Am I Crazy? Thinking about turning down target school to stay at non-target in transfer admissions

Hi all, a few months back I posted that I was a freshman thinking about transferring from a solid non-target in the northeast (think schools like BU/Northeastern) to some semi-target/target schools. Thanks to everyone here for their help. I ended up applying to UVA, BC, Northwestern, CMU, and Georgetown.

I just got into UVA today and have until the 15th to decide. A year ago, I probably would have killed someone to get into UVA (waitlisted for first year admissions), but now I'm not really sure if I should go.

Obviously my chances of breaking into IB or Consulting are way higher at UVA, but I've really enjoyed being at a city school and have been able to take advantage of a lot of different opportunities here, including getting to work on a consulting engagement for a startup and a part time IB internship at a regional boutique for this summer. On top of that I would have to change my major from Finance to Econ for at least a year (Or 3 years if I don't get into the business school) when I really do not like econ that much.

I would appreciate any wisdom because honestly my head in spinning and I have to make this decision during my finals week. I know what decision would be best for my career, but I also only get one college experience and I want to make sure I'm choosing a school that's the right fit for me these next few years, even if it means I work at a MM instead of a BB or a Big 4 instead of MBB to start out.

 
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If you like the urban cosmopolitan vibe, UVA doesn’t really have that. You can break into IB from your northeast non-target if people from Uconn can break in. Unless you think you’ll like the school, no point transferring and going through the adjustment process again at a new school.

Array
 

OP here. Good point. I’m gonna talk with my freind that goes to UVA to see what their is to do around campus.

I’m also nervous about making friends as a transfer student or the clubs being too competitive.

 

I transferred to UVA at the beginning of my 2nd year, got into the good clubs, made a ton of friends, and have a great offer for this summer. You have nothing to worry about as long as you're not a weirdo

 

Would you mind PMing me? Attending one of the schools you listed next year and am interested in hearing more about the recruiting process at and average competitiveness of students at these schools

 

if you know what you're doing at either school you'll get the same expected return, you're already a top candidate at BU/NE. overall, i think if you have friends at uva who can integrate you onto campus quickly you should go, otherwise stay. this isn't taking into account proximity to family/friends or cost which can also matter.

 

If you’re at a non-target that’s still a solid school, I don’t see much point to transferring. You may have to work slightly harder to break in but it’s 100% doable and possible. Don’t sacrifice friends and happiness for your career, balance everything appropriately.

 

I would stay as it sounds like you’re enjoying yourself currently, why step into the unknown when you don’t have to?

Do you know how many people in finance now come from totally crap schools? It’s not like the old times man.

I have seen people at top finance places come from places like UConn, trinity, Fordham, BU, etc. it’s almost like banks want kids from random schools over targets these days.

 

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