Johns Hopkins vs Middlebury vs W&L vs Claremont Mckenna vs Wash U
This is my first post and I’m currently in high school getting potentially recruited for these schools based on my sport. I’m interested in working in the finance field after grad and while things may chance, I find math and it’s application, econ, and stats interesting in my classroom and participate in the DECA finance cluster at my school. Obviously with limited knowledge on the finance field just off what I’ve read here could someone rank these five schools for targets for investment banking with regards to New York. Along with this I think if possible I’d like to go straight to buy side if I can do HF/AM post undergrad just based off the books and information I’ve read along with discussions with my mentor who works in finance and has talked to me about some of these fields based off my interests (he works in wealth management and is one of my coaches for my sport). I know again some HF’s recruit straight out of undergrad such as Citadel, DE Shaw and others but again being in highschool I have to look elsewhere for actual knowledge regarding these opportunities. I think for the buyside recruiting aspect I’d be willing to work extremely hard no matter what uni i’m at as I’ve always enjoyed it and I’m genuinely passionate about this field and read about it in my free time.
If anyone could reply I would greatly appreciate it.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, when considering target schools for investment banking, particularly in New York, the schools you've mentioned vary in their recruitment profiles. Here's a breakdown that might help you:
Claremont McKenna College: Known for a strong economics program and good placement into finance roles. It's a liberal arts college with a reputation for producing graduates who are well-prepared for careers in finance.
Johns Hopkins University: While not traditionally known as a finance target, it has a strong international reputation and offers solid opportunities for networking and internships in finance.
Washington University in St. Louis (Wash U): Has a growing reputation in finance and its Olin Business School is well-regarded. However, it may not be as strong a target for New York investment banking as some other schools.
Middlebury College: A well-respected liberal arts college with a strong alumni network, but it may not have the same level of direct recruitment for investment banking as some larger universities.
Washington and Lee University (W&L): Offers a good education with opportunities in finance, but it is not typically considered a top target for investment banking in New York.
For buy-side opportunities straight out of undergrad, such as hedge funds and asset management, all these schools can provide a pathway, but it often comes down to individual effort, networking, and internships. It's important to excel academically, get relevant experience, and build a strong network regardless of the school you choose.
Remember, while some schools have stronger direct recruitment channels into investment banking, your personal drive, internships, networking skills, and academic performance are critical factors in landing a role in finance, especially on the buy-side. Keep nurturing your passion for finance, and it will serve you well in your future career.
Sources: Comprehensive List of Target Schools for Investment Banking, Investment Banking University Recruiting Report – 7 Key Takeaways, Investment Banking University Recruiting Report – 7 Key Takeaways
Get your UTR up and go to an ivy
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