Incoming Non-Target (Baylor) Sophomore With Some Questions
I just finished Freshman year at Baylor University with a 4.0, as a Pre-Business major. I’ve also completed almost all my prerequisites to get into the business school—which should happen after next semester. My current plan is to major in Finance & Economics, and I’m pretty sure I can maintain a 3.9+ until graduation, but that may be naive. At Baylor, it seems like the only way to get into IB is through the Investment & Advisory Network. So if I decide to stay at Baylor, it looks like I’m pretty fucked if I don’t get into I&A.
I’m wondering if I should transfer to a target school, although I’m not sure which schools I would have a decent chance of admission at. My high-school stats are pretty sub-par (2.81uw, 3.36w, 33 ACT), and I’m not in any clubs or other extracurriculars at Baylor, yet. I’m working as a Wealth Management Intern this summer at a BB bank (nepotism). Other than that, I don’t have much of a resumé outside of high-school activities. I have friends at Mendoza, but they don’t accept transfers after Sophomore year. I think McCombs would be ideal, but AFAIK transferring there is extremely difficult.
I’m also wondering, if I do stay at Baylor, what I should major in? As I stated earlier, my plan is Finance & Economics. However, I heard that Finance & Accounting or even something like Finance & Mathematics could be better. I’m not sure if this is true or not, as I’ve read conflicting information online.
Sorry if this was kind of all over the place, I guess I’m just in need of a little bit of guidance going forward. Anything helps.
Based on the insights from Wall Street Oasis, Baylor has a solid finance program and is considered one of the best schools in Texas for accounting. It's noted that while only a few from Baylor break into investment banking, the school supports double majoring and graduating on time, which could enhance your educational breadth. Here are some points to consider:
Staying at Baylor: Given your strong GPA and the structured path through the Investment & Advisory Network, staying at Baylor could be a viable option. The ability to double major in Finance and another discipline like Economics or Accounting could provide a robust foundation. Baylor's reputation in finance and accounting could serve you well, especially since you're already making connections through your internship.
Transferring to a Target School: While transferring to a target school like McCombs could potentially increase your chances of breaking into investment banking, it's important to weigh the competitiveness of transfer admissions and your current credentials. Your high school stats might be a hurdle, but your recent achievements and internship could offset that. It's crucial to start building a strong extracurricular profile and seek leadership roles to strengthen your transfer application.
Choice of Major: If you decide to stay at Baylor, both Finance & Economics and Finance & Accounting are strong choices. The decision might depend on your career preferences post-graduation. Finance & Accounting could offer more structured pathways into fields like corporate finance, accounting, or even investment banking. Finance & Economics provides a broader analytical base, which could be beneficial for various roles in finance, including economic analysis and strategy roles.
Extracurricular Involvement: Regardless of your decision to transfer or stay, getting involved in clubs and activities, particularly those related to business and finance, will be crucial. This involvement can provide networking opportunities, enhance your resume, and develop soft skills that are highly valued in the business world.
In summary, carefully evaluate the pros and cons of transferring versus maximizing your opportunities at Baylor. Consider your long-term career goals, the strengths of each program, and the impact on your network and resume.
Sources: Finance Degree Worth More Than Accounting Degree?, Should I change my major from finance to math if I love both subjects? Why or why not?, The most underrated business school, Best Undergraduate Double Major at a Non-Target B-School?, Career for math major?
Fellow Baylor student here. I’d recommend joining the Baylor chapter of Scholars of Finance as well as the Baylor Finance Club. Recruiting from Baylor is gonna be a huge grind either way but it’s definitely possible to make it work. Also getting into the Baylor I&A is not that hard, just don’t be a total dumbass. Honestly, at Baylor your best shot is to use the I&A to land a MM IB in Houston but I’ve seen a couple students who’ve really worked their asses off and landed BB IB offers in New York.
Your major doesn’t matter too much bit I’d recommend double majoring in finance and something else either STEM or finance related. Since you’ll be recruiting during sophomore year you can kinda put whatever major you want.
Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions. I’m in the same boat as you but I’ve talked to a bunch of the Baylor students who’ve managed to land IB roles and it’s definitely helped a lot.
I went to Baylor, did I&A and went into banking in Houston.
As far as staying at Baylor, I&A was the best route when I was there - pretty sure it still is but know there’s another one or two finance clubs now. When you join that, you get plugged into the Baylor IB and PE network and get guidance on interviews and recruiting.
Not sure how the transfer process is but it’s certainly easier to make it in from other schools. If you want Houston, UT, A&M and Rice are the most represented schools. Baylor to New York is pretty hard but a couple people have done it.
Let me know if you have other questions. Happy to chat
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