Put a target school on my resume??

I got into two target schools, but I'll be attending my cheap non-target/semi-target state school due to financial circumstances. For recruiting purposes, would it help me if I wrote on my resume that I got into these schools but could not attend due to FA? For some context, I'd still include high SAT/ACT scores.

8 Comments
 

Mine don't have that drastic of a difference (1530 and a 35 going to UF), but that definitely helps. Thanks!

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's generally not advisable to include schools you were accepted to but did not attend on your resume. Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Focus on Achievements: Highlight your high SAT/ACT scores and any other academic or extracurricular achievements. This demonstrates your capability and potential without needing to mention the schools you were accepted to.

  2. Networking and Storytelling: Use your story as a talking point during interviews or networking conversations. Explain your decision to attend a non-target/semi-target school due to financial circumstances. This can show your financial prudence and determination.

  3. Leverage Resources: Make the most of the resources available at your current school. Join specialized banking programs or investment clubs, and actively seek out alumni networks. Many state schools have strong programs and motivated alumni who can help you break into the industry.

  4. Mindset and Preparation: Maintain a positive mindset and be well-prepared for interviews. Know the technicals, understand the industry, and be ready to explain why you want to work in finance. Your school name won't hold you back if you demonstrate hunger and preparedness.

  5. Resume Integrity: Always maintain integrity on your resume. Including schools you did not attend could be seen as misleading and might harm your credibility.

For more detailed advice, you can refer to the following WSO threads: - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/the-case-for-c…</a">The Case for Choosing a Non-Target - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/how-can-i-beco…</a">How can I become successful from a no-name school?

By focusing on your strengths and leveraging the resources at your current school, you can still achieve your career goals in finance.

Sources: How can I become successful from a no-name school?, The Case for Choosing a Non-Target, Depressed and missed recruiting...terrible grades...how to turn it all around?, The Case for Choosing a Non-Target, What I Learned From Lying On My Resume

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

A consequatur tenetur minima vel accusamus voluptatem dolores nihil. Maiores a quasi non. Ea culpa eos cum rerum. In qui deserunt rerum iusto iste.

Rerum dolorum iste quia dignissimos omnis vel voluptatem. Ea nostrum debitis molestiae libero. Et dolorum id dolore magni nulla ratione quaerat. Non voluptas aspernatur quo. Porro quia enim quam veniam commodi consequuntur. Non dignissimos harum praesentium consequatur exercitationem porro sed.

Molestiae accusantium sit in nam est. Laboriosam libero dignissimos soluta in. Excepturi veniam sunt omnis beatae porro.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (56) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”