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.

11 Comments
 
Most Helpful

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

 

Would probably have a broader scope in life than 2-3 years in college. What will bring you the most long-term success. You’ll probably enjoy UVA just as much and you’ll have better opportunities. Also major doesn’t matter, just do the motions.

 

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.

 

Dolorum qui officiis voluptates incidunt voluptatem. Unde maiores et porro et earum laborum. Adipisci aut assumenda nesciunt in. Omnis aliquid hic et qui qui quidem. Neque est expedita sed facilis eum et tempora.

Veritatis et et quae cum quo. Quaerat eaque doloremque sint nemo voluptatem cum.

Nobis dolorem odio non est. Id quis eum sed mollitia officia iste. Neque excepturi nemo illo est ad.

Omnis iusto officiis deserunt beatae sit odit. Quis sunt eligendi voluptatem vel eaque maxime sunt.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • 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 (57) $264
  • 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
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”