USC marshal vs ucla biz Econ
Got into both USC Marshall and UCLA Biz Econ as a transfer student (so I’ll only have 2 years). I’m currently leaning toward UCLA, but I keep wondering if I’m giving up too much in terms of professional networking and recruiting opportunities by not choosing Marshall.
My long-term goal is to pursue either JD or work in consulting. I know UCLA is great for academic rigor and might be a better launchpad for law school, while USC Marshall seems stronger in terms of undergrad business recruiting, alumni connections, and early career placement.
That said, I’m also thinking long-term: Does skill eventually outpace network? Is UCLA’s academic edge more valuable after the initial job? Or is Marshall’s network + placement power too strong to ignore if I don’t end up pursuing law?
Wd love to hear from people in both camps, especially those who’ve either gone the JD route or broken into consulting from either school.
UCLA most definitely does not have an edge in terms of academics. It is an average state school with a misleadingly low acceptance rate (the entire state of cali applies). Ofc some very good departments (not close to UG finance) and a very smart top 5% (def smarter than top 5% at USC) but in all, USC has the academic edge these days.
You will find that the reputation and networking (as you know) at USC is significantly better in finance/consulting. UCLA likely has a stronger reputation with Law Schools, but not by much. Long story short: you can get into YLS and HLS and uchi law from either school (be smart) but MBB is basically a non starter at UCLA.
I say this as a nonbiased (tuck MBA, foreign undergrad) partner @ mbb.
This has to be the most boomer take of all time. UCLA, as well as other flagship Cali public universities like UC Berkeley definitely have an edge in terms of academics over USC. If you look at recruiting trends, sure as a % of student body USC sends more kids to mbb and BB IB but UCLA has pipelines through societies etc that send same/ more kids as an aggregate. Both have bright kids but one is considered a bit more academically rigorous (Source: we recruit kids from both schools)
Not sure how this is a boomer take, as most my age still believe USC is a peer school to Miami.
Comparing Berkeley to UCLA in academics has to be blasphemy. As far as recruitment, judging by your username you are more familiar but I see a noticable number of USC alums in NYC MBB and 0 (non MBA) UCLA. Could be because UCLA having more California residents might encourage them to stay in state after grad. I did work at a mid tier BB when I was younger in SF, saw a lot more USC back then too though.
I won’t comment on NYC MBB as I’m not as knowledgeable about recruiting demographics there but I can attest that at least in California (socal / SF) UCB/UCLA/USC presence are all about equally as strong. This is moreso a trend in the last 5-10 years to give my frame of reference and with recent talent levels at the top 10-20% level UCB and UCLA has been roughly the same and slightly more competitve than USC. That being said this is strictly for UG (for grad id agree it isn’t similar) and partially anecdotal but can be supported by admit stats etc.
Just check any top publications for undergrad rankings— ucla/ucb in similar tier and usc drops
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