What are the Strongest Non-Target Schools for Undergrad Recruitment?

I've noticed that there is not a thread exactly like this for prospective monkeys to take a look at. I'm currently an undergrad second year applying to some targets/semi's as a transfer, and this would have been helpful if I didn't know exactly where I wanted to be.

What are some strong non-core universities that students can apply to, whether out of HS or as transfer students?

Some schools that come to my mind are:

  • William & Mary (Dog St. to Wall St. Program)
  • Penn St. (Nittany Lion Fund)
  • Syracuse (Orange Value Fund)
  • UMD (FBIS)

Those of you with experience on the street or with recruiting as an undergrad, what do you think? Throw some recommendations out there!

Mod Note: You can read more about Target Schools here on WSO.

Want to Learn More About Investment Banking Recruiting?

The below picture, a screen shot from the WSO Investment Banking University Report shows the percentage of the recruiting class that comes from each school. You can find out about the recruitment from various schools in the report.

The Investment Banking University Recruiting Report shares 7 key takeaways based partially on the data discussed above and sheds light on the schools that banks are recruiting from. This is an extremely helpful resource when looking to determine which schools to apply to.

Investment Banking University Recruiting Report

 

I think there is some confusion between Non-targets and "elite" schools that simply do not place a lot into IB.

The difference is:

1) A Non-target (at least by this forum's standards) is a school that tends to have lower admissions standards and is less academically focused. Students here have a harder time getting into IB as banks don't see these schools as ideal places to recruit.

2) A Good school that simply does not place a lot into IB usually has: good academics, stringent admissions standards, and high-caliber students. However, their students aren't necessarily interested in banking (hard to believe, I know); they are usually pursuing law/medicine/academics/etc. From my observation, I'm sure many would have a good shot at IB if they wanted it, but choose other career paths. It's mostly a matter of self-selection.

An example of a non-target would be Baruch, while LACs (Willams, Bates, etc.) would be good schools that just don't send a lot into banking.

 

I don’t know if this means it’s a “semi-target” or not, but I can vouche for Arizona State. It does have the party school rep and it’s definitely way too much fun, but the b-school (WP Carey) is actually very highly ranked. Me and a handful of people I went to school with landed jobs at BB IBs in NYC, and I imagine we’re not the only ones. So don’t count ASU (or any school with a good b-school) out!

 

I think that's true of any of the large public universities. The top however many students at ASU are going to be of Harvard/MIT caliber by virtue of the school's size. I don't know much about the business school there, but I think most people would take a top performer seriously regardless.

 

so many people don't get this. the top 1% of any university are going to so close when it come to ability

-"Our comforting conviction that the world makes sense rests on a secure foundation: our almost unlimited ability to ignore our ignorance."

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (20) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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

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...”