Northeastern/Fordham/Villanova Business vs. Middling LACs (Bates, Colgate, Swarthmore)

Everyone here likes to say how unless ur a diversity candidate or 3.99 GPA for nontarget business schools, you're screwed for IB due to the immense comp, whereas the big complaint about mid LACs is that there's no interest and network but you *could* do it if u wanted too. So, which types of schools are better for IB?

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, when it comes to breaking into investment banking (IB), the type of school you attend can play a significant role in your recruitment prospects. Here's a breakdown of the considerations for each type of institution:

Northeastern/Fordham/Villanova Business Schools: - These schools have established business programs that may offer more direct paths to careers in finance. - They often have alumni networks in the financial industry, which can be leveraged for networking and job opportunities. - The presence of on-campus recruiting for finance roles is more likely at these business-focused schools.

Middling Liberal Arts Colleges (LACs) like Bates, Colgate, Swarthmore: - LACs are known for their strong academic programs and can provide a well-rounded education. - While they may not have the same level of direct recruitment as business schools, their graduates are often highly regarded for their critical thinking and analytical skills. - The smaller alumni network might be more willing to help due to the close-knit nature of these institutions. - Students from LACs may stand out if they show a strong interest in IB and actively pursue networking opportunities.

Ultimately, both types of schools can lead to a career in investment banking, but the path may be more straightforward from a business school with a strong finance program and recruitment pipeline. For LACs, the key is to be proactive in networking, securing internships, and demonstrating a clear interest in the field of IB. It's also worth noting that while the school is important, individual drive, networking skills, and internship experiences can significantly impact one's ability to break into investment banking.

Sources: Comprehensive List of Target Schools for Investment Banking, What's the best school for investment banking?, The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking, Help me choose the right university for Investment Banking

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Xeffa1231231

How are those mid LACs? If you want a good school for IB, go to Georgetown which has a similar acceptance rate to those LACs. 

Gtown is a full-on T20 thats 1000x harder to get in than toothpaste university lmfao (source: I got into colgate with a bottom quartile ACT, a GPA a full 0.2 less than their avg, NOT EVEN PAYING THE APPLICATION FEE, AND NOT EVEN WRITING THE OPTIONAL ESSAYS whereas there are much much smarter people than me getting georgetown rejections all the time)

 
Most Helpful

These schools in terms of recruiting are comparatively equal (you get what you put in) so basing where to go to these schools on the basis of IB is a bit short sighted. Go where you can afford / see yourself succeeding. From my experience the kids who come from the mentioned LAC's tend to have either wealthier upbringings, and familial connections to the industry or went there to play a sport i.e. they probably aren't footing the bill for an LAC tuition or can afford to do an unpaid LMM PE internship in the city. The Fordham, Northeastern, and Villanova grads tend to be your finance go getters / scrappy networkers. 

 

Judging off of past comments you were in MSF, undergrad (the point of the post) places well if you get involved in clubs and network with alum

 

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