Washington U Olin School vs. Cornell AEM?

HonestDescendent
Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:46:43 +0000

My advice, if you are able, visit both/apply to both and talk to as many people as you can.

Olin is placing students quite well in jobs and internships despite the downturn. They hired a new director of career development and placement and the stated goal is for undergraduates to gain offers by the end of the summer internship of the junior-senior summer or fall of senior year if not sooner.

The acceptance stats for Olin undergrads at top ten MBA programs is outstanding (they can give you the numbers; just ask). As to job placement problems…the biggest seems to be out on the west Coast/California via the grapevine. Olin is addressing those issues as well by an increased emphasis on corporate relations which has met with considerable success (again, despite the down turn). Keep in mind that Olin and it’s leadership are trying to improve recruitment but in fact they have been doinng quite well.

The student advising services for Olin undergraduates are outstanding. You will have talked with your advisor long before the summer is over after high school graduation and you will be registered for classes before you arrive to move into your dorm room. Many Olin undergrads achieve not only multiple business majors (accounting, marketing, etc) but the Bschool as well as the university in general really try to promote dual majors/double degrees i.e. business and engineering. Not saying that’s the easiest road to hoe but it is done.

As to reputation/rankings…my advice is to go the college that is the best fit for YOU. This may include a reputation factor but consider the overall experience that the school offers and how it fits/feels. You may not be interested in Bschool after a year. If you have your heart set on a top ranked undergrad Bschool program, go for it but realize that the rankings are just a start at evaluating a program and actually miss major qualities and attributes of schools and their programs. Consider the school as if you weren’t interested in the Bschool and see how you feel about it then.

Rest assured that if you go to either school you will be getting an outstanding education and will have tremendous career potential. Good luck.

PS-Like Cornell too; just do not know as much about it.