2010 GaTech vs. BU

[JWH]

I am a new member but I have been reading posts since I began the application process, and I have seen much discussion about the new BU program and why it was ranked better than GaTech in the 2009 ranking. I began the application process later than I would have liked, but I have been admitted to NCSU, FSU, GaTech, and BU.

I have narrowed down my choice to GaTech vs. BU. Neither school has given me any aid, however I get in-state tuition from GaTech. I am not afraid to take out a loan to go to BU if I believe I will benefit more from the Program (with regard to retention of necessary skills and job placement/salary). Please share your thoughts and knowledge about either program.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

What are your expectations out of any of these programs? You may have unrealistically high expectation which may lead to a bad experience.
Set your expectation and pick one accordingly.
From the recently discussion, BU seems to be working to adjust their program due to students input.

 

[JWH]

Expectation

My expectation is:

1. Exposure to the job market via professors and geographical location (Atlanta vs Boston's close proximity to NYC and/or Boston itself)

2. Upon graduation the ability to compete with other graduates from higher ranked schools.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

1) When you go school in Boston, or Chicago, you are most likely to get a job in that market. The proximity is NYC is overestimate and it comes with overhead cost to you. Firms are cutting down on recruiting fee so it's less likely that you burden all the cost to compete with local NYC programs.
Cornell program has a third semester in NYC for this very reason.

2) See point 1.

You should talk to the programs and see the job profiles of their latest graduates, where do they end up.

 

[JWH]

I believe my real question is:

Why did the QuantNetwork rank BU one spot higher than GaTech on the 2009 rankings?

Any insight into the edge somebody perceived BU had over GaTech would be useful to me?

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Methodology 2009 QuantNetwork Ranking of Financial Engineering Programs | Quant Network
Using a ranking to decide between 2 programs is not recommended. The ranking methodology and your circumstance are not always the same.