Transfer From UMass?

Hey,

I'm a freshman at UMass looking to recruit for IB (restructuring or m&a). I didn't get into any targets out of HS and am wondering if its worth while to transfer. Overview of my condition:

HS: 4.0W, 10APs (4's and 5's), 1500 SAT, mid ECs

In college, Im getting A's mostly (linear algebra might be A- or B+), also im doing some leadership stuff. most importantly, im likely going to be in one of the campus funds (highly selective finance clubs) since im in the early engagement program and doing well -- they like me. the placement is pretty good there tbh, many do get into high finance and the alumni network is decent. My mentor there is in IB for example.

Anyways, what are your thoughts? Should I get a college advisor and try to transfer or thug it out and hope for the best at umass?

11 Comments
 

I didn’t attend UMass, but have family that did and have ran into a few alumni over the years (my title is outdated). Assuming you’re in Isenberg, I think you’re better off being a big fish in a small pond than transferring.

While not a target, UMass is a reputable school and there are a number of ECs that can look great on your resume (i.e. I think they have some FI Investment Program).

 

Also went to a state flagship and ended up at a NYC BB... I'd say you should stay. Especially if you've built out a solid reputation, being the top 1% at a state school can yield better results than being in the middle 50% at a target, for half the cost. 

I'd say apply for a few top targets as there is no harm but starting networking hard next year regardless 

 
Most Helpful

Had similar stats in high school. Got into a couple of NESCAC schools, but chose my state flagship because I was able to graduate with no debt, ended up interning in IB at a NYC MM . UMass has had great placements recently, you'll just have to work harder but as others have said its better to be in the top 1% then a regular joe at a target. 

Having a solid opportunity to break into IB and graduating debt free is huge, it doesn't hurt to throw in a few apps but in my opinion you're better off staying and maximizing your opportunities at UMass

 

Obv UMass is a non target but have seen them placing well over the past 2 years. Have seen some placement into MM IB, RX Co, BB IB, and even a few EB placements over the past 2 years. Definitely worth transferring if you can get into an East Coast top-target (thinking Ivies, MIT, UVA, Georgetown, Stern, or even LACs like Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin, Swarthmore) with solid scholarships, but if this will put you in a substantially difficult financial position, it’s up to you if you can justify going deep into debt. I think applying would be worth a shot. See where you get in and what net tuition would look like, and go from there.

 

I'd transfer, there is a huge difference. Don't get a college advisor, they are a waste especially with transfer. Make sure to have a good story on what the new school has and dont dog UMass (schools don't like it). Having a target will be better for the long term career as well. Just start early and stay disciplined. Best of luck!

 

Suscipit sed est mollitia. Voluptatem similique voluptatem tenetur delectus. Enim est dolorem aut minima repellat. Ipsa aut reiciendis voluptas nobis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”