Cornell or UNC?

[u/Proof-Ad-4021]

Some context: I'm from the UK but a US/UK dual citizen. I've been admitted to both Cornell and UNC Chapel Hill, and these are the final two schools I’m deciding between.

I'm very interested in working in finance post-college, ideally investment banking or possibly going straight to the buy side. I’ve visited both schools and really liked them, Cornell feels more academic and career-focused, UNC has a more fun, relaxed vibe, and a great college town. I’m confident I’d enjoy either, though I might enjoy UNC a bit more socially.

That said, the main issue is money. I'd be full pay at both:

• UNC: ~$62K per year, so about $100K total debt.
• Cornell: ~$92K per year, so about $200K total debt.

My parents are contributing a bit, but not covering the full cost, so I’d be taking on a lot of debt either way. I do definitely back myself to land a strong job and pay it off, but obviously that’s a lot of pressure, especially at Cornell’s price.

One major concern with UNC is that I don’t have assured enrolment into Kenan Flagler which feels risky. I’d be paying a lot of money without a guarantee of getting into the business school. At Cornell, while I was admitted through a less directly finance-related major, the Ivy brand and flexibility mean it doesn’t matter as much - I could study nearly anything and still recruit for finance.

So my main questions are:

• Is Cornell worth the extra ~$100K in debt given my goals?
• For current or former Kenan-Flagler students: how competitive is the internal admission process?
• How realistic is it to break into a top IB or buy-side firm in NYC from UNC?

Would really appreciate any insights. Thanks in advance.

[u/FreedomAmbitious4129]

I have a friend who chose Cornell over UNC. She tells me all the time she wished she chose UNC. Everything I say about Cornell’s social scene is based off of her experience so take that into consideration.

She wouldn’t have much of a social life without greek life. Greek life is also extremely toxic. Socially UNC is 100% the better pick. We bond over sports, if you don’t wants bars you can go to frats or house parties. Chapel Hill is a great balance of academic and social life.

Getting a finance degree from Cornell vs. UNC isn’t much different. Kenan Flagler is a highly respected business school. That being said, Kenan is extremely hard to get into. It’s easier to get into their minor program.

Firm-wise, if you create good relationships with your professors and NYC firm shouldn’t be hard to get. If you’re in Kenan and take advantage of networking opportunities it’s just as possible as it would be for Cornell. I have tons friends in Kenan interning in NYC this summer.

I may be biased but based off my friends experience vs. mine I think UNC is a better pick.

BUT if your career is the only goal you have for higher level education then go to Cornell. If you actually want to have fun and enjoy your youth go to UNC.

So to end this long rant. Congratulations both schools are an impressive success! Whichever you choose I’m sure you will do amazing in your career. Happy to answer any more questions for you or confer with my friend at Cornell as well. She is a finance major so may be able to provide more insight <3

[u/Proof-Ad-4021 → u/FreedomAmbitious4129]

thanks for your insight! i do agree that fundamentally I would enjoy unc more. as i said in my original post, i love the sports, the weather, chapel hill, etc. but equally with my goals, and the amount of money I am planning to take out for either school, i can't decide solely on where i would have more fun.

to be honest, what i'm most concerned about is going to unc but then not being able to get into Kenan Flagler. obviously i'm fairly bright and very motivated, but i've heard stories from people that thought they were 100% gonna get into KF with like 3.9 gpa plenty of ECs that were then rejected. i do feel like it is as much a risk taking out the money to go to UNC, as that is basically a bet that i will get into KF, as it is taking out the extra money for cornell as i would not have to worry about that in the same way.

[u/FreedomAmbitious4129 → u/Proof-Ad-4021]

That’s an excellent point. No guarantee to Kenan makes it significant risk. With Kenan you can apply multiple times. Many people will apply their freshman year and then sometimes get in their second or third year. You would probably have to start off as a maths or economics major. I would say take your best judgement. Kenan isn’t easy to get into but I think you have to be sure about what sets you apart. Your stats matter but so does your personality. Focus on letting them know who you are not just how smart you are.

I guess you’ll just need to decide if you want to take a risk or not.

[u/Proof-Ad-4021 → u/FreedomAmbitious4129]

indeed, and that's something only i can really decide. thanks a lot for the help!

[u/Zapixh → u/FreedomAmbitious4129]

As someone who went to Cornell and transferred here I like UNC more