Advice for transferring to better schools

hey guys,

I've accepted my offer to Ted Rogers School of management at TMU. I know that for high finance it's generally recommended to go somewhere like ivey or smith but I didn't apply there because i wanted to be close to my family for personal reasons. However I did get into Waterloo AFM. Unfortunately, I was experiencing a lot of personal issues and because of that my calculus grade was pretty bad so I didn't pass the conditional requirement for that course. I want to break into high finance (IB, management consulting at mbb, equity research, etc) and I just thought to ask for advice from everyone about what they would do in my position. I know that while it is possible, my chances of breaking into high finance from ted rogers are absolutely abysmal, so I was thinking of trying to transfer to a better program (such as the 3 programs I have already mentioned). Other than that any other advice you guys could impart to me?

Thank you all so much for reading and I would really appreciate any advice.

7 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some detailed steps and advice for transferring to a better school and breaking into high finance:

Steps for Transferring:

  1. Maintain High GPA:

    • Ensure you have a strong GPA at Ted Rogers School of Management. This will be crucial for your transfer application.
  2. Network Effectively:

    • Start building relationships with professors, TAs, and professionals in the industry. Networking can provide valuable recommendations and insights.
  3. Join Relevant Clubs:

    • Participate in finance or economics clubs and take on leadership roles if possible. This demonstrates your commitment and interest in the field.
  4. Prepare a Solid Story:

    • Develop a convincing narrative for why you want to transfer. Highlight your academic goals, career aspirations, and how the new program aligns with them.
  5. Research Transfer-Friendly Schools:

    • Look into schools that are known to be transfer-friendly. Some recommended schools include:
      • USC (West-coast target)
      • Northwestern
      • Columbia
      • Brown
      • Georgetown
      • Cornell
      • UPenn (Econ programs)
  6. Get Strong Recommendations:

    • Build relationships early and ask for recommendation letters well before deadlines. Participate actively in classes to stand out.

Additional Advice:

  • Summer Analyst Positions:

    • Aim for internships or summer analyst positions at top firms. This experience is invaluable and can significantly boost your resume.
  • Consider Delaying Graduation:

    • If transferring means delaying graduation by a year, weigh the pros and cons. A better brand name can help with MBA programs and make you more competitive for PE/IBD roles.
  • Extracurricular Activities:

    • Engage in voluntary work or other extracurricular activities to show a well-rounded profile. This can also help in building a strong application.
  • Stay Informed:

    • Keep up with the latest trends and requirements in high finance. Forums like Wall Street Oasis can provide current insights and advice from professionals in the field.

Conclusion:

Transferring to a better school can significantly improve your chances of breaking into high finance. Focus on maintaining a high GPA, networking, and building a strong application. Remember, persistence and strategic planning are key.

Good luck with your journey into high finance!

Sources: Transferring to a Better School, Transferring Schools (Please Help), del, Need advice for transferring, Dealing with elitism while networking

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

Thank you for the reply it contained lots of useful info i appreciate it. With regards to your previous reply, no, unfortunately they don't allow people to upgrade their courses through summer school. I would most likely have to transfer to another school for finance or, less ideally, another program at the same school (TMU is just a mediocre school in general tbh so i rly dont want to stay here.) Due to my circumstances, the admission committee at UWaterloo accepted me to arbus, but I didn't accept their offer because it's basicaly just an arts program with some fluff business courses here and there. in the field of business only, most ppl that graduate from arbus go on to work in usually either marketing or hr, and I want to pursue a career in finance. If I do complete my degree at TMU Business Management, idek if i would be able to take the cfa exam or if it would be a longer process. I am also interested in a career in law as an alternative to high finance (basically unless i break into hf thats the plan), so if I do finish my schooling at TMU business, I'd probably have to do law school because although a career in hf is technically possible from trsm business, keep in mind that its not even from trsm finance anc accounting, so it would be as close to impossible as one could get. thanks once again  

 

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