Duke vs. Cornell vs. Berkeley vs. Michigan vs. Northwestern

antwerp
Sat, 10 May 2008 09:15:21 +0000

Firstly, I’d like to thank anyone who offers advice.

I know little of what I want to do or study. I don’t wish to study the sciences, math or arts as I’m neither passionate nor talented in those disciplines. I want to be in a career/industry where I can comfortably make a lot of money (My family’s poor.) I’m keen on entering the banking/finance/consultancy industry or something entrepreneurial subsequently.

I’m inclined towards a business or economics degree. Some contend that an undergraduate business degree is not useful and can be acquired later in one’s career. Moreover, they argue that an Economics degree develops one’s critical thinking and analytical skills and is looked upon more favorably by companies.

I’m stupid. All my life, I’ve worked harder than others and still get poorer grades. I’m sick of studying subjects which I’m neither interested about nor good in. I’ve never studied Economics nor Business subjects previously. But I know I’d prefer to study a subject that is directly applicable to my career as I’ve noticed I grasp subjects better when they are related to the “real-world” and less abstract. I suck at tests and exams but do better in projects. I’ve heard that Economics can involve a lot of math which is my Achilles’ heel.

I understand that there will be lots of work in college and I’m willing to face that. However, I want to be in a school where it’s not all about academics and competition for the best jobs. I want to try so many new things and meet new people in college. I don’t wish to spend all my time studying.

I’m current looking to study Economics at Northwestern and Duke. For Berkeley and Michigan, I’m thinking of entering their respective business schools while I’m there. Lastly, I’m considering Cornell’s Applied Economics and Management program. All look like solid choices.

I know it’s difficult to make a comparison, but in your opinion, which would be a better fit for me?

Thank you.