How to break into IB after rough HS
Hello,
I’ve had a couple of rough years in high school due to some “mental issues,” and I’ve since realised that it was just an excuse, and I shouldn’t have missed as much school as I did. I really regret it. The only way for me to get back on track without going to high school for 5 years was by going online, which is what I’m doing now. I’ll be graduating next summer, which will make it a three year graduation. I’m currently getting A’s in all my classes, and I think I’ll end up with a okay GPA, around 3.8. I haven’t taken the SAT or ACT yet. I did some sports when I attended high school in person, and while I wasn’t super involved in clubs, I occasionally helped with student council. I also volunteer at FMSC, helping package food for those in need.
I’ve always been interested in finance, and Monkey Business is one of my favourite books. I also day trade small-cap stocks using an account my dad set up, which I really enjoy. My ultimate goal is to break into investment banking. I’ve read countless forums and Reddit posts about how to break into the field, but I’m looking for advice tailored to my situation.
Since I haven’t taken the SAT or ACT yet, and my GPA isn’t quite where I want it to be (since I haven’t completed more classes with strong grades), I don’t feel like a strong candidate for college applications right now, especially with deadlines approaching very soon. I know it’s possible to break into IB through exceptional networking, regardless of the school, but attending a target school is still very important.
Would my best bet be to go to community college, ace my classes, join or start a finance-related club, and then transfer to a better school? Or should I go to my local university, ASU, who pretty much take everyone, and then try to transfer? I’m also Mormon, so I’m open to attending BYU which I’ve heard places alright into IB/PE/HF. I could attend a local community college and aim to transfer there as well with a relatively good chance of acceptance. I just want to make the best of my situation and set myself up for the career path I want.
Thank you for any advice anyone is able to provide, I really appreciate it!
My advice is to absolutely nail the SAT / ACT.
that’s going to be relevant not only for college admissions but also to demonstrate IQ for job recruiting
if you get a high enough SAT you can get a full ride to ASU
the story then becomes (true or not) that you attended ASU for the scholarship because it’s what your family could afford
with the high sat and a year of straight A’s you might be able to transfer to a target school
If not then you work a few years after. Ideally in engineering, or maybe intels brand management leadership program, do an MBA at the best school you can get into (berkeley or Stanford) and boom you’re into any bank in San Francisco
there are a number of other ways to play it too. That’s just one tried and true method
again high test scores are going to be critical . That’s where I’d put all my energy
Do you know if target schools are more likely to accept a transfer from a 4 year institution compared to a community college, or vice versa? Or if employers would look at that?
Also any thoughts on waiting another semester until I’m in a better position and applying to BYU? Better chance trying to transfer into a target program if I was coming from there, compared to say ASU?
I really don't know, sorry.
If you want to pursue higher education, you should dedicate most of your time to study for the ACT/SAT. High school GPA is highly inflated and not looked at quite the same anymore. A good test score and essays is what makes you a standout applicant (source: I reviewed my admissions file at a T20).
Even if you don’t end up landing an IB gig, you’ll never look back and regret that you studied so hard for the ACT/SAT. It will be one of the primary factors that will make it possible for you to pursue higher education at a great university.
Also, focus on what you can control now (e.g getting into a good uni). It’s good you have ambition to pursue IB, but please recognize that it is not end all be all.
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