better regarded for IB/PE recruiting – both in the US and Europe? • Which has the stronger brand name and prestige in global finance circles? • Is the extra year and cost at Stanford worth it for the long-term career benefits? • How feasible is it to recruit for US roles (e.g., NYC) coming from LSE or Stanford, and vice versa for Europe from Stanford or LSE?Any insights from people familiar with either program or who’ve recruited from them would be hugely helpful. I know both are amazing options – just trying to figure out which will open more doors and offer the better long-term return.
Thanks in advance!
Congratulations on both! These are incredibly impressive achievements. :)
I would choose Stanford. Here are my two cents (I have friends in both schools, and they work in the industry now):
In my opinion, Stanford’s reputation and prestige are still a tier or half a tier above LSE. The equivalent of Stanford in the UK should be Oxbridge, and LSE is just not there (slightly below). Both have amazing alumni networks, but I believe the name of Stanford will carry you further in the future.
Stanford is more expensive, but the pay you can get from working in the US is also relatively higher compared to the UK, so I think that balances out.
I’m not sure about your background, but I’m assuming you’re an international student, which is why you’re asking for work authorization. By attending Stanford, you’ll get OPT to work in the US, and with the name of Stanford, I don’t see how you couldn’t apply to London (the name is simply too big). However, on the other hand, if you go to LSE, it will be extremely difficult to apply to the US since you won’t have any visa to work there. Essentially, you can only apply to London and wherever you’re from.
Your family’s financial situation should be a factor to consider, but I can’t really comment on that. I suggest you talk to your parents about it.
Anyway, both are great choices, and I hope you have good luck in the future!
Thank you so much for the thoughtful response and insight—I really appreciate it!
Same would pick Stanford here
Stanford no questions.
This shouldn't be a question - Stanford and it's not even close. First comment says it all, echo everything that they said. Will also add that in the US it is systematically easier to break into IB because it's almost exclusively driven by how much effort you put into networking, with less "luck" than in the UK. In the UK I have no doubt you would get interviews from LSE but in the US you can maximise your chances whereas in the UK it is still all down to HR and by extension luck. Your chances in London are much higher with Stanford than LSE with that said. Networking is barely a thing here with the exception of some boutiques, the only notable one being Centerview (I was in their SA process through networking).
Stanford 100%
Stanford is way more prestigious globally and way harder to get into. This isn't even a question. Sure LSE is only "one tier below Oxford" in the UK but that's because school prestige is so much more coarse-grained in the UK due to there being fewer schools. There are only two prestigious schools in the UK: Oxford and Cambridge.
If you place Oxbridge and LSE among the larger ladder of schools in the US, Oxford is comparable to Stanford while LSE is more on par with something like UCLA or Vanderbilt, at best.
Slightly harsh on LSE that
Is it tho? I’d compare LSE with a bottom tier Ivy (Cornell, Brown) which isn’t far off from UCLA/Vandy
EDIT: ok rethinking it its probably on par with non HYPW Ivies (Columbia etc)
This take is completely retarded. I would say LSE is definitely on par with Columbia (I am not from LSE myself). The rest is accurate
God these replies you are getting here are a joke. Here is the deal: you have gotten into two amazing schools, massive congrats. You will be fine with either. Stanford is better for the US, but both are amazing for Europe. Choose with your heart
stanford every day of the week and 5 times on sundays
better opportunities, student life, weather, network, not surrounded by ib hardos
other than cost (big factor tbf) no reason why u shouldn’t go stanford
was @ stanford, dude you would be making a huge blunder to not come here. As context, I also was international and went through IB diploma at a british school so considered the UK. Stanford is amazing, weather is awesome, people are chill and you get amazing opportunities. Moreso so much happening in the valley - you'll absolutely enjoy it. Wouldn't even think for more than 20 seconds to take Stanford over Oxbridge any day of the week
Warwick is paradise
Stanford for sure
choose stanford
As an LSE student I would pick Stanford
Stanford without ant hesistation. Both are not in the same category
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