Transferring: West Point --> What's Next
I was accepted to Cornell and Dartmouth as a transfer student from my current school - West Point. I am reaching out to gain insight from the community about either (or both) schools as I navigate this difficult decision.
It is a hard decision on whether or not I will accept one and leave the academy. I am still unsure, but want to assess all my options in depth and get a clear sense about what each path might look like.
I am coming from West Point, transferring in as a Junior (I understand there also may be an issue for IB recruiting, but for now, I'm focused more on finding my better fit). Planning to major in econ. I don't come from a finance family-background or nepo family at all, I received full aid to both. I'd say I'm pretty social. Always driven, positive, and consistent.
I am most valuing which could better help me develop, learn, and give me the resources to earn a great IB position. If I leave, I'd be very interested in finance, particularly IB. I'm curious to learn about the IB pipeline, alumni support, general campus culture and "finance" campus culture, and anything else anyone could offer.
I am incredibly blessed to be in the position to make this incredibly difficult choice, and would appreciate any and all raw/authentic insight!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about Cornell and Dartmouth for your situation:
Cornell (Dyson)
IB Pipeline & Placement:
Alumni Network:
Campus Culture:
Finance Culture:
Dartmouth
IB Pipeline & Placement:
Alumni Network:
Campus Culture:
Finance Culture:
Key Considerations for You:
Final Thoughts:
Both schools are excellent choices for your goals in finance and IB. If you prioritize a close-knit community and alumni support, Dartmouth might be the better fit. If you prefer a larger, more diverse environment with strong placement across various programs, Cornell could be the way to go. Either way, your drive and consistency will be key to making the most of the opportunities at either school.
Sources: Cornell Dyson vs. Dartmouth for Undergrad, The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking, Just how good is Dartmouth?, Cornell vs Michigan vs Dartmouth school choices, Duke v. Cornell (Dyson) v. Dartmouth
Delete
Delete
Transfer back, war is more forgiving than banking
I went to West Point, so I'll offer up my two cents. Since you're transferring in as a junior, you've already missed the boat on IB recruiting. All the reputable shops recruit during the spring of your sophomore year (over a year out from the summer internship, which takes place the summer between your junior and senior year). Some middle market shops recruit during the fall of junior year, but all the good shops will have already wrapped up their recruiting.
If your main goal is to break into IB, you could tack on another undergrad year (i.e. double major or stack some extra credits so you can partake in spring recruiting next year).
If you want my honest advice though, I'd encourage you to stick it out - do your 5 years, then go to a top b-school and enter IB as an associate. You've already put up with the worst two years of your military career; there's still some bullshit you have to endure as a cow and firstie but it's exponentially better. Life as an officer is good, and the veteran network is an unbeatable resource you'll be able to leverage throughout your business career. A West Point degree carries a lot of weight in the business world, and life in general really. It's held in high regard by everyone - from elitist finance folk to blue collar workers out in the sticks.
TLDR; cancel that resignation packet and get your ass to your summer assignment ha
...Beat Navy
sounds like really supporting alumni. thinking about transfering from ivy to west point atp
Sir,
Is there anyway you could send me a private message or Dm?
just shot you a PM
Thanks TK
Seriously? Beat Army.
Hard for me to justify jumping but if you really really need to jump, and don't want to follow the advice of the VP above me, take Dartmouth. Better outcomes per capita, tighter alumni network, more fun, off-term internships, etc.
Cornell is also great and if you vibe with it more, take it.
stick it out. I was SO SO SO close to transferring I hated plebe and yuk year so much (I literally had a crying breakdown in front of friends on christmas break then I was so depressed to go back to school). Im so glad I graduated years later. I loved the last year at west point (firstie year), and you are almost there!
my time in the army was a lot of fun and really good for me. its been a huge foundation in my life. Im in banking now and corporate jobs in general are sort of souless/pointless, but I can always lean back on my service and it makes me "feel better" if that makes sense. Like I actually did something in my life that mattered at least?
Im glad im not in the army anymore, but Im so glad I did it if that makes sense. it really made me a better person/husband/dad/investment banker/person.
I was enlisted and then went to HYPSM. My 2 cents is that you should stay at West Point, do your time, then transition to IB/MBB via MBA @ an M7.
Unless your mental health is in the gutter, in which case I'd run Dartmouth + roll back to sophomore status for recruiting.
Unless you really need to leave, I'd stick it out at West Point. I founded a company with a TX A&M grad -> Marines -> medical school. Many of our early hires were former military, and that is a great way to build a company. People love to hire former military as you know what you are getting.
I joined the military later in life at age 29 through OCS and wish I joined earlier. Went into IB after MBA
Wall Street isn't going anywhere. That option will always be around. Is there a reason why you're getting cold feet on the military? You don't need to do a full 20 years. Nothing wrong with doing your time and then moving on. Where else can you get paid to shoot guns and work out?
Dartmouth and graduate 1 semester later (where you’re a part time student for your last semester) so you can technically come in as a sophomore. You can then either opt to start working early or just take second semester off and go travel / have a fun adventure before starting work.
Dartmouth can be tough to break into as a Junior as most people have pretty structured friend groups by the end of Sophomore Summer. If you do choose to attend, definitely try to rush as a Junior even though it is difficult. I absolutely love Dartmouth but it's pretty socially exclusive so you should def know that going in.
Adding into the above comment, if you were to come in as a Sophomore that's completely different. I know several people who transferred in as a sophomore, rushed, and now are very socially integrated.
Hi! I am a student at West Point and I really want to transfer to Dartmouth, can I ask what your transcript looked like? Also, how was the process?
Et aut est assumenda magnam et. Necessitatibus officia omnis vel. Commodi a sit minima earum qui excepturi.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...