Carleton vs Vanderbilt
Hi guys!
I got into Carleton, Vandy, BC (CSOM) and Grinnell. I was also wait listed by Middlebury, Georgetown (MSB), Wesleyan, WashU (CAS) and Kenyon.
Career wise, I'm looking at either getting into trading or consulting. By now, I've pretty much ruled out Grinnell and BC. Between Vandy and Carleton, I'm strongly veering towards Carleton because of how well I fit in with the student body and also because of the overall academic experience. I feel I have a real connect with the community, as opposed to those at Vandy or BC or Grinnell which I doubt I'll fit in at.With regards to recruiting, I know Carleton doesn't get much OCR but that's because it's really small and most kids there don't want to go into finance. The alumni network is strong and because of the whole small pond thing, the opportunities that do exist are quite easy for those that want them. Is this an accurate view?
I have a few questions more for you guys:
1. Carleton's spring trimester runs till mid June. From what I understand, most summer analyst programs start in early June. Does this include S&T or is it only for IBD? Is the time period the same for prop shops and consulting firms? Considering this overlap, how do Carleton grads manage to get good finance jobs?
2. After accounting for the size and relative lack of interest, is it significantly harder to get a good trading or consulting gig from Carleton than say Vandy?
I'm almost certain it has to be Carleton but I just wanted to clarify a few things before depositing.
Thanks.
Well, considering I had to look up Carleton... I'm thinking that Vandy would be your best choice. Maybe some of the other people here would say otherwise, but I would think that getting into trading or consulting you would need to have a bigger school on your resume than a smaller liberal arts college, even though Carleton seems to be ranked pretty high among LA schools. Just my opinion. But you do have a good argument if you think that your success at a school could depend on how well you fit in to the student body. If Carleton seems to embody that, it may be your best bet to ensure a good GPA and graduating on time.
Carelton has the ugliest girls. Its a super socially awkward nerd school.
If you fit best into Carleton I would go to Carleton. College is more than finding a a trading job. I would discourage going to a college where you don't fit.
Yeah, I definitely feel I'd do better at Carleton. I'm not the most self motivated guy and I feel the hand holding at Carleton will likely be beneficial. Also, I'm going to have a way easier time taking classes in subjects like CS, which is absolutely critical from a trading POV.
Also, the girls at Carleton are normal not ugly. The people on the Class of 2018 Vandy group all more or less fall in one of the following categories: frat bro, engineer Asian, dumb ass barbie girl. OTOH, I have found on the Carleton 2018 group, people who have similar tastes to me in music, films, etc. aside from being friendly and sounding smart.
@"user401" - Just as a thought, don't ever pick a school based on the female scenery. If you think that you would have a much higher GPA at Carleton weigh that heavily. You mentioned CS classes, but what are you thinking that you will major in? I know it's a long way off, but what is your aim career-wise? You said trading, are you thinking about grad school as well?
I'm thinking of majoring in economics ATM. Possibly looking at a concentration in political economy or stats. Career wise I either want to go into management consultancy or trading. Don't ask which branch of trading. As for grad school, I have considered the possibility of doing an Mfin. That's kind of the reason I am keen on taking CS classes. Will need finance internships for the Mfin. Probably going to join the investment club at Carleton. Because of it's small size, I can look at making it to a leadership position with relative ease. I have a little work ex already but it isn't it finance.
Seems like you have a great plan so far. Follow my advice - stick with it, focus on your grades, and get the hell out of school. Have a little fun, but definitely kill your first two years of classes to keep your GPA up. If you use your current plan you would be successful whether you go to Carleton or Vandy. Best of luck and let us know which one you go with.
Thanks for your advice. I kind of expected to be called an idiot for wanting to attend a school like Carleton over Vandy/BC. You guys make me feel a little more confident in my decision. Still don't understand how the logistics of summer internships and the spring trimester work though. Pretty sure I'm going with Carleton but I'll let you guys know when I send in the deposit.
It's your decision. No school or situation is the right path for everyone. You are doing the right thing - You are assessing the situation to find out which 4 year long school experience is going to allow you to have the best future possible. That isn't always solved by the name of the school on your degree. It might be easier to get where you are going if you go to a top school, but that is all moot if you can't get good grades or even graduate.
I completely agree. Besides, Carleton is very much a top school. Just doesn't send a lot of kids into finance.
BUMP. Can anyone possibly provide any specifics regarding Carleton recruiting. Thanks!
Sorry - Delete
UPDATE: I'm doing a summer internship at a top local bank in my home country (India). Basically on par with BBs here. Had a JV with GS earlier and has a JV with Evercore right now if I'm not mistaken. I can pick my group. I'm thinking of going with trading. Should I instead opt for PWM to get a taste of everything? But the bank is known as a top player in PE and has some great dealflow on that front from what I understand. Trading probably not as strong. Although I'm not as interested as IB/PE as I am in MC/trading, should I go for that?
One more question: can someone outline the difference between regular trading and trading at a hedge fund? How come a lot of threads on this site suggest IBD is a better route to HF than S&T? Right now I feel like my knowledge of these things is very skin deep. That's fine, I haven't even started college but still I want to start clarifying doubts from now.
Thanks a ton!
Weird, Carleton ranks really well for LACs in USNews, why have I never heard of it?
Probably because it's small, in the mid west and doesn't have a lot of alumni working in finance.
BUMP
Qui aut eaque deserunt sunt. Et et ut voluptatem odio sint. Enim dolores sed tenetur quia. Quaerat et aliquam eveniet ut. Placeat magni accusamus animi nam. Nemo molestiae quos sint adipisci.
Magni eaque ab cupiditate non consequatur. Iste quia perspiciatis provident reiciendis recusandae voluptatem fuga. Ut ut quia voluptatem in corporis voluptas. Et veritatis doloremque dicta temporibus repellat dignissimos. Itaque a non eligendi et velit aut qui.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...