MSF at UIUc VS Washington University

Can someone please answer my question. Thanks!

Hi priyarajan13,

I've also applied to both programs and think that both programs have great faculty and reputation for finance. However, between the two I'm more partial to WashU

WashU is higher ranked and has a stronger class profile(gpa and GMAT wise). Also, I think it is a much more personal program as the cohort size is less than 40 students compared to UIUC's 100+ students. I was also dissapointed in UIUC's placement; only 56% were employed at graduation. I suspect the huge class size and placement doesn't bode well for how much help you might be able to receive from career services.

One drawback at WashU is the curriculum is fixed, but I think its an interesting mix of classes. Also, average age at WashU is 23 and most students won't have work exp, so that could work both ways for different applicants.

Thanks for your reply. Do you mind sharing ur stats like ur gpa, gmat score, wor ex etc. Have you received ur admit letter from uiuc and washington? I do think the program at the Washington University is quite good. It has very good potential and will become quite popular in the future. But I also think the program is very quant oriented and better suited for people looking for such a program. The program at uiuc covers more areas in finance. The one other thing I like about the program is that they are a CFA program partner. Their placement rates worries me esp since I am an international candidate. But they have some good companies recruiting on campus. I am unable to find any such info on the Washington website.

Hello,
I too have received an admit from UIUC to their MSF program. Hadn't applied to WashUniv though. I've been browsing through a lot of such forums and people seem to have mixed feelings abt the program(@ UIUC), esp. the placement scenario. But the fact that UIUC has a good reputation in terms of curriculum, faculty is one thing that everybody agrees with. From the perspective of overall ranking, Washington Univ is placed higher in the list for sure. Anyways I've decided to join UIUC and give it a shot. Also I personally feel that the university ranking aside, getting a good placement has a lot to do with the applicant and his/her potential ,not to mention good gpa, interview preparation and the like. Btw, I'm an international applicant(from India) and let me know if you're joining UIUC, we could be in the same batch

hey there...I am joining uiuc! R u traveling from India?

Yes I'm travelling from India. Visa processing is still pending.. Received my I-20 a couple of days back. Hoping to schedule an appointment sometime soon. Too many things to do, too little time..
Which part of India are u from?

i would say washington