Realistic path for a non-target transfer student (SA2022 and/or MSF)

So some brief context:

I'm headed into my senior year, attending a west coast private solid non target. 3.90 GPA, got First Honors (top of my class this year), Finance Major / Math Minor (have taken a number of electives in CS, upper div math, etc..)

I'm currently abroad in Europe for a F500 Corp Fin internship- I was late to the cycle for IB SA positions and this opportunity presented itself so I figured it wouldn't hurt. First relevant internship in Finance.

I graduate December 2022 so I can still apply for SA 2022 roles- I've been cold calling / emailing with moderate success to VP/MD for connections & recommendations to recruiters at BB but also at many MM Boutiques (SF/Chicago/Ny/Dallas) - I am starting to reach out to alumni as well to hopefully have them put me in touch with recruiters.

If this path works, great, and hopefully I can lateral from an MM. Does that sound doable on its own?

My alternative plan as to have a backup is to apply for top MSF programs (Vandy, Villanova, UT Austin, USC) and use that as leverage to have the 'name brand' to get the SA 2022 internship and then also have the network and OCR to break into IB either at a BB or MM Boutique. I think I can waive the GMAT/GRE requirement & hopefully get in based on my high GPA and unique internship this summer.

Is this a realistic plan worth pursuing? I've really been working hard to keep my academic record strong and trying to network hard and really better my soft skills as well (reading a lot, practicing in the office, etc..)

Had I know I wanted to go for a career in finance straight out of high school, I would have likely been at least at a semi-target... oh well, I guess everyone's unique path defines them and it's certainly humbled me

Thank you

 

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