I am a high school student who want to work in investment banking.

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a breakdown of your situation and actionable advice:

University Recommendations

To maximize your chances of breaking into investment banking, you should aim for target schools (universities where banks actively recruit) and semi-target schools (schools with strong regional recruiting). Here's a categorized list:

Top Target Schools (Highly Competitive)

These schools are heavily recruited by bulge bracket and elite boutique banks: - University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) - Harvard University - New York University (Stern) - Columbia University - Duke University - University of Chicago - Cornell University - Stanford University - MIT - Princeton University

Semi-Target Schools (Realistic Options)

These schools have strong regional recruiting and can still lead to investment banking roles with networking: - University of Michigan (Ross) - University of Virginia (McIntire) - University of Texas at Austin (McCombs) - Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) - Boston College - University of California, Berkeley (Haas) - Georgetown University - Northwestern University

Safe Options

These schools may not be traditional targets but have growing representation in finance: - University of Indiana (Kelley) - University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler) - University of Wisconsin-Madison - Arizona State University - Brigham Young University

Activities to Strengthen Your Application

Your profile is already strong, but here are some additional steps to further enhance your application: 1. Networking and Outreach: - Start reaching out to alumni or professionals in investment banking from your target schools. Use LinkedIn or email to build connections. - Attend virtual or in-person events hosted by universities or finance organizations.

1. Finance-Specific Activities:

   • Complete certifications like Wall Street Prep or Financial Modeling courses to demonstrate technical skills.
   • Continue working on your finance paper with Python modeling and aim to publish it in a reputable journal.

2. Leadership and Impact:

   • Highlight leadership roles in your extracurriculars, such as your fundraising club or MUNs. Show measurable impact (e.g., funds raised, events organized).
   • Consider starting a finance-related initiative, such as a high school investment club or a financial literacy program.

3. Internships and Work Experience:

   • Your internship at a local asset management firm is excellent. Try to secure another internship, even if it’s unpaid, at a boutique investment bank or financial advisory firm.

4. Essay and Application Strategy:

   • Use your essays to tell a compelling story about your passion for finance and how your unique background (Korean-American, global case competition, etc.) positions you as a future leader in the field.
   • Tailor your applications to highlight your academic rigor (SAT, GPA, APAC competition) and extracurricular diversity.

Final Thoughts

Your academic and extracurricular profile is impressive, and with strategic applications, you have a strong chance at top schools. Focus on networking, leadership, and showcasing your passion for finance in your essays. Good luck!

Sources: Comprehensive List of Target Schools for Investment Banking, Investment Banking University Recruiting Report – 7 Key Takeaways