Getting into IB for non-Target school?
I was a complete idiot in High School and didn't do enough extracurriculars to get into an Ivy or target school. Have a 1520 SAT and 96% unweighted grade percent average (110% weighted), not sure what that is in terms of 4.0 scale. I'm going to the University of Connecticut as a Freshman this Fall, planning to double major in Finance and Management Information Systems with a Minor in Accounting. I'm gonna try to transfer to a better school like NYU or Cornell next year but let's assume that I don't get into a target as a transfer and I'm stuck with UCONN.
What's the best career path to follow in order to get into Investment Banking, considering I'm not at a target school? UCONN is getting better and better every year but that doesn't mean much considering it's ranked top 60-70 schools. What can I do to give myself the best chance at IB?
Transferring is low-key a joke bro. Literally just keep a 4.0 and do some extracurriculars. Don't worry. Focus on transferring and making profs like you for recs. I didn't transfer but I have some friends who did.
It’s harder than u think bud
I feel you, I'm also from a non-target but its not the end of the world, it just means you gotta work a little harder. I'd definitely start doing some EC related to finance (IB if possible) and start doing some networking -- not like 50 emails a week but just getting started. If you can land a finance internship (VC, PWM etc) for your freshman summer you'll be in a really good place. Other than that, you can still get into IB I have lot of friends who did it and they were heavy non-targets!
Hey I know it’s been a while, but where did you end up? I’m a freshman at uconn rn and I had a 1540 SAT, and had to turn down going to BC, Georgetown and Notre Dame all because of cost. I’m doing a dual degree in finance and applied math but I’m not sure I’m going to change out of applied math,
Hey I know it's been a while, but where did you end up? I'm a freshman at uconn rn and I had a 1540 SAT, and had to turn down going to BC, Georgetown and Notre Dame all because of cost. I'm doing a dual degree in finance and applied math but I'm not sure I'm going to change out of applied math.
If you are motivated and dedicated enough to grind for transfer apps to a target, you can prob translate that energy to recruiting and land a top ib offer.
Sophomore at a non-target here. Currently recruiting for IB. It is more difficult to land IB then Harvard or Wharton but thats ok. If you put in the work something will turn up. It will be probably 2-3 times the amount of work but its what us non targets have to do to break in (do not want to brag but I think I am more technically prepared then anyone I have talked to, screw target schools). keep ur head up bro and just grind.
Involvement you can actually talk about in an interesting way. Stellar why in/this firm/tmay. Perfect technicals (just read the fucking guides). Network your ass off, one good call can go a long way
Coming from a similar state NT, it is definitely an uphill battle breaking in due to fewer alumni at banks and a lack of resources within the school for the IB field in particular (this could be unique to my school). All this means is that you have to be proactive and driven to go the extra mile in networking and preparation on your own so if an opportunity does present itself you can capitalize. IMO, you should not be looking to transfer from UCONN before even beginning classes there due to career aspirations you have coming out of high school. If you simply do not see yourself enjoying it there or it isn't a fit for you personally that is a different scenario. If you are passionate about the field and are determined to get into banking, you can make it happen. Either way, best of luck with school and enjoy it!
Not trying to bust your balls here...genuinely curious, you had amazing stats but the best school you could get into was UConn? Did you apply for like ivies or bust? Could be wrong but I feel like you could've gotten into to semi-targets like Michigan or UT..
My EFC is about 4x higher than what my parents can actually provide, so even with a 7.5k/year merit scholly on top of in-state tuition, I'll still be 40k in debt when I finish at uconn. I got into BC, Notre Dame, and Georgetown, but I didn't get shit for aid from any of them. I can't transfer out either since my parents refuse to co-sign on the additional 40k that would be needed in loans.
I might get a plethora of MS thrown at me for what I'm about to say, but I would absolutely transfer if you can. As I'm sure you know, finance is one of the most elitist work cultures out there...I wouldn't discount the value your undergrad brand will have throughout your 35+ year career. I know swallowing $200k+ in student loans can be soul crushing as an 18 year old, but if you're pursuing a career in finance, that's a drop in the bucket in the long run. You'll earn it back and then some.
I'm not saying you won't be extremely successful coming from a non-target. I'm not saying attend a target and become one of the chaches who makes it their identity. As dumb as it is, there will be hundreds if not thousands of instances where you'll be introducing yourself in a professional setting, and one of the first/few things you're prompted to say is where you went to school. Your professional bio will list your career accolades, and will almost always include your education.
People can be petty and they will absolutely judge you based on what limited information they have. In the world of finance, people give a fuck about your educational pedigree a lot more than they probably should. It is what it is.
Aside from the judgmental bullshit, you'll be tapping into your school's network throughout your career. FWIW I'm still relatively junior and I've been able to leverage my network in countless ways.
Ultimately there's no right or wrong answer, you gotta do what's right for you. This is all just my two cents, best of luck!
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