Apply to SA or FT 2026 UK

2nd semester boredom made me itchy to apply but recruiting is over (nothing beats the high of receiving an unexpected offer/interview “Congratulations…” after a fat nap)

Anyways. Currently a 3rd year on a 4 year degree, semi-target and landed MM M&A internship for 2025. I’ll try my best to convert but it’s never guaranteed.

I’m thinking about 2026 applications, should I apply to SA (apply to MSc) or FT in IB?

Or being completely unethical apply to both with different emails like my LSE colleagues do?

11 Comments
 

YOLO and apply to everything (SA, FT, and off-cycles), gives you the full non-target experience too in the process (Make as many emails as needed and change your passport name to corroborate your 30 middle names used in the applications).

 

I’ve never applied to more than one position per app cycle, maybe that’s why?

 

Being real here, i was in the same spot as you

i applied to FT only, because i am confident to convert so i dont want to waste 1 more year on SAs i just want to have a good competing FT offer alongside my return offer

I did got return by my MM but got mid BB FT which i went to, worked for 2 years now here already

 

Interesting POV, I am on the same boat of not wasting one more year

Did you find the FT application process to be more competitive? Part of me also wants to try recruiting for RX in London through SA programmes, as it’d be much harder for FT

 

I feel like its definitely more difficult for FT. I got lucky with one process with a referral so it’s easier for me. But again I already have a return offer so nothing to lose right

Not sure about rx so cannot comment on that

 

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