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Which coast do you want to work on? Columbia will be infinitely more strong for NYC, if you want to stay in Cali, Marshall is fine.
Kind of a tough question. I'd like to end up on the West Coast in the long run, but I feel like NYC might be the better place to start my career regardless of where I want to end up. Not really looking to stay in IB for more than a couple of years before going into something else or getting an MBA.
Also, if it means anything, my current boutique internship is in NYC.
I think this is really dependent on how committed you are to doing your analyst stint in NYC and how attached you are to your current school. You are obviously aware of the benefits of transferring to Columbia in regards to being more in the loop with NYC recruiting. In USC's defense, understand you are in a solid position to recruit for west coast offices (both LA and SF) and can be considered for NY offices if you are very proactive about networking and making your interests clear. I would say this is more true with BBs than EBs due to the larger presence of BBs in LA. To give you an example, you can establish a connection with BAML NY after networking with the LA team and receiving referrals. This may not be the case with some EBs like Blackstone, Greenhill, Lazard, etc. due to their limited/non-existent LA presence. Granted you won't be getting the same kind of opportunities you would have at Columbia, but staying at USC isn't a death sentence in terms of NYC recruiting.
I was in a similar situation when I was a sophomore and ended up not transferring. Long story short, I came to the conclusion that the marginal recruiting advantage I would receive due to transferring was not worth the cost of leaving behind all of my friends, frat, etc. from the school I started at. Thankfully everything worked out and I don't regret my decision.
Marshall is probably fine for NYC recruiting - with an IB internship etc already, if you don't get an IB internship you want junior year it's probably not because of your school.
Don't want to deter you from trying, but simply from the statistics, your chances of getting a transfer admit to Columbia are very very low. I believe about only 6% of applicants are accepted, but it's worth a try no doubt. As far giving you an advantage, the ivy league brand name can't hurt, but Marshall is a respected school and if you already have experience in IB, then that should be more a good combo for you to land a gig of your choice.
You may lose a lot of credits when you transfer. That being said, Columbia no question.
I've seen quite a few people from USC on West Coast BB's. With your boutique internship, I think you'd be competitive for LA/SF and possibly NY. Personally, I would just stay at USC and aim for SF Tech groups.
Fight On.
In all seriousness, it's up to you. You should be in decent shape with a sophomore internship at a boutique but Columbia will obviously have better placement in NY.
Did you already get in as a transfer and are trying to make your decision?
Ghost Rider - Ya that's what's going on right now. There are too many things I like about each school. Tough decision.
To me, the decision should be how much you weigh your current social life at USC compared to having to start a whole new social circle as a transfer to Columbia. Columbia will undeniably give you a better education, a better reputation, and better recruiting, and unless you receive financial aid at USC, it will be at the same cost. There is no doubt that you can do well out of USC, but Columbia is just a better school, period.
Personally, I would not transfer and focus on doing well out of USC. I would weigh my social life in college higher than the chance of landing a more "prestigious" internship, but everyone is different. In the grand scheme of things, however, this decision is likely not what is going to decide your future, and you can't really go wrong with either. Congrats on getting the transfer, though.
you already know the answer, Columbia is better. That being said I think you will still be in great shape if you stay at USC (definitely a solid semi-target).
Why would you want to move to NY when you are in Cali I have no idea (no offense to anyone in NY). Have you ever lived anywhere other than CA? If you haven't lived through a midwestern/northeastern winter, DON'T. Keep networking, keep your grades up, you can definitely land in BB IB from USC.
I agree with @longandshortofit. I grew up in the northeast and have lived all over the country and world. Stay in CA. You can get a good IB job from USC, they have a great alumni network there and winters here just blow. And if you eventually want to be back there you'd be best to start there. If you want a change go to SF if you're from LA (or vice versa)
@longandshortofit - I have. Actually lived in NY for a year. Winter blows. Definitely a deterrent.
Thanks everyone for the advice. Definitely helps!
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