Hi all, wondering what your thoughts are on as a potential target / semi target / non target. I know they place really well at some firms like GS, Barclays but also place next to none at a lot of other firms like Citi or CVP. How is Brown regarded the on the street and will it hold one back in recruiting?
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, Brown University is generally considered a semi-target for finance recruiting. Here's a breakdown of its standing:
Strengths in Placement: Brown places well at top firms like Goldman Sachs (GS), Morgan Stanley (MS), and Barclays. It also has strong representation in hedge funds (e.g., Point72, Citadel), private equity (e.g., middle-market shops), and quant firms (e.g., Jane Street, DE Shaw). Additionally, consulting placement is robust, with many students landing roles at MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain).
Limitations: While Brown has solid placement at certain firms, it doesn't have universal coverage across all top banks. For example, firms like Citi or Centerview Partners (CVP) may not recruit as heavily from Brown compared to other schools. This variability in firm representation is why Brown is categorized as a semi-target rather than a full target.
Recruiting Dynamics: Brown's smaller finance-focused student body (around 30 students recruiting for banking annually) means that those who actively pursue opportunities and leverage alumni networks tend to succeed. However, it lacks the breadth of on-campus recruiting seen at top targets like Harvard, Wharton, or Dartmouth.
Perception on the Street: While Brown is an Ivy League school and carries prestige, it is not viewed as a "universal target." Its reputation is strong but slightly below schools like Harvard, Princeton, or Wharton in terms of finance recruiting.
In summary, Brown is a semi-target with excellent opportunities for those who are proactive and network effectively. It won't hold you back in recruiting if you put in the effort, but it may require more initiative compared to attending a full target school.
Sources: Brown University is by far the most underrated Target/Semi-Target, What WSO get's wrong about "target" vs. "non-target" - Employer View, The Myth of the "Target School", The Myth of the "Target School"
It’s a semi target. If you are in a prestigious club there and/or have a high gpa and a solid network you can def get a great offer (BB/EB) if you network effectively with alumni and put in the hours to learn the technicals. This is what really matters the most - not whether it’s a target or semi target. If you’re from the EC I’d choose brown over the low target schools like UT, UVA, ND and any west coast school
Would you go to brown over a stern? Making that decision rn as I got into stern Ed2 and a likely letter from brown. But I can not honor the stern ED2
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Like honestly you are not getting BX Tac Opps or PJT RX or KKR PE, but like a very few subset of HYPSMW kids get that anyways.
Brown is good enough for finance.
Brown places really well actually. Last year had PJT RX, 7 EB and more BB. No one wants to do IB so offers%applicants would imagine is higher than Wharton. We had a Barclays info session last year with only 17 people going.
Brown is a solid target.
Brown is a target. Everyone knows that smart people go there. Brown network on the street runs deep. Also lowk such a hack with pass/fail and open curriculum - you’ll never have to worry about GPA during your college career which is really nice.
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