Kelley vs McCombs

Hey everyone,

I've been a long lurker of the forms. WSO gave me a very good idea with Kelley and the overall process of the undergraduate B-school process. I just never seem to find a form over Kelley vs McCombs. 

I'm a current Kelley student (Direct Admit w/$6k scholarship, out-of-state), a part of the Scholars of Finance chapter and other clubs at IU, and I finished the semester w/a a 4.0. My overall experience at IU has been wonderful and I really do enjoy IU. But being an out-of-state student originally from Texas, I want to give a shot for a transfer to McCombs. I plan on either pursuing IB or ER post-graduation (leaning towards IB so a lot of this post is going to be heavy on that). 

I know Kelley does great with placements with IB and IM (unsure about IB placement now after the diversity recruiting fallout). I genuinely have no idea about McComb's placement in those respective areas but from what I gathered, McCombs does exceptionally well when it comes to its Houston IB pipeline and they recently are doing better when it comes to IB NYC recruitment. Moreover, I've heard for NYC recruitment it's either canfield or your screwed. I plan on working out of Texas post-grad so I would really like to be at a school that can guarantee me that chance. 

I also want to know what the environment is like over in McCombs. I'm from Austin and I went to an extremely competitive high school that was toxic with academics (i.e. having kids literally bully the shit out of you if you got one point less than them, class ranking dropping if one of your grades drop by a percentage point). Friends have told me that McCombs gives a very similar vibe to that but I never really got to verify that so I would really want to know if that's true. 

I would appreciate any insight on this. 

 

I'm a student at Kelley and interning at a HF next summer. I say that because some people think that you can't end up in these low acceptance rate programs coming from this school.As someone who considered transferring, it's not worth it. If ranking are the primary driver of your decision, the difference is negligible. If you want to end up in Texas, I could see an argument for going to UT but even so you could end up there from Kelley as well. Seems like you're doing pretty well so far, focus on grades and getting involved and you'll do just fine. The workshops are helpful but are not necessary, I'm not in any of them.Also, enjoy school while you're here, it goes quick. Happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

At the undergrad level, McCombs really stands out if you can do the business honors program.  That group is extremely selective - I'm not even sure they will allow you to transfer into it - but it gets all the first looks for interviews.  If you're rank and file McCombs, I think Kelley would be a way better choice for IB/ER recruiting.  If you can swing into BHP, I'd do that.  

 
Most Helpful

It might be difficult to get into WSFM at McCombs with transferring in right before interviews. Being in WSFM is just as valuable if not more than BHP for IB recruiting.

 

McCombs has a large enough student body that it really is what you make of it. We have a ton of different clubs and not everyone is laser focused on MBB or IB. That said, everyone has a competitive streak which is to be expected at a business school but nothing like the toxicity you described at your high school. Our CBHP and WSFM students place well, but you’re not screwed if you’re not in those programs, just study and network more. As a senior graduating in May, I’ll say that overall it has been a great time and I’m still finding really cool people and professors in my classes.

Sorry if there’s issues, I’m typing on my phone.

 

External transfer to McCombs here. You say you are from Austin, so are you applying as an in state applicant? If you’re out of state as a transfer, not going to lie, your odds are really bad.  

In terms of placement, Houston IB is really good, NY firms also really good if you’re WSFM. However, WSFM is pretty competitive. Not impossible to get, though some of the politics of the admissions process are really frustrating to deal with. WSFM/IBA are the most important orgs to be a part of in order to get NY IB. Not impossible without it, and many people still get offers despite not having WSFM on their resume. In all honesty, it’s just kind of a check mark that you know your stuff well, but it’s not a ticket to NY IB. Canfield BHP places a lot of kids in, but by no means is it necessary. Out of 50 WSFM kids, 21 in last year’s class were regulars. Sure, majority BHP, but that’s more so due to BHP students being overall stronger, more disciplined students than regulars McCombs students.

McCombs is definitely a step up from my previous school (non target state school), is more challenging, and has more competition, but it’s not that hard to get into some finance groups here and get involved. I really don’t see many people actively undermining or wishing the worst for others they know.

Good luck on the transfer process. UT’s admissions are dogshit so I hope it goes well for you.

 

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