Should I transfer to NYU as an Economic major or Northeastern as a Finance major? [Urgent, making decision very soon]

I’m currently at a private school studying finance but really don’t like it here at all and so I applied as a transfer to Northeastern and NYU. I was accepted into Northeastern’s business school as a finance major and to NYU as an economics major. In the grand scheme of things, I’m looking to break into either management consulting (i.e. McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company etc.) or Commercial Real Estate (CBRE, Starwood Capital Group, Cushman Wakefield, etc.)

At NYU I would have to take more core classes before starting my main economics classes and would also have to fulfill a foreign language requirement. At Northeastern, I would only have 2 core classes and then would take mainly all business & finance classes [the non-economics core classes at NYU would likely be 1-2 culture/history classes, 1 science class and a 2–3 foreign language classes—depending on the placement exam. And the non-business core classes at Northeastern would be 1 writing class and 1 science class] . I feel that NYU is better in terms or location, networking, and reputation/recognition for what I want to do (NYU ranks #8 in US News’ best schools for Economics & Business), but then it has large class sizes [which I don’t really like or prefer, and I don't think I'll excel in them] and it also has much more core/liberal arts classes that I would have to fulfill as a part of the university requirements first before starting the economics classes that I’d like to take [which I also dread a lot].

Lastly, at NYU I’d be finding and doing internships, whereas at Northeastern I’d be finding and doing co-ops—not sure if that makes a difference in the grand scheme of things. What would you say is the better choice if at both schools I would be paying the same amount? Thank You!

(Not sure if this matters, but I'm am currently from the NY area--Western Long Island)

 

How many years back would each set you?

It's significantly harder to get into MBB consulting (second tier shops as well) from Northeastern. While it may be possible through networking and such, if your end goal is MBB or top CRE, the OCR opportunities available at NYU are hard to beat.

That said, it sounds like you're not a huge fan of the environment at NYU and would be happier at Northeastern. You should definitely consider that along with the different career opportunities they each offer.

 

I'd be set back only a semester for both. Also, since Bain and BCG are in Boston, do you think that would help with northeastern , especially since on linkedin, I saw quite a few northeastern kids do some co-ops with BCG. And at NYU I'd be at the College of Arts and Science as an Economics major. Do you think that recruiting/career opportunities would still be plentiful [even though it's not stern]. And lastly, I'd be econ at NYU but still finance at Northeastern--do you think that matters when it comes to recruiting, networking, job search, etc.?

 

While you may take some classes that are slightly more relevant as a finance major, the difference in how they are perceived is negligible. I personally know quite a few people working in finance and consulting with degrees that aren't even remotely related to their fields (including people from NYU).

Not sure about the whole Co-op situation with Bain and BCG so can't speak to that.

Both companies have offices in NY so the location isn't an issue. Ultimately, NYU will give you a better shot for MBB and other top jobs. Not saying you can't get those from Northeastern, but it is significantly harder.

 

I'd be set back only a semester for both. Also, since Bain and BCG are in Boston, do you think that would help with northeastern , especially since on linkedin, I saw quite a few northeastern kids do some co-ops with BCG. And at NYU I'd be at the College of Arts and Science as an Economics major. Do you think that recruiting/career opportunities would still be plentiful [even though it's not stern]. And lastly, I'd be econ at NYU but still finance at Northeastern--do you think that matters when it comes to recruiting, networking, job search, etc.?

 
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