<p>I’m trying to decide whether or not to apply to Northeastern University for their International Business Program, which I am being pulled strongly toward, or Davidson for its economics program. Do you have any thoughts or suggestions?</p>
<p>I like both schools. Northeastern’s international business program really intrigues me due to its language requirement, study abroad, and the possibility to graduate with a degree from a university overseas. Davidson is simply an overall strong school and a degree from the school may do more than one from Northeastern would. However, the big city of Boston would seem like a much better college experience and way to make connections than the small town of Davidson, NC. </p>
<p>The small town of Davidson is 20 minutes from Charlotte, the second largest banking center in the US, home to both Bank of America and Wachovia as well as a number of smaller financial/investment firms. The small college of Davidson is home to the extremely vibrant Rusk program and has a very active and widely participated in study abroad program, which is well described on the Web site.</p>
<p>While obviously each person must make his or her own choice about what school is the best individual choice, the strengths that Davidson offers seem almost overwhelming, even with Boston added in to the mix.</p>
<p>I concur. But it depends on finances, and YOU. What you are looking for in a college experience: large or small. I have my bias. But you may be very different.</p>
<p>I also think the two schools attract very different students. Northeastern’s are more practical and less pure-intellectual in orientation. So in addition to very different setting, you should also consider the different overall academic atmosphere.</p>
<p>^I completely understand that Davidson would provide me with a much better education. Yet, the only apprehensions I have of attending the school, if I get in of course, is that its very small and I may not have the most enjoyable experience based one what I felt when I visited. I am a very ‘real-world’ kind of person and I guess that is why Northeastern attracts me so much. The fact that I can work internationally for a year and a half and graduate with a degree from an overseas university is intriguing to me. I know that Northeastern’s International Business program ranking, number 1 in New England, may not mean much, but the main reason I’m going to college is to get a job after graduation.
I just don’t want to make the wrong decision. And I know I’m the only one who can make the choice. I have visited both schools and like aspects of both. It seems like I have the personality of those at Northeastern, but the work ethic and drive as those at Davidson.</p>
<p>Faceme117 – don’t misunderstand me. I don’t necessarily think you’ll get a ‘worse’ education at Northeastern, just different. Most students there are career-oriented, real-world types. They’re not necessarily intellectual types who sit around discussing poetry or art. But that doesn’t mean they’re not driven or don’t have work ethic. I’d say just the opposite: they’re students who combine often demanding jobs with demanding courses. Many leave school with lucrative job offers and fairly substantial work experience. </p>
<p>That said, I also think you can reach your goals at Davidson. It has a good business program and language programs. (DO learn a foreign language, fluently. It’ll be an invaluable skill that will set you apart from other job applicants.) It may not have official co-ops, but it certainly can help you get good internships. And it will prepare you for an eventual MBA since you may need it to work internationally. </p>
<p>My advice would be to go with your gut feeling: where will I fit in best?</p>