martyjones

I need some help on my college search. After college I plan on attending grad school and getting a job as a financial advisor or analyst at a large corporation. I was researching colleges, and I found out that most of the ivy league schools don't have an undergrad business program. I like Emory University, and that does have one... but I also like Dartmouth and Stanford, and they have graduate business schools. However, Dartmouth and Stanford don't have undergraduate business schools, and they don't even have majors in finance or business, just economics. If I want to get a job in something financial or maybe major in finance, can I go to these schools and eventually get into their graduate business schools? If I did go to Dartmouth or Stanford, how what would I do if they don't have a business school or business majors??? Also, I know if I attend Emory I can get a BBA and attend their grad school. If I get accepted into Dartmouth or Stanford, what degree would I earn (there isn't a BBA but there is Bach. of Arts or Bach. of Sciences or whatever it is called)? And would that degree allow me to get into their grad school? And what are liberal arts, I don't understand how people who go to ivy league schools like Dartmouth can get into financial corporations when they don't even have a major in finance or business? Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AnagramPanda

Good academics in my potential major and the right fit are the two things I'm most concerned about. Some of the other things listed I factor in, but they aren't as important to me.

09andbeyond

I'm undecided, so I want a school that's NOT known for strength in one particular major (well, it needs to be good at most majors).

What's most important is the fit. I'm going to be LIVING there for 4 years, I want a place I can be happy.

europa

Marty,

An economics major from a highly-regarded institution such as Dartmouth or Stanford would be excellent preparation for a career in finance. Many times undergraduate courses in finance are taught within the economics department, as finance is really just a branch of the field. (The Nobel Prize in economics has been awarded to financial economists several times in recent years).

As far as grad school is concerned, prestigious MBA programs like those offered by the schools you mentioned often require several years of work experience before you are seriously considered for admission. With an undergrad degree in econ from Dartmouth, say, and good workplace references, you'd be a good candidate for an MBA or master's in finance program at many excellent schools. Of course, you'd need to have a good GPA and GMAT scores to make that happen. (And admission to Dartmouth/Stanford is obviously nothing to take for granted, either)!

Good luck!

yournamehere

god almsot everything is important to me

Whistle Pig

dumb question posed to see how many would bite. lots of suckers.

blanca23

a combination of presitge, with trying to feel comfortable. and most prestigious schools will be great in your major anyway. thats why they're pretigious

Whistle Pig

Not to quibble, but could the points of prestige, comfort, possibly miss the essential point of higher education?

It dawned on me though what THE most important factor in selecting a school might be ... How each person might answer that question, specifically. And THAT's the most important factor.

...Thing1...

Different colleges have different strenghs in different mayors. You want to pick a college that is particularly good at what eve rit is you wan to mayor in. I agree with Blanca23 it is importnat to feel comfortable but sometimes a prestigious college isn't the best place for everyone.

Whistle Pig

Does anyone know of a school with a spelling mayor?

jscmom

but it was the closest to the idea that kind of encompasses a few of the other choices - you have "good vibes" not just because of some "warm fuzzy" feeling, but because it's a good location, surroundings, good reputation, academics will be challenging. It's a place you'd be proud to go, kind of thing. AND it's a place - VERY IMPORTANT - that you envision yourself fitting in and succeeding. (succeeding beyond academics - that, but also, emotionally, spiritually, etc.)
Very important.

goin2college2013

climate, location, and academic strength are all important. these factors are often overlooked, unfortunately, because people just want to go to a top college.

climate-important because some people are unhappy with the climate where they grew up. they can finally choose where to go to college, so they have every right in the world to pick a college based on climate. why keep living in a climate you dont like when you finally have a choice?

location-similar to climate. you finally have a choice of where to go. if you're unhappy where you are, or you just want a change, why stay nearby? if you like it where you are, thats fine, but some people dont and they have no reason to stay in-state. yes, out of state tuition is higher. but heres the way i see it: one cent toward a college you hate is a cent wasted, and the higher tuition is worth it for a college you like.

academic strength-make sure the college has the major you want. if it doesnt, then its a waste to go

mephist0

Ranking/prestige is pretty overrated, especially if you want to go to grad school. How much you will enjoy the next four years of your life there is the most important factor.

RESDRED

With prestige comes the rest of the factors that do matter such as good athletics, social life, academic facilities etc. The colleges earn their name because they're good!

ClaySoul

^^^
oh yeah, harvard's football team could beat Alabama any day and Yale could throw a party like U Florida.

Right.