u/Altruistic_Draw_5113

Trying to decide between IU Bloomington (pre-business) and Clemson and would genuinely appreciate advice from people who know either school well.

My long-term goals are potentially investment banking, startups/entrepreneurship, or something business-related where I can make a lot of money and eventually live somewhere like LA. I also care a LOT about having a great college experience socially. Planning to rush a fraternity wherever I go.

Here’s my dilemma:

IU seems like the better career/networking opportunity, especially for business/finance. I also already have a roommate there who I’ve known for 10+ years, which is a huge plus. I like the ambitious environment and social scene a lot.

But when I visited Clemson, I loved it immediately. The atmosphere, weather, people, campus, everything just clicked for me. My mood and energy are honestly heavily affected by weather/environment, which is making this much harder. I could genuinely see myself being happier there day-to-day.

One important thing: I’m NOT directly admitted to Kelley — I’m pre-business — so I know freshman year at IU would require discipline, especially while rushing.

I’m basically trying to balance:

  • career/network upside
  • happiness/mental health
  • social life
  • fraternity culture
  • long-term earning potential
  • where I’d actually thrive as a person

Would especially appreciate advice from:

  • IU students who rushed while doing pre-business
  • Clemson business students
  • anyone who chose between “better opportunity” vs “better fit”
  • people working in finance/startups now looking back

What would you do in my position?

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u/Altruistic_Draw_5113 — 9 days ago