Best University for IB

Hi! I'm currently a senior in high school who is considering going the IB route. My top choices for college are UCLA for pre econ, Georgetown Mcdonough Undergrad Business for Business and Global Affairs, and Northwestern for Econ. I was wondering which of these would be the best option for me. Thanks!

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown of your options for pursuing Investment Banking (IB):

  1. Georgetown McDonough School of Business:

    • Georgetown is a strong target for IB, especially for New York placements.
    • The McDonough School of Business has a solid reputation, and its location in Washington, D.C., provides excellent networking opportunities.
    • If you're aiming for IB in New York, Georgetown is likely your best bet among these options.
  2. Northwestern (Economics):

    • Northwestern is a semi-target for IB, but it has strong alumni connections and a good reputation.
    • While it may not have the same direct pipeline to IB as Georgetown, Northwestern's brand and resources can still open doors, especially if you maintain a high GPA and network effectively.
  3. UCLA (Pre-Econ):

    • UCLA is a non-target for IB, meaning it will be more challenging to break into the field directly from here.
    • However, UCLA has a strong presence on the West Coast, particularly in tech and consulting. If you're open to working in San Francisco or Los Angeles, UCLA could still be a viable option.
    • Keep in mind that you'll need to work harder to stand out, as IB recruiting is more competitive from non-target schools.

Recommendation:

  • If your primary goal is IB, Georgetown McDonough is the strongest choice due to its target school status and proximity to major financial hubs.
  • Northwestern is a solid alternative, especially if you prefer a broader academic experience or are open to exploring other career paths alongside IB.
  • UCLA is the least favorable for IB among these options but could work if you're focused on West Coast opportunities or willing to put in extra effort to network and secure internships.

Let me know if you'd like further insights!

Sources: Georgetown MSB vs Michigan Ross vs UC Berkeley, Target schools for IB, Picking between LACs or Uni for Undergrad Degree, University of Chicago Economics Major, UNC Chapel Hill vs. UGA vs. Vanderbilt vs. Boston University vs. Boston College vs. Northwestern vs. Northeastern

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