State Semi-Target and MBA vs Low Target

I had this decision and I know a lot of other kids who had the same dilemma. This applies to kids who are very good/not great, and come from very good/not wealthy families. Parents are upper middle class and have given you $200k college fund. Would you go a in-state semi-target (UNC KF/IU Kelley/UT McCombs) with partial scholarships or low target (UChicago, Michigan, Duke)? By going to the in-state semi-target at a low cost, parents would use the extra $150k to pay for you get an MBA from a M7 school.

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Best Response

You shouldn’t base your college decisions based on your career choice of banking as a 17 year old. You should visit a few of the campuses that you’ve mentioned and see what culture you fit in best at.

Every single one of those schools has a tried and true path to IB/Finance- you should go where you like the people the most, because you will do the best work and perform the most if you are happiest.

I say this as someone who is going to a non-target LAC, but has a IB BB internship this summer and an offer for one next summer. I chose the place that fit my personality best and it’s paying dividends already. I imagine it will pay off more in the future, too.

edit: just reread your post. Suppose the advice doesn't really apply to you, but it's still relevant to whomever is seeking advice.

 

But why put your parents on the hook for your MBA? That should more than pay for itself. Go to the best school you get into for the money, do your best, and the opportunities will line up later.

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers
 

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