UVA or UofSC Columbia business school?

My D is a senior in HS and currently trying to decide between UVA (in state) and UofSC Columbia (oos). Costs are similar when it comes down to it w/ UofSC giving more money than UVA. She currently wants to pursue a career in corporate finance. Any insights as to which school she should choose? UVA obviously has the better reputation in the business world, but worried about not getting into business school sophomore yr. She does have okay stats (1470 SAT, 4.0 unweighted GPA), but probably not as competitive at UVA as UofSC.

UVA or USC Columbia best to set up for success ?

uva
90% (37 votes)
usc
10% (4 votes)
Total votes: 41
8 Comments
 

Analyst 1 in IB-M&A

Don’t disrespect the cocks

Go Cocks!!!!

But, for school yeah UVA.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, UVA's McIntire School of Commerce is highly regarded in the business world, particularly for finance-related careers. However, the concern about the competitive nature of McIntire's admissions is valid, as it has a roughly 50-66% acceptance rate for UVA students applying in their second year. Your daughter's stats (1470 SAT, 4.0 unweighted GPA) are strong, but UVA's applicant pool is highly competitive.

On the other hand, UofSC's Darla Moore School of Business is also a solid choice, especially with the financial aid offered. While it may not have the same level of prestige or alumni network as UVA, it could provide a less stressful path to a business degree since she would likely be directly admitted to the business school.

Key considerations: 1. Reputation and Placement: UVA has stronger placement into top finance roles, including investment banking and corporate finance, due to its alumni network and proximity to NYC. UofSC is more regionally focused but still offers good opportunities in corporate finance. 2. Risk of McIntire Admission: If your daughter is confident in her ability to maintain a strong GPA and build a competitive application for McIntire, UVA is the better long-term choice. However, if the uncertainty of McIntire admission is a significant concern, UofSC offers a more straightforward path. 3. Cost and Fit: Since costs are similar, the decision may come down to where your daughter feels more comfortable and confident in thriving academically and socially.

If her ultimate goal is corporate finance and she is willing to take on the challenge of McIntire, UVA is the stronger option. However, if she prefers a less competitive environment with a guaranteed business school path, UofSC could be a better fit.

Sources: University of South Carolina ( USC, UofSC, Carolina, DMSB, Moore) Insight, UVA vs. Villanova (VSB) Investment Banking, UVA Undergrad for IB Recruiting, UVA Echols vs. Cornell for finance/banking placement?, UVA or Cornell?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

If she wants to study internationally and do some kind of international ops/sales job, then Darla Moore might be great for her. If not, she should probably go to UVA (especially if she want to do IB) as it has a better reputation across the board.

Source: have a few friends that were in the International Business program at UofSC and they really enjoyed it

 

USC grad currently working in CF here. Overall, yes, UVA is a better school academically. However, USC provides a great college experience (much better than UVA, no bias) in a great location. Additionally, you can’t beat SEC football and USC is trending up. Academically, USC has a great business school with a really good specialized finance program (finance scholars) that routinely places at brand name IBs. If you haven’t already, I’d recommend taking a campus tour and spending a weekend in Columbia. Feel free to PM with any specific questions, happy to help

 

My daughter went through same thing-could have gone to UNC,UVa and risk not getting in sophomore year-unc has direct admits which lessens spots available and after seeing the skewed way they did direct admits-lessened confidence. She would have prob gone to uva but covid year and we couldn’t visit there-she went to wfu- great experience and excelled. They say wfu isn’t a target school but all her finance class went to their first choice in NYC, CLT etc. My daughter is doing IB and one of her fellow first years is from South Carolina. Seems like many different paths to get places- it’s easy to get wound up with these decisions but i would just go with what feels right and then make the most of the experience. After a year of 80 hour work weeks-many are looking for exits to better quality of life. She could well change her mind during school even! Networking, pre-professional clubs etc-seem to really help them in school. She will do great either place but the way they make you apply to business school after a year and a half- is poor. Best wishes!

 

Omnis praesentium aut illo corrupti. Harum quis omnis autem nulla provident delectus sed.

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