@thecoolboy1234 : I would argue that it is certainly better for the types of students EMORY gets. If this was some of the other elite schools without the business programs that traditionally do well with IB, it would probably be a different story because there are a greater variety of folks pursuing IB and many more quantitatively oriented students who would probably not pursue business even if it was offered. Those folks at Emory who do well in whatever major seem to do fine. My point is that usually the person who chooses to go to GBS and pursue that is not the same type that doesn’t. It clearly has an advantage for those with certain attributes that may not be as common at ECAS as some other elites (like an inclination to a more quantitatively rigorous education). I suppose for many of the types at Emory, it is an easier route. Also, since you threw out some statistics, I wanted to contextualize them.
’ but ask any college student here (even professors) and they would argue that the bschool is the place to be if you want a better chance at IB"
They would “argue” this and I never said it was “better” to stay in the college and do it so much as it being “very possible” (this is obviously true). And quite frankly, I would only trust the professors. This is only applicable in an Emory context IMHO and even that is questionable due to the clear selection effects. Like a person in the college pursuing econ, math, CS, QTM is perhaps more likely to “land” in IB by happenstance or late career decision to pursue that among other options. It is much less likely that they roll up in ECAS as a freshman (with no desire to go to GBS) thinking: “Yes, IB, that’s the one” like a person aiming for GBS, specifically a finance primary area depth. Some majors in ECAS are more likely to give you flexibility in terms of well-paid options post-grad, and IB may be among them, but many other things could be possible as well. If you are IB only, sure GBS is likely much better, but still NOT a necessity (optimal and necessary have different meanings). Given the OP’s situation, it being a complete necessity or not really matters because their precarious situation coming into ECAS as a junior presses them for time and money.
Either way, for this case, we are essentially discussing whether or not it is worth this person to struggle to graduate in 2 years by coming to Emory, or if they should try to just go to UVA, save the money, and make the most of the econ. major. If they can do it in 2 years, then maybe? But I feel that is pushing it. They need to somehow get those econ. credits waived so that they can jump into BBA pre-reqs PLUS their ECAS allotment for GBS courses (perhaps they can get strings pulled to allow them to take courses beyond the pre-reqs plus 2 extra courses as I think pre-BBA, you can only do 4ish courses as an ECAS student). It ain’t that easy for this poster, so they need to know possibilities to make the BBA work as well as some alternatives. ECAS is certainly not a perfect alternative for an IB only student, but it is viable if they work hard (like they would have to in GBS anyway. Only difference is that courses “may” require more calculus in econ).
The only reason why a BBA is so relevant for Emory students wanting to pursue IB (and IB only) in particular is because of the relative weakness of econ., CS, and math to some extent. This is usually not the case for target schools without UG business programs (perhaps it is similar at most of the other schools with renowned UG business schools). I would have to wonder what happens over time if QTM/QSS rises up as a respected contender that is well done. In that case, it may certainly become not only viable, but an optimal, well-connected route for those who do not want to go to GBS (maybe because another route makes it easier to blend academic/intellectual interests).
: