Hey everyone! I’m stuck making a tough choice between two schools I got into as a transfer.
I have acceptance letters from USC Marshall for business and Claremont McKenna for economics and data science. Both programs seem solid but I’m having trouble picking one.
USC has the advantage of being in Los Angeles with what seems like a stronger alumni network and more active campus life. CMC appears to offer excellent academics and strong career support services.
My goal is to work in consulting (hopefully MBB) or product management roles after graduation. Long term I want to move into private equity or VC.
Cost wise they’re pretty much the same for me, though living in LA would be pricier than Claremont.
Anyone have thoughts on which direction I should go? Would love to hear from people who went to either school.
Go with USC Marshall. I transferred there and the networking is crazy good - USC alums are everywhere in consulting and tech PM roles in LA. Being in the city means you can hit recruiting events and coffee chats without commuting from Claremont. Marshall’s business curriculum also preps you better for consulting interviews than econ classes. CMC’s solid academically, but USC’s brand and location crush it when you’re gunning for MBB or PE.
Both schools will saddle you with the same debt and unrealistic expectations about breaking into investment banking. If I had to choose? Skip the prestige talk and think location. USC drops you right in LA where everything happens. CMC traps you in a suburban bubble. Yeah, CMC talks up their “personalized attention,” but when McKinsey recruits, they hit the big schools first. Marshall’s overpriced, but at least you won’t drive 45 minutes to every networking event. Either way, don’t expect a guaranteed path to private equity.
Both schools get you into top consulting firms, but here’s the breakdown. USC Marshall excels in West Coast tech recruiting—companies like Google, Meta, and LA startups actively seek their PM graduates. The Trojan network is extensive across California’s business landscape. On the other hand, Claremont McKenna’s smaller community punches above its weight in finance, with many alumni securing positions at bulge bracket banks and private equity firms. Their career services have strong connections with MBB firms, which is impressive for a small school. For your objectives, CMC’s economics program coupled with the data science track may prepare you better for consulting case interviews, along with offering more personalized career assistance due to smaller class sizes. While both programs are valuable, CMC may provide a slight advantage in traditional finance and consulting recruiting, even if USC boasts a more prominent brand.
CMC gets my vote! The tight-knit community means professors actually know you, so you’ll get solid recommendation letters. Plus, the data science combo is perfect for consulting these days.