Which school would you choose?

Context: Wanna recruit for IB, maybe consulting. End goal MF PE and top MBA, but obviously that's easier said than done.

Option 1: UMich Ross - Good B. school, will get a high GPA and network my ass off. I like this school better and think I'll have an awesome time. Plus my gf is going and it's pretty close to home.

Option 2: Dartmouth - Better for recruiting than Ross. Everyone loves it but I'm not very outdoorsy, I'm not a fan of how it's a small school, and I find it quite isolating. Not sure I'll be very happy here, but I'll come out with a great job and more connections down the road. 

Which school do you think I should choose

UMich
36% (5 votes)
Dartmouth
64% (9 votes)
Total votes: 14
2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's the breakdown:

If your primary goal is to recruit for IB, potentially pivot to consulting, and ultimately aim for MF PE and a top MBA, both UMich Ross and Dartmouth can get you there, but the choice depends on your priorities:

UMich Ross

  • Pros:

    • Strong business school with a solid reputation for IB recruiting.
    • Easier to maintain a high GPA if you're confident in your ability to hustle and network.
    • Larger school with more diverse opportunities and social circles, which aligns with your preference for a less isolating environment.
    • Proximity to home and your girlfriend adds to your personal happiness, which can indirectly impact your performance.
  • Cons:

    • While Ross is strong, Dartmouth's alumni network and prestige might give a slight edge in terms of long-term connections and elite opportunities like MF PE.

Dartmouth

  • Pros:

    • Exceptional alumni network, especially in finance, with a strong track record of placing students into IB and top MBA programs.
    • Smaller class size means more personalized attention and potentially stronger relationships with professors and peers.
  • Cons:

    • The small, outdoorsy, and isolated environment doesn't align with your preferences, which could affect your overall happiness and performance.
    • If you're not happy or engaged, it might be harder to fully leverage the opportunities Dartmouth offers.

Recommendation

If you believe you'll thrive at UMich Ross, enjoy the experience, and are willing to put in the effort to network and maintain a high GPA, Ross is the better choice for you. Personal happiness and fit are crucial, especially when you're committing to four years of intense work. While Dartmouth might offer a slight edge in prestige and connections, it’s not worth sacrificing your well-being and engagement.

Sources: Undergrad: Will UChicago give me more opportunities than Michigan (Ross)?, Undergrad: Will UChicago give me more opportunities than Michigan (Ross)?, Cornell vs Michigan vs Dartmouth school choices

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

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