Foster vs Desautels vs UCSB
Hi everyone, looking for some advice. as I’m deciding between three schools for a career in finance. I got into UW-Seattle Foster as a direct admit, McGill Desautels, and UCSB (though its probably my last choice). I’m interested in a finance-related career but not dead set on ib as I’d be open to roles in wm,cb, or consulting. I hold citizenship in both the U.S. and Canada, so location flexibility isn’t really a problem, and cost isn’t a deciding factor. I’m not too fixated on being in New York and would actually prefer to be on the West Coast (Seattle, LA, or SF). Right now, I’m leaning towards UW Foster given that they send a decent amount of kids to Seattle boutiques and wouldn't mind starting my career there. I understand that these schools are like non/low semi-target so I'm open to transferring as well to like a t30 after freshman year, but I’d love to hear some perspectives before finalizing.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown of your options:
UW Foster:
McGill Desautels:
UCSB:
Recommendation:
Given your preference for the West Coast and interest in starting your career in Seattle, LA, or SF, UW Foster seems like the best fit. Its regional connections and direct admit status give you a head start in accessing finance-related opportunities. McGill Desautels is a strong contender if you’re open to working in Canada or internationally, but it may require more effort to break into West Coast roles. UCSB, as you mentioned, is likely your last choice and doesn’t offer the same level of opportunities in finance.
If transferring to a T30 school is a serious consideration, Foster would also provide a stronger foundation and better positioning for that move.
Sources: UT vs USC vs Vanderbilt vs Emory for Undergrad, Berkeley vs UW Seattle, CANADA - McGill Desautels for Consulting / IB, Here are the Target Undergraduate Schools in Canada, Georgetown MSB vs Michigan Ross vs UC Berkeley
Foster for sure
Thanks for the answer, I already did a decent amount of research regarding Foster’s placements. Though, do you have any other insights regarding foster or how to break in from there?
Their Investment Banking Accelerator is the way to break into IB. Has high placement odds for Seattle boutiques/MM firms (Cascadia, Meridian, BMO) and gets a few people into BB/EB every year (PWP, JPM/GS, etc.).
Yeah I think the placement is getting slightly better every year but i didn’t know they place very well into the Seattle boutiques. I was thinking they only take 1 to 2 at most every year. Anyways thanks man :)
Foster is the play - here are their IB Accelerator's placement numbers - https://www.uwiba.org/general-8
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