Advice on choosing a top accounting school?

I'm starting to think seriously about accounting as a major and future career and have come across rankings for the top 100 accounting schools. It feels overwhelming! How should I go about narrowing down these schools? Are there particular factors I should consider like location, internship opportunities, faculty expertise, or something else? I'm looking for a program that'll prep me well for the CPA exam and have strong links to businesses for job placements. Any personal experiences or tips would be awesome!

Certainly! Selecting the right accounting program for you involves multiple considerations. Looking beyond rankings, you should consider factors that are important to you, such as location, class size, internships, faculty expertise, program-specific resources, and links with job placements. Here's a little more detail on each:

1. Location: If you have a specific region or city where you'd like to work after graduation, it's a great idea to look for accounting schools located in or near that area. If you're not certain, consider whether you'd prefer a rural or urban setting, proximity to home, potential weather conditions, and cost of living.

2. Class Sizes: This indicates the level of personalized attention you will receive. Smaller classes often mean more one-on-one time with professors and a more interactive learning environment.

3. Internship Opportunities: Internships are crucial in accounting, as they allow you to apply your classroom learnings in a real-world professional context. Check if the school has strong partnerships with local businesses for internship opportunities.

4. Faculty Expertise: Faculty with considerable experience in both academia and the industry can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of accounting and its real-world applications. You may want to look for programs where faculty members are certified public accountants (CPAs) or have substantial practical experience.

5. Resources For CPA Preparation: The CPA exam is a challenging one, so institutions that offer CPA review courses, study resources, or supplementary workshops for CPA preparation can be highly beneficial to a student planning to take the exam.

6. Job Placement: It's important to consider a school's job placement rate, and especially the rate for accounting majors. If a school has strong connections with businesses or recruiting firms, this is a clear advantage.

As an example, Wharton at UPenn has a strong accounting program, is located in a city with numerous businesses for internships/employment, and is known for its high job placement rate. However, always remember, although prestige and ranking also matter, it’s essential that the program align with your individual needs and goals. Good luck on your search!