Fordham, Bucknell, Lehigh, Penn State, Maryland...

Hello, I am going to be a highschool senior and my stats are as such 3.2 UW GPA 3.78 Weighted (I know, don't scold me now) 1500 SAT, 32 ACT. Out of the schools I have narrowed down to be my best bets for S&T or IB I have Fordham, Bucknell, Lehigh, Penn State, and Maryland. I realize none of these are targets but I was wondering which school would give me the best shot at the street. Cost is not an issue. I have done some searching on linkedin and it seems like the Patriot League schools do well but I was looking for some guidance from people already on the street.

Thanks

13 Comments
 

I would focus on getting into those schools, and then deciding what would be your best bet for Wall Street. That being said, I’m pretty sure that Penn State is a target school for JP Morgan. It might be pretty difficult to get into Lehigh with your GPA.

 

I would focus on getting into those schools, and then deciding what would be your best bet for Wall Street. That being said, I’m pretty sure that Penn State is a target school for JP Morgan. It might be pretty difficult to get into Lehigh with your GPA.

 
Most Helpful

Despite Fordham being in the city, I'm going to say go with Penn State. Besides being a fun place to spend for years on the main campus, there are opportunities abound (NLF, Target for multiple big banks. Real Big 10 Football, tons of ways to get involved - especially with Thon; one of those committees is a great way to show leadership and it's philanthropic too), you'll learn a lot, and it has a beautiful campus). If you are serious about banking, you need to get into the NLF. The NLF has placed into JPM, GS, DB, CS, MS, and others. There is no question about it. You also have a massive alumni network to tap into. This way, you can network your ass off into a role. Plus, if you're in state, tuition is cheaper there than anywhere else.

 

Then you network your ass off. Information interviews are key. The Penn State Alumni Network is huge. Just start building your network and trying to get informational interviews with bankers. You're within a 4 hour drive of NYC, Philly, and Pittsburgh. I'm sure you can find enough bankers in those cities that might be willing to speak to you.

 

Penn State is a good school if you can get into the Nittany Lion Fund. Most of the people get a job on the street from that program.

 

Penn State has the Nittany Lions hedge fund which is said to place well. Student run and difficult to get into, but if you have the resume that could be an edge.

Others are semi to non targets, truthfully. IMO any of those schools give you the same shot, look at how well you will do/enjoyment of a school instead. If you can get a 3.8, network, and good involvement, you can get looks regardless of school.

Also, your stats are not that bad, are you applying to any reach schools?

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