How important is your undergrad reputation?
I am currently a student at USC, but have a transfer plan option to Cornell, specifically the Dyson School, and am wondering if it's worth it to transfer? I know that I'll have a much better college experience here and have lived in SoCal my whole life. But I also know that Cornell will be better for Investment Banking jobs later on. I guess my question to you all is: do I have a chance of breaking into the BB or elite boutiques from USC or would Cornell be the only way to do that? I'm very happy here right now but I don't want to kill my post grad opportunities.
Network well, have a good GPA and you'll be able to land IB interviews esp if you come from Marshall you should have access to most firms in LA. NYC might be trickier but its def possible (from socal myself and know of people that landed NYC IB).
Undeniably Cornell would place you better but I'd be depressed living in Ithica
USC is a huge target for all LA and most SF offices. Most BBs and some EBs recruit on campus. There will also be less competition at USC opposed to Cornell where every other person will be gunning for banking. Don't sacrifice your college experience for marginally better placement. If you want IB you'll get it from USC.