COMPARE UIUC vs. SMU

[PrakharT]

Hi,
I have been admitted to two very different program in terms of location, but still I am quite confused. Here's what I think.

UIUC
Pros
1. USA (Biggest advantage as it is the main hub for Quant Finance)
2. 1.5 year program (I have more time to learn)
3. UIUC's brand name

Cons
1. Expenses (much more than SMU)
2. None of the alumni in big companies. Even I have started looking people going for jobs which are not related to the field.

SMU
Pros
1. Cheaper
2. 1 semester at Cass Business School
3. I have seen people working for big banks
4. It is among top three schools in Singapore. So basically, companies recognize you

Cons
1. Only one batch is out
2. I may not have opportunities as I can have in US
3. Short course of only 1 year and they cover a lot of things (including course at Cass)

Can you guys please help? Also can you let me know about the Singapore Financial Industry. I know about the US programs. The situation is really bad. Most students studying in US have not secured any internship till now. I am in process of collecting data for Singapore

Thanks

 

[Andy Nguyen]

There are a few SMU MQF alumni here https://www.quantnet.com/threads/smu-mqf-singapore.9198/
My best guest is to contact alumni from each program and query about the career support they receive.
I wouldn't look down on a career in Singapore. It's just a different life style that you get from over here.

 

[CasanovaJ]

Hi,
I have been admitted to two very different program in terms of location, but still I am quite confused. Here's what I think.

UIUC
Pros
1. USA (Biggest advantage as it is the main hub for Quant Finance)
2. 1.5 year program (I have more time to learn)
3. UIUC's brand name

Thanks

America's a big country... Urbana, Illinois is not a "main hub for quant finance."

 

[PrakharT]

Please guys help

America's a big country... Urbana, Illinois is not a "main hub for quant finance."

I was talking about America only.. not specifically about Urbana, Illinois

 

[PrakharT]

There are a few SMU MQF alumni here https://www.quantnet.com/threads/smu-mqf-singapore.9198/
My best guest is to contact alumni from each program and query about the career support they receive.
I wouldn't look down on a career in Singapore. It's just a different life style that you get from over here.

Andy Nguyen, you are right! Even I saw their first batch, a lot of students are working for Credit Suisse, Standard Chardard, etc. Course curriculum looks structure and of course, Cass Business School is pretty awesome. Secondly, I feel that studying at SMU would place me at top of minds of the employers in Singapore (as I'll be among the students from three big schools), whereas in UIUC, I have to face a stiff competition from the students from Tier 1 and other Tier 2 schools. What is your view?

 

[CandyOates]

Please guys help
I was talking about America only.. not specifically about Urbana, Illinois

His point is that you won't be in one of the 'main hubs'. You'll be a couple hours from Chicago and far from NYC. In other words, you listed something as a pro which would be considered a con compared to other programs. For example, Univ Chicago's program is superior by the 'proximity to main hub' metric, but some people would consider a con of their program to be that it's not located in NYC.

 

[PrakharT]

His point is that you won't be in one of the 'main hubs'. You'll be a couple hours from Chicago and far from NYC. In other words, you listed something as a pro which would be considered a con compared to other programs. For example, Univ Chicago's program is superior by the 'proximity to main hub' metric, but some people would consider a con of their program to be that it's not located in NYC.

True! But, I think this con is manageable as long as you know stuffs.

 

[PrakharT]

His point is that you won't be in one of the 'main hubs'. You'll be a couple hours from Chicago and far from NYC. In other words, you listed something as a pro which would be considered a con compared to other programs. For example, Univ Chicago's program is superior by the 'proximity to main hub' metric, but some people would consider a con of their program to be that it's not located in NYC.

It's alright man! This discussion is endless! I just know that this is the best that I could get and I have get the best of this only and I am prepared for that

 

[bigbadwolf]

True! But, I think this con is manageable as long as you know stuffs.

The UIUC program is one of the overpriced second-tier programs CasanovaJ referred to in another thread. What you pay for in a top-ranking program is not just stronger courses taught by better profs, but also proximity to the action and industry contacts. Urbana Champaign doesn't have that component -- and it's pricey for what it offers.

 

[CandyOates]

It's alright man! This discussion is endless! I just know that this is the best that I could get and I have get the best of this only and I am prepared for that

You have a great attitude!