Miami-Ohio or Penn State for IB in Chicago?

I’m accepted to Penn State Smeal and Miami-Ohio Farmer for finance. My goal is to pursue IB in Chicago, my hometown, and I’m unsure which is better. I know neither are targets so I’m really trying to maximize my chances of breaking in.  Miami is closer but Penn State has the NLF and I think is better overall.


Your thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks God bless all of you

16 Comments
 

Penn State by a mile. Much more well known school with established pipelines and a why chicago is easy given it’s your hometown

 

Got to OSU, look at the Fisher Futures Program. Places nearly all kids between NYC and CHI. You get looks at all the MM/UMM firms in CHI as more alum stay in banking there and are really receptive towards kids in the program.

 

Associate 3 in PE - LBOs

Miami Forsure. Great Chicago network and super hot chicks.

Source: I worked in the Chicago PE and my wife is a Miami grad

You don’t think Penn State would make it easier to break in? 

 

I recommend Miami Ohio, since the Midwest-Chicago connection is stronger. Penn State has a much stronger alumni base on the east coast compared to Chicago. For example, go on LinkedIn and search for the most senior Penn State investment banking alumni - most are probably in New York. Miami has a lot more in Chicago.

Choosing college is also about what types of people you want to meet and become friends with. Penn State's student population is a lot of east coasters. Miami much more proportionally consists of people from Ohio and the Midwest, who are probably more similar to you than somebody who summers in Cape Cod, Massachusetts (did you know "summer" is a verb?). 

 

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