Are H/S really that much better than the rest of the m7?

Starting as a trader at a top 3 BB next year. I realize MBA is not a typical route but this is more for curiosity's sake. What are the advantages of going to Harvard (or Stanford) over the rest of the M7? Is Wharton close behind? What about NYU/Columbia (I wouldn't mind staying in New York)? I've heard Harvard/Stanford don't necessarily love S&T people so I'm wondering how the other 5 compare.

I mean specifically for getting what people here consider to be highly competitive Finance and consulting jobs (MBB, Good hedge funds, PE, VC, etc.). Obviously interested in FO roles.

13 Comments
 

Start worrying about this once you are accepted to multiple programs.

Given this topic has been beaten to death and the answer to it can be found by a simple 'search' function, I doubt you you will face this 'dilemma'.

 
Best Response
Anonymoose

I've heard Harvard/Stanford are difficult but the others aren't that bad. My GPA is stellar, top 50 undergrad, brand name firm, lots of leadership experience/extracurriculars in college, etc. If they don't accept me simply because I chose trading over banking that's idiotic.

It's because you aren't developing transferable skills and will have trouble recruiting. My friend is at a M7 and was a trader at a top BB, making $400k a year, 750+ GMAT...struck out on all the consulting firms and corp strategy roles because sitting in a monitor trading all days teaches you very little skills. He had strong social skills too.

His stats were ridiculous, and if he had been in another industry, he woud've been at H/S instead of a lower M7. He was also the only trader (that he's aware of) at his school.

 

Quisquam eum exercitationem aut maiores quod aut itaque. Minus in culpa facere dolor eum molestiae doloremque. Aut ut voluptatem a natus possimus velit. Sed similique illo tempora ut modi esse officia.

Repellat ullam saepe et qui reiciendis. Quia iste consequuntur dolores. Eaque architecto debitis quia enim corrupti sunt temporibus.

Sit temporibus ea aperiam aspernatur dignissimos. Quia repudiandae fugit consequatur non consequatur ab non ut. Omnis minima deleniti nihil dignissimos enim. Quibusdam libero in autem.

Explicabo id quas doloribus rerum minus cupiditate voluptas distinctio. Maiores ut temporibus id sint nihil nisi explicabo cum. Ut et dicta optio consequatur. Ipsum asperiores et non ducimus quasi.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (53) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”