Rochester vs. Georgetown (for finance)

Question

Currently working in MC and looking to make a career switch to finance. I currently live in DC, so Georgetown makes sense, but the more I learn about Rochester - small program, good placement, strong analytic focus - the more I like. I plan on applying to Chicago and Columbia, but want a strong tier 2 finance option as well. Any thoughts about how these two schools match up in terms of a finance focus, and career opportunities? I am particularly interested in feedback about access I would have in Rochester to the NYC finance market, given its far away location and small class size (and high international %).

rgajare14 · Answer

Why is high intl % detrimental to good placements ?

I think Rochester is the one of the best Tier 2 finance schools you can find. I would certainly rate if above Georgetown. I myself am applying to Georgetown as my safe option, but my interests are not finance. Georgetown has a definite advantage due to the location. But I have spoken to a Rochester alum and as per him they have some of the finance gurus as faculty. Its a tough call given the fact that you are from DC.

aa5786 · Answer

High Int % was not meant as a detriment to placement, just another stat about the school.

riverripper · Answer

If you think you are at least in the running for Chicago and Columbia you should take a look at Darden, it has a great finance program. Also Cornell is supposed to have a pretty good finance program. Personally I would take GT over Rochester due to location alone. The b-schools are pretty close in terms of rep (though GT brand overall is tops), but DC is a lot better than Rochester NY.

That said if you want IB its going to be getting much much harder in the future, no where near the number of jobs...

That said if you want IB its going to be getting much much harder in the future, no where near the number of jobs...

rhyme · Answer

I can't speak to Rochester, but certainly within DC circles, Georgetown is well respected and has some cachet. Why not apply to both? It sounds like your list is pretty short anyway.

osbornecox · Answer

I'm interested in this topic because finance schools are the priority for me, and there are lots of things about Rochester that are appealing to me, as a prospective applicant.

The way I see it, the only thing Georgetown has over Rochester is the overall brand equity, as well as the alumni base, OF THE PARENT university. The former helps with the average layman on the street, and the latter helps with getting a job.

For me, "brand" is extremely low on my list of priorities, but getting the job I want upon graduation is of paramount importance (I work in a great job right now already).

For those of you working in BB banks in NYC, do you know how Rochester candidates are viewed? I'm especially thinking of the more analytic functions such as S&T, equity research, portfolio management, etc, as opposed to investment banking or PWM.

3underscore · Answer

I can't think of any I encountered or any friends spoke of in S&T or Research.

osbornecox · Answer

Hmmm.

What ARE the business schools you've encountered most often in S&T or Research? I know that basically anything in the Top 20 can get you an IBD interview, but it seems that S&T and Research are a bit more discerning.

3underscore · Answer

Columbia, Stern, Wharton, Chicago, Tuck all give good opportunity. Maybe MIT. Duke get some going, UNC with BofA but with little else. Obviously Harvard would give good links.

xxxxxxxxxxyyy · Answer

Calling all masters in finance applicants for Simon Rochester. I have got an admit from Roshester for masters in finance and i am expecting an admit from Ohio soon for the same program
Can someone guide me which option should be chosen for the masters in finance program?
It would be really helpful.

Rochester vs. Georgetown (for finance)

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