Help me decide between 3 non-targets (UMD, GWU, Stevens)

When comparing UMD, GWU, and Stevens for your goal of breaking into high finance (consulting or investment banking), here’s how they stack up based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Recruiting and Placement:

   • UMD (University of Maryland): UMD is often considered a "semi-target" school. It has decent placement into finance roles, particularly in the DC area, and some alumni make it to Wall Street. However, breaking into top-tier IB or consulting roles will require significant networking and leveraging alumni connections.
   • GWU (George Washington University): GWU has a strong presence in DC, which is advantageous for consulting roles, especially in government-related or public sector consulting. However, for IB, GWU is not as strong as UMD. Transferring to finance from econ is a good move, but you’ll need to actively network and join finance-related clubs to stand out.
   • Stevens Institute of Technology: Stevens is known for its quant-heavy programs, and being in Hoboken, NJ, offers proximity to NYC. This can be a significant advantage for networking and internships. However, Stevens is not traditionally a target or semi-target for IB or consulting, so you’ll need to work harder to break into these fields.

2. Culture and Opportunities:

   • UMD: The culture at UMD is competitive but collaborative. The Smith School of Business offers resources like case competitions, finance clubs, and alumni networks that can help you prepare for high finance roles. UMD also has a larger student body, which means more networking opportunities but also more competition.
   • GWU: GWU’s culture leans heavily on its location in DC, with a focus on policy, government, and consulting. The finance culture is less pronounced compared to UMD, but the proximity to major consulting firms and government agencies can be a plus if you’re open to consulting roles.
   • Stevens: Stevens has a smaller, more tech-focused culture. The quant finance program is rigorous and can set you apart if you’re interested in roles like quantitative analysis or trading. However, the lack of a strong finance culture compared to UMD or GWU might make it harder to break into traditional IB or consulting roles.

3. Networking and Alumni:

   • UMD: UMD has a larger alumni base in finance, particularly in the DC area and some presence in NYC. Joining finance clubs and leveraging the alumni network will be crucial.
   • GWU: GWU’s alumni network is strong in consulting and government-related roles but less so in IB. You’ll need to actively seek out finance-focused alumni.
   • Stevens: Stevens’ proximity to NYC is a major advantage for networking, but its alumni network in high finance is smaller compared to UMD and GWU.

Recommendation:

• If you’re focused on IB: UMD is your best bet. It has better placement into finance roles and a stronger finance culture compared to GWU and Stevens.
• If you’re open to consulting: GWU’s location in DC and its connections to consulting firms make it a strong contender.
• If you’re interested in quant roles or want to leverage NYC proximity: Stevens could be a good choice, but you’ll need to work harder to break into traditional IB or consulting.

Regardless of your choice, transferring to a target or semi-target school will significantly improve your chances of breaking into high finance. In the meantime, focus on maintaining a high GPA, joining finance-related clubs, and securing internships to build your resume.

Sources: Investment Banking University Recruiting Report – 7 Key Takeaways, Georgetown U Student Investment Fund (GUSIF)?, Georgetown Econ (College) vs Georgetown Finance (MSB), Investment Banking University Recruiting Report – 7 Key Takeaways, Georgetown MSB vs Michigan Ross vs UC Berkeley