Huntsman vs Princeton

PtonAlumnus
Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:07:50 +0000

Cool Parent

Wharton is a good program; however the best graduate business schools prefer students with undegraduate non business degrees. If your son studies business for four years he can obtain a great education at Wharton.

However, many if not most undergraduates change their major before they graduate. Princeton’s administration actively tries to get students to consider majoring in the smaller departments. One question you should discuss with your son is the strength of the other departments at Penn that he might choose to major. The undergraduate years should be used to explore all your interests and not limit your options. I would hate to see your son choose a university based on the perceived difference in getting a job after graduation. Job opportunities will be good after either university.

I find it sad that this discussion has digressed to placement in investment banking. Both schools will provide an entry. After your son graduates he should consider Harvard, Standford, CMU, MIT, Chicago, and yes Wharton for an MBA. However, he may decide to be a physician, a college professor , an attorney or other career. He should not be forced into making that decision in the next 30 days. He should enjoy college and take fun courses that have nothing to do with his future career. I am glad that my roommates and friends majored in different fields and all had different interests. Learning from a diverse set of friends in far more important that networking as an undergraduate.

Princeton encourages undergraduates to go to other graduate schools even if Princeton has the best graduate program. Students should be exposed to other ideas and philosophies.