URM status and breaking into trading from a non-target

I'm a high school senior wondering about careers in finance, specifically trading (although this is an extremely uninformed decision) and which college to attend next year. I am half mexican so I have been checking that box on my college apps.

I have been accepted into both Northwestern and University of Wisconsin. I think I would be happier at Wisconsin and its 20k less per year, but I'm afraid choosing Wisc over NU will disadvantage me significantly in getting internships and jobs. I'm wondering if my URM status will be able to offset coming from a non-target if I maintain a high (3.8+) gpa.

Also, do I actually have to demonstrate how my heritage has made me more diverse in interviews and such, or does simply checking a box give me these benefits? Because the truth is, I'm probably whitest mexican person I know and I come from an upper middle class family.

15 Comments
 

By even posting this, you are admitting that you are an inferior candidate and must rely on your minority status to win you an unfair advantage.

 

If trading is really what you want to do and think it will still be your interest in 4 years do not pass up Northwestern. Why take the gamble? Northwestern is a target, and its still a Big 10 school where you can have a lot of fun and good sports (well their football team isnt what it used to be). Also it is right outside of Chicago in Evanston, so networking will be top notch and even if your plans change, Northwestern will always look better on a resume.

 

So in the US they have a special URM box not only for university applications, but for job applications too? Do the US offices of banks actually have a quota of URM employees that they have to meet?? Even on a trading desk???

 

He's smart to take advantage of his race. I know a girl who checked off native american on her app. because she's like 1/16 or some bullshit, and she's at Columbia (with scholarships too I believe)

 
Best Response
b2By even posting this, you are admitting that you are an inferior candidate and must rely on your minority status to win you an unfair advantage.

By even posting this you are admitting that you have the reading comprehension skills of a fourth grader. Let me try to help you understand.

I am admitting that going to Wisconsin will give me less opportunities than Northwestern and was simply wondering whether the difference would be significant enough to outweigh the pros of madison (i.e. bigger school,better social scene--although I'm starting to think this difference is negligible--music school within the LAS allowing me to easily explore my interests and still major in econ, and 80k saved over four years) considering my specific advantages, whether they are fair or not.

I am sure you have advantages others do not have based on things other than merit.

To everyone else, thank you for your responses. I will consider them when making my decision.

Also, does going to a target help get an internship position with SEO as much as it helps in getting a full time job?

 
2pacaintdead
b2By even posting this, you are admitting that you are an inferior candidate and must rely on your minority status to win you an unfair advantage.

By even posting this you are admitting that you have the reading comprehension skills of a fourth grader. Let me try to help you understand.

I am admitting that going to Wisconsin will give me less opportunities than Northwestern and was simply wondering whether the difference would be significant enough to outweigh the pros of madison (i.e. bigger school,better social scene--although I'm starting to think this difference is negligible--music school within the LAS allowing me to easily explore my interests and still major in econ, and 80k saved over four years) considering my specific advantages, whether they are fair or not.

Hey idiot; how does your URM status come into play when deciding between these two schools? I guarantee that you won't get into banking because you're a fucktard.

 

idiot, retard, moron, etc.- i'll try again.

If my URM status gives me opportunities it could negate the opportunities I lose in choosing UW over NU. I'm asking if it should come into play, not saying that it will.

 

I'm not proud of it, but I'm not ashamed either. If someone is born into a situation where they are going to good schools from birth because of youre location, parents income etc. That's an unfair advantage; said person has done nothing to earn that advantage. Bottom line: life isn't fair.

I think AA as i is dumb, but of course I'm going to take advantage of it just like everyone else in the world is taking advantage of opportunities they have been given unfairly.

And if youre going to argue for social darwinism and say that it is not unfair that someone who worked hard gets to pass on benefits to their child, I could say that my great grandparents who really are really mexican, worked hard, harder than white people would have to, to get where they are and their spawn receiving AA is fair.

AA should target socioeconomic groups but it targets race. While the system is the way it is, I have no problem taking advantage of it.

 

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