KSMITH53

Hypothetically speaking, assume that you are absolutely certain that you either wish to pursue a doctorate in financial economics or a MBA in finance. Considering ONLY their abilities to place you in (1) and prepare you for (2) a top-tier graduate program in either the above mentioned concentrations, as well as their costs of attendance (3) and career placement (4), which schools (in order of preference) would you choose for undergrad if you paid one half (in loans) and your parents the other half of COA, and why?
A) Northwestern (Econ, COA~$51,720)
B) Georgetown (Finance or Econ, COA~$53,800)
C) University of Ill-Urbana-Champaign (Econ, COA~$24,714, instate)
D) Indiana U-Bloomington-Kelley Bschool (Finance, COA~$36,342 out of state)

P.S. I know there are other important factors than these 4, but I was most interested in your opinions on this particular scenario. Thanks for your advice, it may play a significant factor in my future.

tennisboy1005

damn dude ur pretty formal here. loosen up a little bit. also, like 70% of students change their majors in college and life isnt all about making money so i wouldnt base your choice solely on their ability to get u into a good business school. they are all good schools so honestly i would visit them all and whichever one fits best go to

theperfect10

^smart kid

tennisboy1005

thank u perfect10

KSMITH53

Tennisboy I appreciate your input. I know many students change their majors, I've done it multiple times. However, I am a junior transfer and have decided on finance or econ because I find them the most intellectually statisfying to study. As well, I am little confused as to how you deduced that I believe "life is all about money." Just because I am interested in finance/econ and want to receive the best education that I can, without paying more than I should, does not mean I am obsessed with money. In fact, I intent to pursue a career in microfinance--financing the poor--which is by no means the sexiest or most lucrative career path in the financial community. My post may be too "formal" but I want to clearly present my current situation, so I could recieve good advice on a very important decision in my life. Again, I do thank you for offering yours.

1789

Check out this link to see how the school of business students did in 2007

http://www1.georgetown.edu/career_ce...rvey%20MSB.pdf

sefago

he was asking for doctoral studies or MBA and not how the MSB did. But if you are considering Georgetown, I would say very few students consider the doctoral route at Georgetown especially at the MSB. If you plan to get an MBA the MSB is a good choice but for doctoral studies pick economics or political economics as a major in the college and then do research and write a thesis during your senior year.

sefago

But for competitive admissions to doctoral grad schools I would have to go against my school and suggest you pick northwestern but it is probably too late

1789

I agree with sefago. If you would like to eventually do an MBA the MSB is a good place to start (but so are Georgetown college and SFS). The report I linked earlier indicates that most Georgetown B-school undergrads work after graduation (usually a prerequisite for elite MBA programs), while those that choose grad school usually go for a law degree.

On the other hand, if your interested in a PhD.the college or SFS would be better as a larger percentage of those classes choose to go to graduate or professional school immediately after graduation.

Here are the same surveys for the Georgetown College of Arts and Science, and Georgetown School of Foreign Service to give you an idea of what the various schools prepare students for after graduation.

http://www1.georgetown.edu/career_ce...rvey%20COL.pdf

http://www1.georgetown.edu/career_ce...rvey%20SFS.pdf

I think, overall, Georgetown would provide more options than Indiana or Illinois for an MBA. And if you study Math and econ (and excel) at any of these schools, you will be set up for a competitive PhD program in financial economics.