I’d really appreciate perspective from people with firsthand experience (students, alumni, recruiters).
My child has been admitted to Cornell (CAS) and University of Michigan (LSA Honors), and we’re trying to decide between the two.
Their academic interests are economics/policy/sustainability, likely combined with a business minor or related coursework. Career goals are primarily East Coast–focused roles in consulting, financial services, or healthcare.
From your experience, how do these two schools compare in terms of:
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College matriculation and placement outcomes (especially into consulting, finance, healthcare)
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Strength of recruiting pipelines to the East Coast (NYC/Boston/DC)
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Access to internships during undergrad
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Alumni network effectiveness in these industries
We’re aware both are excellent schools. Michigan feels like a better cultural fit (more vibrant campus experience), while Cornell seems more traditional/contained.
Given similar academic paths, would choosing Michigan over Cornell meaningfully impact recruiting outcomes in consulting or finance on the East Coast?
Appreciate any candid insights beyond rankings.
Assuming cost isn’t a factor, I would strongly urge picking wherever this student thought they would have the best overall experience.
Both have a LOT of graduates in competitive positions in those industries. Including on the East Coast, where Michigan has a somewhat odd prominence because for a long time Northeast kids with an interest in a traditional college experience and the means to pay OOS might prefer Michigan over their in-state options. Michigan probably more overall, Cornell maybe a bit more per capita at least in NYC, but not enough difference either way to be a material consideration.
Bottom line, placement from these colleges will depend on the individual student, as in what they do, how well they do, and what they end up wanting to do, not which name is on their sweatshirt.
Given that, choosing where you think you will overall be happiest is smart, because happy people tend to do better in school and in general.
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I’ve read that at Michigan (LSA), placement into finance and consulting (including MBB) is definitely possible, but often requires more self-navigation, especially compared to Ross students who seem to have more structured recruiting access.
On the other hand, Cornell CAS is often described as having a more direct pipeline to Wall Street and East Coast opportunities.
For those with firsthand experience:
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How real is the gap between Michigan LSA and Ross when it comes to recruiting for consulting/finance?
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Does Cornell CAS meaningfully provide an easier or more structured path into East Coast roles (NYC/Boston)?
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If the long-term goal is to work on the East Coast (not Midwest), does Michigan LSA school place students in finance and consulting jobs as effectively?
Separately, I’ve also heard that Cornell can feel isolating socially, especially for students not interested in Greek life, whereas Michigan offers a more vibrant campus environment.
- How accurate is that perception in your experience?
Would really appreciate candid input from alumni.
I can only speak for Cornell - I would never describe it as socially isolating! 80% of students don’t participate in Greek life. There is so much going on in and around campus that it’s easy to find your people. All freshman live together on North campus which I also think helps with making friends and bonding. Tons of clubs, sport, arts and nature. Really something for everyone. If anything there are so many clubs and activities it’s hard to choose and set limits!
I think you have the same issue at Cornell as you do at UM with Ross, because of Dyson. Cornell is revamping their career services this year to make sure there is more equity in learning about opportunities but that won’t impact employer preference. In my own experiences we were underwhelmed with the career center at Cornell. (My H’s company tried recruiting there for years and it was a bust).
I’m in the camp that your student has two great acceptances and they should pick where they can see themselves being happy and comfortable for the next four years.
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Here is the Cornell Placement - you can plug in your majors for 2025 and see how they did. Make sure to put in the year (2025), College of A&S and majors.
The overall university shows a 72% knowledge rate. This is Econ. I put a link to Michigan below but theirs is generic and not customizable that I see.
Good luck to the student.
Student Outcomes – Central Career Services | Cornell University
Outcomes and Possibilities | U-M LSA U-M College of LSA
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Where does this student see himself being a happy student for the next four years. Frankly, being a grad of either won’t guarantee him a job on Wall Street…or prevent him from getting such a job.
He will define his own successes by what he does during college.
Both are excellent options.
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