Which of these MBA programs would help the most for a career in finance?

I'm looking at Michigan, Duke, Cornell, UCLA, USC, UT Austin, UNC and Northwestern. Also looking at UChicago and Columbia and while I'm sure those would help me the most I probably don't have a great shot at those 2 and northwestern.

I don't want to limit my options as I'm not completely sure what I want to do post MBA. Right now I'm leaning towards equity research, HF, or possibly something else. I don't want to do investment banking mainly because of those hours. 100 hrs is too much for me. But I would do it for a year or two if it helped me get an excellent exit opp.

I would love to end up in San DIego or New York City. But I'd be fine living in chicago, charlotte, or dallas if I had to. I think the chances of ending up in san diego are slim. Is there a huge difference between USC and UCLA in terms of opportunities available in finance? Thanks

 

if you wan tto stay in Cal, did you not consider Berkeley Haas? more or less on par with northwestern in ranks. (please don't ask me which is better as it's a question that causes fights)

you also have an issue which may hurt your MBA applications. Applicants are at least fairly decisive when they write applications. They don't like wishy-washy people who say "I want to A, but doing a little B is also OK". they see these people as indecided and unmotivated. You should at least have a game plan that you don't necessarily will stick to, but possibly will go with if your career path permits.

 

I would suggest you pick a story and buy into it....At least until you get accepted to one of your target schools. You can change that plan 100 times between matriculation and graduation. But during applications, make a plan and stick to it.

 
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