IBanking Undergrad?

Hi Fellas, Well I'm currently a senior at a private jesuit school in NYC. It's time to apply to colleges and I'm in debate with my dad. My dad works managing a rich mans money and I keep telling him I want to go into banking. At my school I have a pretty good advantage of getting into Georgetown using early action. But if I apply to Gtown EA I will not be able to apply to any targets ED. I have a very good shot at getting into Gtown but only if I apply EA. I'm not sure what to do. I feel like I should apply early to an Ivy (probably not wharton) which is more of a target than Gtown. However, my dad keeps telling me he sees tons of people on the street and in hedge funds who attended Georgetown. I want to attend Georgetown but I feel like if I go there I will be taking away from my chances of landing an Ibanking job once I graduate. Should I take the risk of apply to an ivy where I say I have a 40-60 chance and have no shot at Gtown ( If I don't get accepted to the Ivy EA I'm fucked). But I could apply to Gtown EA and almost gaurentee a spot there. What do you guys think I should do? Also I know many of you are long after college but just to refresh your minds on the terms I'm using. Early Action: applying early to a college and it is non binding Early Decisoin: applying to a college early and if you get in you have to attend.

11 Comments
 

There is nothing wrong with Gtown dude. Having that in your hand is a great place to be and you can always apply to the ivies after that just in case.

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 

Alrighty, thanks. I mean, I want to go to Georgetown. I feel like at the school your surrounded by so many refined people and the area is fantastic. Well I sure am praying I get in there.

 

Well, you said you have a very good shot at getting in so good luck just get involved with Georgetown Reads or some other big non profit there too and you should be good

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 
Best Response

Dude, honestly one of the main advantage of a "target" is that it makes it easier to network/make connections with people in finance and get your foot in the door. If your dad already has all these connections, it sounds like you are set in those regards. Once in the door, Gtown is a great school that no one will scoff at.

Also, why do you think EA/ED is such an advantage? EA isn't even binding if I'm not mistaken. I think you're overestimating the importance of ED/EA, unless someone reliable gave this info. From what I was told/experienced, it might help, but is not a make or break thing like you've indicated. I dont see how it is at all possible that you are a lock EA and have no chance regular at Gtown.

Whatever happens, dont sweat it too much. Either way you will be prepared for a great career, and Gtown probably has some advantages over an Ivy (mainly socially). If you're content with Gtown and think EA makes a big difference, go for it and then apply regular to Ivies. Trust me, it feels great to have a good backup plan acceptance while waiting for other replies. I had a very stressless college application process bc of it.

 

Hate to comment yet again but what ibintx said is dead on. Having that first one in the bag is fucking priceless

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 

This is a tough advice to give and ultimately tougher decision to make for you, but here is my opinion. Even though Gtown has good alumni base, it will still be very tough to get into banking unless you start with great internships and perform well. Otherwise, the alumni might not be that helpful.

I can see why it's easier to just go to Gtown since it is almost risk free and you know you are going to get in. On the other hand, you need to take a risk when applying to the Ivy. My advice take the risk and make sure you have a decent backup plan if it doesn't work. However, if it does work you will be in a very good position to get into banking.

Also, I know a girl from Gtown that got an IB internship in BB when a sophomore and then in the same bank as junior in another group, so she is set to be a FT. BUT, she got in through some diversity or minority program, which is pretty much an exception. Best of luck.

Do what you want not what you can!
 

DO NOT pick a school whether it'll land you a IB job or not. I can assure you it won't be that much more difficult to land a gig from GTown then it would from an Ivy. At your age if I had the choice of all the Ivy's the only ones I'd consider would be Princeton, UPenn/Wharton, and Dartmouth. Princeton & Wharton will get more spots than Georgetown and I'd think Dartmouth and GTown would be pari pursue. If you think you have a decent chance at getting into Wharton or Princeton go for it. Princeton's social scene is really fun and Dartmouth's fraternity's are legendary. But they throwdown pretty solid at GTown as well.

Ace all your PE interview questions with the WSO Private Equity Prep Pack: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/guide/private-equity-interview-prep-questions
 

I agree with you Kevin but wouldn't still say its pretty hard to turn down a school like Gtown?

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 

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