<p>As someone who’s worked in investment banking / consulting, I can safely say that Wharton is better represented at the firms I’ve worked at. Wharton will give you access to more people who are on the business track, so they attract speakers, business people, CEOs to come. It’s the access to resources and information that gives Penn the edge. UVA does well but not to the same extent.</p>
<p>To qualify, I can also say that this does not necessarily mean UVA students are less prepared or not qualified. It is more about the effort, work ethic, and sheer brilliance of the individual recruiters are looking for. Honestly, recruiters want someone who not only is smart and knows his stuff, but is also resourceful and will put in the hard work. There are people at both schools who work hard, and others that simply don’t. So a lot of the hard work will come from you and NOT the school.</p>
<p>At Wharton you may have to work harder to stand out because students have already developed relationships with each other, joined organizations for networking purposes, worked from day one on building resumes, etc. It thus may be hard to “break into” the social circles that they already have. I have friends from Wharton who complain endlessly about how difficult it is to even be interviewed at top firms due to the competitive nature of the school - kids really are dead set on what they want and work like dogs to achieve their ends. I am sure though that if you work hard you will have opportunities.</p>
<p>In the long term, it can be a coin toss. You can be a big fish at UVA - there’s no guarantee that you’ll be top at Wharton. Down the road, I think your opportunities will probably be similar, so I would just go where it makes sense the most for you and your family. If money’s not an issue you are really in a good position. I would echo some of what’s been said and focus on the personal factors - are you happy at UVA? Can you grow and develop yourself personally over the next two years at UVA? Or do you crave the challenge and are willing to walk away from a place where you’re already established? </p>
<p>Ultimately, there is no wrong choice here.</p>