Set the record straight on IU Kelley
Hey Guys, I am going to be a senior in high school next year and I am thinking a lot about colleges as most of us do. I made this account pretty recently because I'm interested in business, and this website seemed like it could be a valuable tool. I was recently reading through some threads that compare IU Kelley to some schools that, at least from my perspective, seem a lot better. Put differently with my current grades (and presumed test scores) I should be able to get into Kelley very easily. I think as of now it's my top safety school, but should I be viewing it as a safety school? I saw another thread recently that compared it to UNC, USC, Vandy, and had it right below Georgetown and ND. These other schools are on my "list" amongst others, but will definitely be a lot harder for me to get into. Can someone not from the school and maybe from the industry give me some perspective as to how IU stakes up. From where I sit it seems inconceivable that with its high acceptance rate it would rank anywhere near these schools, but if it does, my counselor said they would likely give me a scholarship, which could be very helpful. Thanks a lot in advance and I really appreciate any and all advice.
My take as someone who doesn't go to Kelley, is your characterization of the school as a safety is spot on. I applied there as a safety hell I bet half this site applied there as a safety. Through their banking club, they seem to do a pretty good job at placing people into some solid banks, but it's still IU, and b/c finance is such an egotistical prestige centric place, I think beyond the IU alums, some people, especially from the "top" schools, might look at you a bit different. Don't get me wrong if the money matters a lot/ you don't get into one of the other schools you listed IU is a phenomenal option, but I think its a bit crazy to think it's on par with UNC, Georgetown, etc..
From Indiana, but go to another school. Kelley has an acceptance rate of around 30-40%, much less than the 70-80% IU overall, so that's where the numbers differ. IBW is good for placement but a bit selective (read this as you'll get it in you could get into the other schools you listed), and the guy that leads it is great and well spoken. The firms the IBW places at aren't the best besides PWP and the select few (FEW) who get Lazard or GS/MS - you can see where they will be working/interning at if you search IBW and pull their resumes.
TLDR: wouldn't go there over the others you listed, unless you're in-state and can go for next to nothing.
Doing a quick LinkedIn search so take this as you will. This includes only IB (filtered out). Screams semi-target to me vs. target, but nonetheless good placement.
Moelis: 22 IU alum JPM: 22 IU alum Goldman Sachs: 20 IU alum Rothschild: 14 IU alum Lazard: 13 IU alum PWP: 12 IU alum Evercore: 11 IU alum Greenhill: 5 IU alum PJT: 4 IU alum
Anyone on this thread trying to defend Kelley and praise the IBW most certainly goes to Kelley and probably is in the IBW themselves, otherwise they would not be quick to fight for the school.
Look it’s a great option if it’s your safety, but don’t be misguided by the seemingly amazing placement in the IBW. From a percentage standpoint and an absolute standpoint, it’s on par with other meh semi targets.
Your school rep 100% matters for buyside recruiting. don’t listen to anyone who tells you otherwise.