Extra Year of College

Hi everyone:

I am a transfer student at a top 30 school, and I was wondering if it would look bad if I spent an extra year in college.

I have a lot of work experience (relative to my age). I currently intern for an investment bank, and this summer I will be interning for a large private equity fund. The reason I want to spend an extra year is because I am cramming courses into my schedule to finish on time, but I will admit it is possible to do if I work hard towards it. But I also do not know if I want to go straight into a firm or attend law school first. It gives me an extra year to think as well.

Next year, is junior year recruiting for bulge brackets. If I spend an extra year here, can I still go through junior year recruiting next year, and then, go through junior year recruiting again? Will that be frowned upon?

It would be great if I can get some direction and hear people's experiences. Thanks.

7 Comments
 

I would search the forums first to see if your question has been answered.

"Everybody needs money. That's why they call it money." - Mickey Bergman - Heist (2001)
 

Thank you for your response. Another thing I was worried about is how transferring would affect my chances of landing a Summer Analyst position, as I might not be considered a junior by my future university despite being in my third year.

"The illegal we do immediately; the unconstitutional takes a little longer."
 

Once you transfer, just forget about your old school. You can craft your story to completely eliminate it from your background. You'll be able to get more internships and go to more college parties (both important). Nothing wrong with 5 years and/or transferring.

 

I did the same thing, transferred from non finance major to finance at a much better school. It plays really well into my story and no recruiter has ever mentioned it being a negative. Also an added benefit is you can usually get two junior recruiting seasons.

I have had a few recruiters mention that it really showed commitment so i think you can spin it into a real positive.

 

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