ucla biz-econ vs. ucb econ vs. usc marshall

Hello, I recently got admitted to ucla bizecon, uc berkeley economics, and usc marshall school of business as transfer student. I know the answer seems obvious if I am asking you guys which one is the best in terms of getting a job after graduating, but I am also thinking of going to grad school to continue studying finance or Stanford MS&E (Engineering-Economic Systems and Operations Research). To talk about my financial situation briefly, UCLA will cost me the lowest tuition since I can just stay at my parents' house. I would like to get a job in Accounting Big 4 firms in the future. So which one do you guys think is best suitable for me? thank you in advance for your reply :)

12 Comments
 

Berkeley by far...not even a comparison. Berkeley's econ department is one of the tops in the nation (well every department at Berkeley is pretty much tops), with advisors in the white house. It's a major feeder to big 4 accounting, like MAJOR feeder. In fact with Berkeley econ you have tons of options at your disposal, if you ever want to do something other than big 4 accounting.

And Berkeley's name alone will get you into the to graduate schools.

Also you should deifnitely live away from home to get any semblance of a college experience.

 
Best Response

From what I understand, berkeley is much stronger from a recruiting standpoint. The school is a major target for big 4 accounting, placing dozens of students per year in internships and full time positions. If you keep your grades up and get involved in some ECs, your chances of big 4 are very good.

That said.... I disagree with aceman about graduate school prospects. A school's "name" alone won't get you into a graduate school... especially at places like Stanford. I don't think any of the schools give you a clear advantage for graduate admissions. Your chances depend on your grades, ECs, essays, and recs... which means that it's up to how well YOU do regardless of the school.

And I will second Aceman's advice: do NOT live at home. It will be very hard to make friends, have a life, get laid, or get involved on campus... which will negatively affect your job and graduate school chances. So consider moving out an "investment in your future" if you must.

 

Berkeley is the best school by far. However, if you want to work for the Big 4, I'd recommend USC Marshall/Leventhal as an accounting major. Berkeley places a lot into accounting, but the top students drift towards banking/consulting.

 

Berkeley, definitely. As others have said, you can't live with your parents in college, that'll suck. And don't think the name will get you in to Stanford - while a good school, there are plenty of other applicants with good schools on their CVs applying there. Just keep up your grades and try to get to know a few professors so they'll give you killer recs.

 

Berkeley, no doubt about it. Not only is it the second most prestigious school in the states West of the Mississippi, but also, as others have said, it arguably has the best Econ dept in the country. Also if you decide to do undergrad Bus Ad major, Haas will open tons of doors into banking and consulting, let alone accounting, as it is a West Coast target school. The only downside is that it is extremely competitive and you won't see any grade inflation like you might at Marshall. But again, for Econ/Bus Ad, Berkeley is the clear cut choice.

 
TechIB86Berkeley, no doubt about it. Not only is it the second most prestigious school in the states West of the Mississippi, but also, as others have said, it arguably has the best Econ dept in the country. Also if you decide to do undergrad Bus Ad major, Haas will open tons of doors into banking and consulting, let alone accounting, as it is a West Coast target school. The only downside is that it is extremely competitive and you won't see any grade inflation like you might at Marshall. But again, for Econ/Bus Ad, Berkeley is the clear cut choice.

I believe Marshall had a grade curve which they did away with "in theory." Apparently this makes it competitive NO grade inflation.

USC Leventhal (Not Marshall) is probably a better feeder into Big4. The program is very well respected. So decide where you want to be post school and then make a decision. UCB (better econ/ San Fran) or USC (better accounting/ LA/ better football). If unsure, then UCB.

 

wow thanks you all for helpful comments, so apparently I was asking for obvious answers. But what I'm concerned about is that Berkeley does not offer double-major in accounting or even minor in it.. is it possible for someone who doesn't have accounting degree get a job at accounting big 4 firms? (The only accounting classes I've taken are two semesters of fundamental accounting)

Is Berkeley's name value much better than others? I'm kinda surprised to find that no one recommends ucla tho... I thought that ucla busniess economics would definitely help me out on landing on a decent job.

And another one is, I heard that Berkeley econ is not really preferred by recruters since Berkeley they have their own business program..

thanks in advance for more helpful comments

 

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