Deciding between Barclays, BAML Generalist IBD and Goldman AFG (Capital Markets)

Well, granted I think it sort of depends on if you were placed into a group in IB at Barclays... They have some really killer groups and some really not-so-killer ones.

Personally, I think BAML's deal flow across the board has been a TINY bit better than Barclays, but I'd consider them almost neck and neck in most cases. The bigger deals I've seen in the last month occasionally have BAML's name tied on, whereas I haven't seen a whole lot of Barclays. (Keep in mind: Barclays does have a far greater European presence than BAML, not sure if that'd sway your decision).

If you're accepted for both their NY office, then really it's totally a matter of fit. It honestly should mostly depend on your fit w/ the firms' cultures and employees first and foremost, but granted not everyone thinks that way and is ahead of themselves already looking for exit opps. If this is your case, don't consider Goldman (Cap. Mkts is its own animal). The fact that you go to a target no longer matters in this situation - just pick the team you work best with. The best piece of advice I got before going into interviews was that they look for guys they don't mind spending time with when it's 3am on a Friday night and they've got 2 more hours to go. Again though, this decision is entirely up to you in terms of what you value in a team + firm, how much you care about location, deal flow, etc. Good luck!