Undergraduate Freshman at non-target considering transfer to target (Georgetown, NYU, UMich)
TL:DR: undergrad freshman finance major at non-target with 4.0 gpa, 34 ACT, club rowing, JA position in student-run fund, looking to transfer to NYU, UMich, Georgetown, and/or other targets. What are my chances like? What should I be doing? Does anyone here have any experience?
Any thoughts and advise is deeply appreciated, feel free to PM for specifics (resume, details, anything).
I'm a currently a undergraduate finance major freshman at a decent public state university (not sure if it's common WSO practice to specify which school in this post bc I'm new but feel free to ask in PM) (better school than I thought it was going to be, and has some decent placement, but a definitely a non-target) but really got hit hard by senior-year application acceptances (got into 3 schools out of 15). I had 6 APs, 4.3 weighted GPA, 34 ACT, and good extracurriculars, but my transferring of high schools in junior yr hurt my chances of getting many leadership positions, and I suspect that my application essays could have been better.
I came into my current univ with 32 credits (making me a sophomore by standing), loaded up with the max amt of credits in semester 1, joined the crew team (think D1/D3 team but with none of the funding, plus it's continuity from HS and a good passion), and just finished securing a 4.0 GPA that I plan on maintaining. On top of that, I've been admitted and working as a Junior Analyst for a selective student-run hedge fund on campus (company/equity pitches, long/shorts, modeling, ER, etc) and am really enjoying it.
It's always been my dream to hit BB IB and eventually PE but knew it would be really hard coming from the school I'm at now (chose this over other options mainly because of lower price), and always had the plan to transfer to a target (NYU, Georgetown, UMich are my dream but I'll take anything). Because of that, it was always my plan to grind as much as possible freshman year so that I have clubs and opportunities and strong academic standing at my current school to build my success here while setting myself up in the best possible way for the future.
I'm enjoying my school and my success more than I thought I would, but the chip on my shoulder that has allowed me to push so hard has still a small wish attached that I was at a target school. I believe that I can be happy here if I don't transfer, but I still really want to try because I genuinely think it is possible. My fund has somewhat good placement for a non-target (Barclays, Jefferies, Goldman, Citi, JPM, with some alumni even at Guggenheim, HSBC, UBS, PwC, Fidelity, etc), and everyone in the fund pushes so hard to be better than any target student in what little interviews we'll get, but we all know how much easier recruiting would be if it were a target. On the plus side, I'll finish undergrad with less debt.
My plan has been to try to reach out to members of the student-run funds I want to join at other schools (where applicable), maybe even profs (although I think that it is too late to get a letter of rec if these are due in Feb-March and it's almost January), and just write my ass off in essays.
Problem is, I'm having some trouble figuring out how to properly apply (essay topics/writing), which schools to apply to (I have a sizeable shortlist that I plan on applying to that I'm more than willing to share with anyone in PM), how much playing a sport plays into the application process, if I should even try to transfer (be a big fish in a non-target pond vs a small fish in a target pond, so to speak), and if I even have the chances of transferring to a top-tier school.
Thank you for reading, and again, please feel free to reach out as I am new to WSO but extremely determined to get to where I want to be.
Hey there, future high-finance hotshot! Based on the most helpful WSO content, let's break down your situation and see how we can swing from the vines of non-target to the skyscrapers of target schools:
Chances of Transferring: With a 4.0 GPA, a 34 ACT, and involvement in a student-run fund, you're swinging in with a strong profile. Your athletic involvement is the cherry on top. Schools like NYU, UMich, and Georgetown appreciate well-rounded candidates.
What You Should Be Doing: Keep up that GPA, stay active in your finance club, and continue to build your leadership and finance experience. Networking is key, so reaching out to members of student-run funds at your target schools is a smart move.
Transfer Application Strategy:
Big Fish vs. Small Fish: It's a classic dilemma. Being a standout at a non-target can lead to great opportunities, but the network and prestige of a target can open doors more easily. It's a personal choice, but if you're aiming for BB IB and PE, the target might give you that extra edge.
Transfer Chances: It's tough to say without knowing the specifics of each school's transfer acceptance rates and criteria, but based on your achievements, you're definitely in the running. Keep in mind, though, that transfer spots can be competitive, especially at top-tier schools.
Remember, transferring is a strategic move, not just an escape ladder. Make sure you're doing it for the right reasons and that you're prepared for the new jungle that is a target school. Keep your eyes on the prize, and don't forget to enjoy the climb!
Feel free to reach out if you need more specifics or want to discuss your shortlist. You've got the determination, now it's time to make it happen!
Sources: Worth Attempting to Transfer from Semi-Target to Target?, 2019 Target School Ranking for NYC Recruit?, Target Schools?, The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking, Should Successful students at "non-targets" transfer to targets?
Hey I was in a really similar boat to you last year. I ended up applying to a few places and got offers at 2 semis and a target, but decided to stay at my non target.
Who knows if this will work out but in a decent spot so far and got an IB internship at a decent firm for my sophomore year.
PM if you have any questions but want to say you should be fine no matter what school you’re at if you keep up what you’re doing
I appreciate that, I'll shoot you a message
Quasi quo a quasi commodi. Ut laboriosam porro quo suscipit. Pariatur molestiae est aperiam eos. Non ut aut esse beatae qui.
Et ut similique qui vel voluptatem. Sequi ducimus soluta et qui et deleniti. Sint illum debitis explicabo rerum debitis sint.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...