Columbia Dual BA @ Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) or UCLA for Investment Banking/Finance
Hi WSO,
I am in high school and choosing btw a Dual BA at Columbia x JTS or UCLA. I want to go into IB (thought about this a lot and spoke to many people in the industry so I am sure this is where I wanna go before you all start coming for me being a high schooler who wants to go into IB without knowing what it is).
What school would be better? They would cost for both schools would be about the same too.
At Columbia JTS, I would major in econ at Columbia and something in the Jewish Field at JTS. At UCLA I would major in Econ and do a second major/minor in either Jewish Studies and Statistics/Math.
My biggest worry with Columbia JTS is that the acceptance rate is too high and I will be considered a subpar applicant to CC and SEAS students. Essentially, the prestige isn't high enough. My degree would be from The School of General Studies at Columbia (basically an off shoot of CC) and then another separate one from JTS. Is this true?
But, I still think I would have access to all of Columbia's network and NYC would be a + for IB. Some people say at the end of the day Columbia degree is Columbia no matter what it is and others say it isn't...
At UCLA, my biggest worry is that it will be too competitive and a non target school. More so the latter. I am afraid that I won't be able to break into IB from UCLA.
Otherwise, I like both school's campuses, dorms, surrounding city, people, etc are all equal it is only the factors I talked about that make me hesitant about committing to one or another.
Let me know what the WSO community thinks!!
Graduated from another Ivy. The Ivy I went to had a general studies (or continuing education) program as well but it was generally looked down upon by the traditional Ugrads and corporate recruiters.
Given the negative perception with these programs, would take UCLA. Solid school, great social scene and weather, and still solid recruiting opps. Columbia might have more opps but would be a lot more competitive
imo I think UCLA would have more competition. thoughts on how the IB / competitiveness @ UCLA is? I'm pretty familiar with Columbia
Not too sure on ib demand at UCLA but I’m pretty sure that Columbia / Ivies will naturally have more students interested in finance.
Choosing between the Columbia Dual BA program with the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) and UCLA for a career in investment banking is a significant decision that hinges on several factors, including academic offerings, network access, and location advantages.
Columbia Dual BA Program with JTS: - Prestige and Perception: While you express concerns about the perceived prestige of the Dual BA program compared to Columbia College (CC) and the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), it's important to note that Columbia University's overall brand and network are exceptionally strong in the finance industry. The distinction between the schools within Columbia might not significantly impact your career prospects in investment banking. - Access to Columbia’s Network: Being in New York City, you'll have unparalleled access to networking opportunities, alumni, and industry events that are crucial for breaking into investment banking. The proximity to Wall Street facilitates internships during the academic year, enhancing your resume. - Academic Rigor and Relevance: Majoring in economics at Columbia will provide a solid foundation for a career in finance. The additional major at JTS can enrich your profile, offering a unique perspective that could differentiate you in the job market.
UCLA: - Competitiveness and Target Status: UCLA is a highly regarded institution with strong academic programs. However, it's perceived as more of a semi-target school for investment banking on the West Coast. Breaking into New York-based investment banking roles might require additional effort in networking and securing internships. - Location Disadvantage for NYC IB: While Los Angeles has its finance scene, it's not as concentrated in investment banking as New York. You might find it more challenging to engage in networking and secure internships in NYC while based in LA. - Academic Offerings: Majoring in economics and potentially adding a second major or minor in Jewish Studies and Statistics/Math can provide a well-rounded education. The quantitative skills from a Statistics/Math major or minor can be particularly beneficial in finance.
Conclusion: Both options have their merits. If your primary goal is to break into investment banking in New York, the Columbia Dual BA program might offer more direct advantages due to its location, access to the Columbia network, and the prestige associated with Columbia University. While concerns about the prestige of the Dual BA program are understandable, the overall strength of Columbia's brand in the finance industry should not be underestimated.
On the other hand, UCLA offers a strong academic program and could be a good fit if you're open to starting your career in finance on the West Coast or if you're prepared to put in extra effort in networking to break into the NYC investment banking scene.
Ultimately, your success in breaking into investment banking will depend on your academic performance, internships, networking efforts, and how you leverage the resources and opportunities available at either institution.
Sources: The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking, School Decision for Investment Management: Booth / Columbia ($$) / MIT Sloan?, Banking in Israel, Q&A: Reflections on 1st Semester at Columbia Business School, UCLA vs IU Kelley
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