Double Transfer: Western - McGill - Columbia/Stern

Hey guys,

I'm currently a freshman at Western with AEO to Ivey, but I'm finding that the majority of the people here are not quite as motivated as I am. So I am looking for an environment that better suits me.

I need your advice on whether transfering to McGill's Desautel in second year (traveling purposes, got to enjoy life right?) and then to Stern or Columbia in third year is a viable idea.

What do you guys think? Are there any others schools I should consider?

22 Comments
 
lemon-zebraHey guys,

I'm currently a freshman at Western with AEO to Ivey, but I'm finding that the majority of the people here are not quite as motivated as I am. So I am looking for an environment that better suits me.

I need your advice on whether transfering to McGill's Desautel in second year (traveling purposes, got to enjoy life right?) and then to Stern or Columbia in third year is a viable idea.

What do you guys think? Are there any others schools I should consider?

Gotta agree with you there. I'm currently a freshman at western as well and honestly most people here are not motivated at all, some of them don't even know where they are going.

Why not stay for IVEY though

 
Best Response

Um, transferring to the U.S. might be hard after your second year. Although transferring to Desautel is not a bad idea if you are set on it. I have quite a few friends that transferred from UBC, SFU, Alberta etc. to McGill.

I say if you want to go for it. As much as I respect Ivey I think McGill has a better combination of life/city/culture and overall university excellence. Western has too much emphasis on the business program to the detriment of other programs and London is quite shitty. Otherwise McGill is excellent for recruiting as well. Furthermore, Americans love McGill and the alumni presence on the Street is not something to be sneered at and plenty of people break in if they are motivated enough.

But I'm curious, why do you feel the need to do a double transfer ( which I would say is impossible)? If your end goal is Stern and Columbia why don't you just transfer there instead of McGill.

 
lemon-zebraHey guys,

I'm currently a freshman at Western with AEO to Ivey, but I'm finding that the majority of the people here are not quite as motivated as I am. So I am looking for an environment that better suits me.

I need your advice on whether transfering to McGill's Desautel in second year (traveling purposes, got to enjoy life right?) and then to Stern or Columbia in third year is a viable idea.

What do you guys think? Are there any others schools I should consider?

So first you claim that you're too motivated for Ivey and then you say you want to go travel around and enjoy life in second year? Interesting...Also, you're a freshman right now! If you're as motivated as you claim you are then just breeze through your UG and carry a 3.8 and you'll be more than fine. You're not even in IVEY yet...gawd!

IF you're seeking IB or MBB then stay put. Your NYU or Columbia idea is fine IF it happens and IF you can afford it.

And no. Double transfer is just silly.

 
seedy underbellyPaying 4 times the price for something you can easily get where you currently are?

Totally agree. But I think the Op's main problem is that he doesn't like the atmosphere at Western. I find that its quite common in Canadian universities as they tend to admit more people but the thing is they care less about fit so a lot of freshman transfer or drop out.

 
ConnorYou just described 90% of college students at a non-target.

Ivey HBA is not even close to a non-target. A small list of placements from Ivey HBA in one year: Goldman (NY), Lazard (NY), MS (NY), all the Canadian BBs, all three of MBB. Also, look through profiles at BX Private Equity, and you'll see just as many Ivey HBA grads as that of Columbia, Dartmouth, Stern etc. Perhaps more. Which non-target has that kind of placement?

 
seedy underbelly
ConnorYou just described 90% of college students at a non-target.

Ivey HBA is not even close to a non-target. A small list of placements from Ivey HBA in one year: Goldman (NY), Lazard (NY), MS (NY), all the Canadian BBs, all three of MBB. Also, look through profiles at BX Private Equity, and you'll see just as many Ivey HBA grads as that of Columbia, Dartmouth, Stern etc. Perhaps more. Which non-target has that kind of placement?

Queen's.

 
seedy underbelly
ConnorYou just described 90% of college students at a non-target.

Ivey HBA is not even close to a non-target. A small list of placements from Ivey HBA in one year: Goldman (NY), Lazard (NY), MS (NY), all the Canadian BBs, all three of MBB. Also, look through profiles at BX Private Equity, and you'll see just as many Ivey HBA grads as that of Columbia, Dartmouth, Stern etc. Perhaps more. Which non-target has that kind of placement?

I'm not suggesting he should leave Western, but if he doesn't like the people there, maybe he should consider an American target school.
 
Powa23Hahaha it just never stops eh. Lets hope somebody doesn't add McGill into that ; )

You mean the degree factory for under-acheiveing international students in Montreal?

 
Powa23Well, doesn't change the fact that Americans love Montreal and McGill and recruiters comes here in troves.

Question: What the hell is up with that dumb "Harvard=America's McGill" shirt? I swear I've seen all three of the kids from my school who go to McGill wear that idiotic shirt

 

I apologize if I sounded snobbish in my original post, I didn't intend for it that way. Ivey (Queen's, Schulich, Rotman and any other school I didn't mention) is a wonderful school, but just staying put for one more year is simply unacceptable for me.

I do well in my courses, but I want to focus on more that what is taught in the text. Currently I am working for two U.S. companies while maintaining a regular course load and do a lot of networking on my spare time. Unfortunately London does not provide many experienced experts in my field of interest.

  • Yes EngBanker, I do want to enjoy life. Whose to say motivation and unhappiness must go hand in hand. I do what I do for no other reason than the joy I get. Traveling makes me happy, and so does business... is that really so difficult to grasp?
 
lemon-zebraYes EngBanker, I do want to enjoy life. Whose to say motivation and unhappiness must go hand in hand. I do what I do for no other reason than the joy I get. Traveling makes me happy, and so does business... is that really so difficult to grasp?
pm me in 5 years ;)

Also, yes, putting the Western blondies aside, London is a shithole. I feel your pain.

 

Quasi dolorem accusantium voluptatem architecto minima consequuntur. Aut ratione placeat eos voluptatem. Voluptates quia laboriosam et ea. In voluptatem ipsam ea autem dolore facilis. Rem non qui ipsa.

Incidunt perferendis delectus ipsam et molestiae vitae adipisci. Nesciunt a porro sapiente ut ut libero. Dolores optio labore ut quidem. Et qui est modi repellendus.

 

Adipisci impedit natus illo molestias nostrum mollitia ipsam et. Mollitia aut numquam et harum quae molestiae. Quo aut dolore error esse voluptate error molestias. Ducimus et eius earum.

Ipsam ea iusto reprehenderit porro corporis eligendi at. Amet facilis molestias earum tempore recusandae aut in. Et nam sit facilis molestiae maiores non corrupti. Distinctio enim animi maxime quos. Atque et vero distinctio dolores. Excepturi omnis qui doloremque quia corrupti et. Vero aut eveniet provident laboriosam culpa natus animi.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”