Can you guys rate my college list
Hi, international highschool seniors coming to the US for colleges here. Looking to get an investment banking internship after college. Wanted some opinion on wether it is possible to break into investment banking from these university.
ED
Colby or Bowdoin
RD
University of Georgia
Drexel University
Tulane University
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
University of Buffalo - Sunny
University of Illinois Chicago
Gonzaga University
Arizona State University
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Seattle University
University of Utah
University of Cincinnati
Oregon State University
Xavier University
Louisiana State University
University Of St Thomas
I know that this entire list is non-target/semi-target if you get into some of these uni workshops or clubs and I'll have to work extremely hard to get an offer. I just want to see how the are the chances at these university. Is there any other factors I should consider(ex: st thomas regional presence in minessota IB). I already have a boutique investment banking internship lineup in my country for highschool senior summer.
Thanks!
Honestly, I am not saying it’s impossible to break into IB without a target school. But, school matters, especially for finance. The name sticks with you forever and the alumni network. Why don’t you just apply to target schools, there is no harm in rejection? Regardless, good luck with applications, but I would highly advise shooting for some target schools rather than wasting more effort on non target schools.
I only have a 36/45 IB, 1460 SAT and 40k yearly budget for colleges. That's why I prob can't get into any target school. My best school for investment banking is prob gnna be bowdoin if I get in. UGA have cosair, ASU have investment banking workshop and Tulane have green bull that place pretty well no? plus St Thomas and Minnesota both have presence in Minnesota IB so it's not all that bad right?
Your scores aren’t as bad as you are making it out to be. Yes international status and budget are a significant factor. But, you should shoot higher try schools like Michigan, Cornell, etc. These schools often offer better aid packages too with higher endowments. Apply to the current schools but you should def add 2-5 good schools if you can.
Yes, proximity is a factor for Minnesota, but trust going to good schools means you have the recruiting privileges, network, and the proof of you work ethic and intelligence that makes it MUCH easier for IB. Just my two cents
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your college list is indeed heavily skewed towards non-target and semi-target schools for investment banking. Breaking into IB from these schools is possible, but it will require significant effort, strategic networking, and leveraging every available resource. Here's a breakdown of your situation and some advice:
Key Observations:
Non-Target Schools: Most schools on your list are non-targets, meaning they don't have strong pipelines to major investment banks. However, some schools may have regional advantages or specific programs that can help.
Regional Presence: Schools like the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) may have a regional advantage for IB opportunities in Minneapolis, which has a smaller but active financial scene. Similarly, Tulane University has a strong presence in energy banking/trading due to its location in New Orleans.
Networking and Clubs: Joining investment banking clubs, finance societies, or workshops at these schools will be critical. If a school doesn't have one, consider starting your own club, as suggested in WSO threads.
Internship Experience: Your boutique IB internship is a great start. Use it to build your resume and develop talking points for networking and interviews.
Target Schools: If possible, consider adding a few target or semi-target schools to your list. Schools like NYU, Michigan, or UVA have stronger IB pipelines and could significantly improve your chances.
Factors to Consider:
Suggestions:
Final Thoughts:
Breaking into IB from your current list is challenging but not impossible. You'll need to be proactive, strategic, and relentless in your efforts. Focus on networking, gaining relevant experience, and excelling academically. If you can, aim to include a few stronger semi-target or target schools to improve your chances.
Sources: The Case for Choosing a Non-Target, Comprehensive List of Target Schools for Investment Banking, The Case for Choosing a Non-Target, Is investment banking not as prestigious as most people think? Are kids that break in sub-par?
bro, I 've been asu, and im going to say it, its alright but honestly aim your sights higher than i think the 53rd best school in the nation for undergrad, and one school that defiantly punches above its wight surprisingly is byu bro. i know its mostly a church school but they have a super competitive environment and basically have a monopoly on the goldman office in salt lake city. Ive heard good things. number 13 in the nation according to some rankings and i think it fits your budget and has like a 50% acceptance rate as well as not being 120 degrees outside compared to asu. University of utah is way worse than byu and byu has way better alum network just saying. also gorgeous in the mountains there.
I'm not mormon or white idk how I'll fit in at BYU
Pretty massive gap between Colby/Bowdoin and the rest of your list. I would definitely shoot for some better schools in RD. I mean if you have a shot at Bowdoin I would think you could get into the Michigan/USC/UVA types, but I’m like 7 years out of school now so idk.
And btw you can definitely break into IB from Colby / Bowdoin I’ve met a million Nescac guys in banking lol
Yeah but international + non-athlete...gonna be hard for him out of colby/bowdoin.
I prob have a better shot at colby than bowdoin tbh. A person with similiar profile from my school got into colby with significant sums of financial aid last year so I'm leaning toward colby ED. MICHIGAN/UVA/USC give no aid to international. So the only target I would be able to afford is prob the ivy leagues due to their financial aid. I'm honest with myself that I'm not that academically qualified lol.
LSU is medium key a sleeper for NYC IBD.
😂
What? I've seen a few LSU peeps in some decent-to-surprisingly great IBD roles. Alumni seem to go really hard for each other.
If you're good enough for Colby of Bowdoin ED, why not give SUNY Stony Brook and/or Binghamton a look too. Gonna be better than all of those other schools on the list.
Yeah Ima apply to binghamton aswell. Haven't heard of stony brook placing well b4 tho?
If there was a stack of resumes with one candidate from each of these schools, I’d prioritize candidates from Colby, Bowdoin, and Tulane. I’d then consider U of MN (assuming a really excellent Carlson student with strong ECs) and St. Thomas (more strict criteria than U of MN). This is not really a fair way to rank schools, but it is my honest gut reaction. Currently working at a firm in the midwest for what its worth.
If you believe you’re competitive for Colby and similar, you should remove most of the schools from this list and aim much higher. End of story.
As an aside, since you mentioned MN: If something specific is drawing you to MN for whatever reason, you’d be wise to consider Carleton/Mac/Olaf.
Does colby and bowdoin college have presence in the midwest?
No. Midwest finance recruiting is going to be dominated by U Chicago, Norrthwestern & Big 10 Midwestern schools
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