BB from a non-target

Hi all, I’m currently a freshman majoring in Finance at Arizona State (Couldn’t go anywhere better due to financial reasons and ASU gave me near a full ride), and I need advice as to what you all think I should do. Should I, A: Stay at ASU, while doing things like joining IBIS (Investment banking club), grinding internships, and graduating with a high (likely 3.75/3.8ish) GPA, or B: Apply to a program such as Ross or McCombs as a transfer and leave my near full ride for a much greater chance to get into a BB. Also understand that, while my parents have the means to help me pay for college, If I were to go to a school like UT or UMich, it’d likely be north of 30k a year (probably wouldn’t get much financial aid) and I would likely have to take out a large amount of student loans. Is it worth it? Let me know what you guys think about each option, it’s much appreciated.

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I was in a similar situation before. I went with the transfer and it worked out well for me. Obviously there was risk there and I don't mean transferring is always the right answer, but it certainly pays off if you grind hard enough and land that IB role. Living frugally, you'd be able to save ~50k a year immediately after graduation. Also the peers you meet and the connections you make are going to be intangible assets that become really valuable later down the road.

 

If you did a bit of research you would know that IBIS (highly selective investment banking program) recently placed kids FT and summer into PJT, Evercore, UBS, BAML, Citi, CS, DB, PWP, GS, WB, and MS among others.

 

Yes, I am, I read that on their club information page, I was simply looking to get second opinions from those already in IB.

 

You may want a second opinion, but the main opinion is that many people have done what you are asking about. At the end of the day it matters more about the work you are willing to put in than where you go. PM me if you want to talk more.

 

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