Incoming freshmen at UF with questions.

Probably heading to UF this fall… to transfer or to not transfer? Most likely will end up with a solid MM offer if I work for it because of the MSF program there (RBC, HL, etc)… with a possible shot at EVR, GUGG, GS/JPM/MS… I’d go debt free because my parents can pay just enough for me not to take out any loans… thoughts? will uf be okay in the long run as long as long as i can break into IB at one of the mentioned firms above? long run as in being able to interview for private equity and hedge funds down the road… should i transfer????

30 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, attending UF, especially with the MSF program, is a solid choice for breaking into investment banking (IB). UF has shown recent success in IB placements, particularly with firms like RBC and HL, and even potential opportunities at elite boutiques (EVR, GUGG) or bulge brackets (GS/JPM/MS). The fact that you can graduate debt-free is a significant advantage, as it allows you to focus on networking, maintaining a strong GPA, and leveraging UF's on-campus recruiting.

For the long run, breaking into IB from UF can set you up for decent private equity (PE) and hedge fund (HF) opportunities. While UF may not be a traditional "target school," success in IB and subsequent PE/HF recruiting will largely depend on your performance, networking, and deal experience. You may not immediately land at top-tier firms like BX/APO or Pershing/TCI, but UF can provide a fair shot at respectable mid-market or lower-upper-market firms, which can still lead to a strong career trajectory.

If you're committed to working hard, networking effectively, and leveraging UF's resources (like the MSF program and alumni network), staying at UF seems like a smart and financially sound decision.

Sources: Which undergrad public safety is best to attend: IU, Penn State, UFlorida, or Fordham?, Kelley School of Business at Indiana University or University of Florida?, Why is there so much hate for UF?, Life after 2 years in Private Equity, Why aren't more state flagships target schools like UVA, Berkeley?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

UF just placed over 50 for summer 27. Also had 5 EVR. You will be fine if you are a top percentile candidate, and stand out early/do the right things

 

Anonymous Monkey:

UF just placed over 50 for summer 27. Also had 5 EVR. You will be fine if you are a top percentile candidate, and stand out early/do the right things


Still, would i be better off at a more reputable target schools? Was thinking of just sending out transfer apps to see what lands tbh.

 

Analyst 1 in IB-M&A

UF just placed over 50 for summer 27. Also had 5 EVR. You will be fine if you are a top percentile candidate, and stand out early/do the right things

hey man, hope you are doing good. how have you been? 

do you know how uf places for s&t? cant find too much on the websites, linkedin (i dont have premium lol), etc. 

 

Anonymous Monkey:

UF has done very well in S&T



I know this year they sent a lot to Citi, Nomura, GS, and many many more


Do you know how well UF does post IB PE, MBA, HFs, and AMs? Want to really keep my career options open and can’t find too much on linkedin except for a couple datapoints.

 

Analyst 1 in IB-M&A

BX, D1 capital, APO, 2 sigma, Apax, and a lot more

Ok thanks. Cross checked on linkedin and it seems legit. How is UF so good? Like I knew it was decent for IB but did not expect this kind of placement on the buyside. Is the traditional target status fading now? 

 
Most Helpful

UF’s MSF program is the “target school” within UF. It’s extremely selective (~40 per year), and the curriculum is very very good, where you learn how all the technical skills needed to succeed in a classroom setting (there’s literally an IB class where the head of an investment bank gives his “new analyst training” to juniors in college).

Also, the on-campus finance orgs are extremely sweaty (specifically GSIF) with 5% acceptance rates.

I would say the target school stuff still matters a lot, but UF presence on the street has been increasing at an exponential rate and no one wants to admit it.

 

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