“My mentoring session with Andre was extremely valuable and gave me the clarity and direction I needed at an important stage of my application journey. He was kind, approachable, and generous with his time, creating an atmosphere in which I felt comfortable sharing my experiences, asking questions, and discussing my doubts openly.
One of the most helpful aspects of our conversation was his guidance on how to organize and communicate my personal story. Andre helped me understand how to connect different experiences into a coherent narrative, identify the elements that matter most, and explain their significance more clearly. His perspective was fundamental in helping me see how to present my background with greater confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
I particularly appreciated his advice on what to avoid. He helped me recognize that including every detail does not necessarily make a story stronger, and that being selective can make a message much more effective. Our discussion gave me a clearer understanding of how to avoid unnecessary repetition, keep my narrative focused, and ensure that each part contributes something meaningful to the overall application.
Andre also provided valuable guidance on how to organize the application process itself. He helped me think more clearly about priorities, how to approach the different components, and how to make the work feel more manageable. Having a clearer structure has made a difference to my mindset: instead of seeing the applications as one overwhelming task, I now feel better equipped to approach them through specific, achievable steps.
Another important takeaway was his advice on how to use the coming days effectively. Our conversation helped me understand where to focus my energy, which tasks deserve immediate attention, and how to establish a realistic plan. I left the session with a stronger sense of direction and a better understanding of how to balance thoughtful preparation with consistent progress.
What made the experience positive was the combination of practical guidance and encouragement. Andre offered suggestions in a considerate and constructive way, helping me reflect on my choices while also making me feel supported. His kindness made it easier to engage honestly with the process and to see areas for improvement as opportunities to strengthen my applications.
Overall, this session was fundamental in helping me understand both what I want to communicate and how to move forward. I now have a clearer approach to telling my story, organizing my applications, avoiding common mistakes, and planning the next few days with intention.
I am very grateful for Andre’s support and for the care he brought to our conversation. His advice gave me useful tools, renewed confidence, and a more focused approach to the work ahead. I would highly recommend a session with him to anyone seeking thoughtful guidance, practical direction, and a supportive space to develop their application narrative. The session helped me turn uncertainty into a clearer plan, and I feel much more prepared to make the most of the time ahead and present my experiences in a meaningful and convincing way.”
Current student/recent grad of UMD. IB is 100% a grind from UMD, but we have alumni at all major banks and they’re happy to help. I think one of the big reasons we don’t have more kids break into IB each year is that the business school/ smith doesn’t force banking down undergrads throats like a lot of other schools do. We only have 20-30 kids each year really shoot for banking so if you’re motivated and work hard you can definitely break in. On average we have about 15 break into IB across BB and MM, but very rarely get anyone into EB. I can’t personally speak to consulting, but we usually get a few more people into ER/S&T/AM including top shops like Trow and Stepstone, mainly bc based in the area.
If you do choose UMD I will say the environment (for better or worse) is not particularly cutthroat and it’s a lot of fun to go to school here. Would also recommend applying for the Smith Investment Fund (SIF) Freshmen year, and applying for Wall Street Fellows (IB/ Wall Street workshop) going into sophomore year.
What have been some of UMD's recent placements (BB and EB if any?)?
IU getting heavily recruited by banks and consulting firms. If cost isn’t truly an issue I would go IU for opportunities.
I am bias, so take it with a grain of salt.
How did you get into the Honors college at IUB without any financial aid? In other words, is the cost gap really that large still?
My personal take is to go to IU since you are from MD. It gives you better MBB and IB recruiting options and a different perspective. You'll have more chances for NY, Chicago, SF, etc. UMD is a fine school, but the culture and atmosphere is very blah compared to others in college towns (e.g., UVA, UNC, Clemson). I don't know how many commuters they have, but it clearly plays more of a factor than a college town.
Those numbers for tuition are rough ones. I haven't gotten my entire financial aid package from either university yet, but I got 24k in merit aid from IU. Probably not getting anything from FAFSA, but I know that Hutton gives their students some money. I'm lucky enough that cost isn't a huge factor, but rather I'm trying to understand what the benefits and downsides are for both colleges.
go to IU then try to transfer to a better school for IB. IU is great but the workshops are highly selective and it is always nice too have options
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