Incoming Freshman at Target; Some Questions moving forward.
Incoming freshman at Northwestern and had some questions. Firstly, I basically had perfect stats, intl awards, and a top application.
Would it make sense for me to try transferring to H W S UChi ? What schools would you take over Northwestern? Some places say it's a target because so few students want to do banking and others are calling it a semi. I know acceptance rates are low, but what schools would you take over Northwestern? Would you take all the ivies (incl brown) or just H, Y, P, S, M, W, and Columbia? Some schools like Columbia + Penn have decent transfer acceptance rates. I just want to know what is considered "more of a target" or a "better school".
Secondly, how does NUIBC and those clubs work? I know they take sophomores but is it just resume and interviews or something else. I couldn't find much information online and don't know how competitive it is. It would be great if any current/former students could help me out as to what NUIBC wants and how competitive it is. I'm particularly interested as it relates to the logistics of transferring.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know:
Transferring from Northwestern:
Target vs. Semi-Target Debate: Northwestern is generally considered a target school, especially for Chicago-based firms, and it has decent placement in NYC as well. However, it’s true that fewer students at NU pursue investment banking compared to other targets, which can make it feel like a semi-target in some circles.
Schools to Consider Over Northwestern: If you’re aiming for a stronger target, schools like Harvard, Wharton (Penn), Stanford, Yale, Princeton, MIT, and Columbia are often considered a step above. These schools have stronger brand names and alumni networks for IB recruiting. Schools like Brown, Dartmouth, and UChicago are also strong but may not necessarily be a significant upgrade over Northwestern unless you have a specific preference for their programs or networks.
Transfer Acceptance Rates: Columbia and Penn have relatively higher transfer acceptance rates (~10-15%), making them more realistic options compared to schools like Harvard or Stanford (~1-5%). Keep in mind that transferring is highly competitive, and you’ll need a strong GPA, compelling essays, and extracurriculars to stand out.
Is Transferring Worth It?: Transferring to a stronger target can help with branding and access to more robust alumni networks, but it’s not always necessary. Northwestern provides solid opportunities, and success often depends on how well you network and leverage the resources available.
Northwestern Investment Banking Club (NUIBC) and Other Clubs:
NUIBC Overview: NUIBC is one of the key finance clubs at Northwestern, and it plays a significant role in preparing students for IB recruiting. It’s competitive to get in, as it’s a sought-after stepping stone for students aiming for top internships.
Application Process: Typically, clubs like NUIBC require a resume submission and interviews. The process may also include technical and behavioral questions to assess your knowledge and fit. Some clubs might even have case studies or group exercises as part of the selection process.
Competitiveness: Admission to NUIBC is competitive, especially since it’s a feeder for IB roles. To improve your chances:
Other Clubs to Explore: Beyond NUIBC, consider joining groups like Northwestern Capital Management (NCM), Investment Management Group (IMG), or even Greek life organizations like AKPsi or DSP, which can also provide networking opportunities and exposure to finance.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re set on transferring, focus on maintaining a high GPA (3.8+), building strong extracurriculars, and networking effectively. However, Northwestern is a solid target, and with the right effort, you can achieve your goals without transferring. Joining clubs like NUIBC and leveraging resources like Chicago Field Studies (CFS) can significantly boost your chances in IB recruiting.
Sources: The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking, The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking, Northwestern IB Placement & Business Clubs, Should I transfer from my T20 semi-target to a stronger target?, IU Kelley Transfer Prospects
Northwestern is fine for NYC IB. Lol you don't need to transfer
I think transferring would legitimately make you intelligible for most roles: If I saw someone transferred from NU for finance recruiting—even if they transfer to H or W—I would assume that they are actually stupid or have some other cognitive issue because the difference is just that marginal. The only reason that would make any sense is if you actually hated the culture at NU to an extreme degree.
I would assume that the best way to find out about NUIBC would be to network with some students in it to learn the details. The emails of the “executive board” members are on the website, so shoot them a networking email, I would think it would reflect well on you and get your questions answered. It should also be good practice as you will have to do this a lot later on.
Edit: you could also used the provided questions email on the website.
Transferring to Harvard or Wharton is nearly impossible unless you’re a veteran or incredibly talented/unique in some other domain. Just kill it at Northwestern and you’ll be fine. It’s an excellent school.
Northwestern places well into Evercore (5+ kids there yearly), Blackstone (5-10 a year), KKR Corporate PE, and places decently into GS/MS.
Most people place extremely well (I don't go to Northwestern but got in), but the one kid I know who did go actually struck out in recruiting but I assume it is rare.
I've seen the placement, and I know there's some connection with Blackstone, etc. Genuinely haven't seen anything objectively better other than H/W and maybe Columbia/Penn A&S.
If you got into Northwestern and decided to not go, did you end up going somewhere better or somewhere else because of location/cost? Since it's anon, could you share where you went? Especially since I was talking about transferring.
Yeah, I'm assuming striking out is rare if you network, practice technicals, and are smart. Not sure about what happened to your friend.
List of seniors at BX RE that went to NU for undergrad:
David Levine - SMD, Co-Head of Americas Acquisitions
Ron Bernstein - SMD, Head of Blackstone Property Partners U.S. & Blackstone Property Partners Life Sciences
Mike Forman - SMD, Head of Digital Infrastructure
Gabrielle Karnes - MD
relax ur already interning at a search fund b4 college
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