Lehigh vs WashU vs BC vs Emory vs Fordham
I’ve done much research on these schools independently but I am still curious to know how the placement on the street/Chicago differs. Is it also such that these schools all place similarly and the school that has the most personal fit would be the strongest, as that would allow me to reach a higher GPA and such? Additionally which is the best for placing into HF and PE of these if any.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:
Placement Similarities: Schools like Lehigh, WashU, BC, Emory, and Fordham generally fall into the same tier when it comes to placement into finance roles, including investment banking (IB). However, there are nuances:
Hedge Funds (HF) and Private Equity (PE): These roles are typically harder to secure directly out of undergrad, as they often require prior IB or consulting experience. Among these schools:
Personal Fit: Your observation is spot on. Choosing a school where you feel most comfortable can lead to a higher GPA and better overall performance, which are critical for landing top finance roles. Additionally, personal fit can influence how effectively you leverage the school's resources and alumni network.
In summary, while these schools are relatively similar in placement strength, WashU and Emory might have a slight edge for HF and PE pathways. However, your success will largely depend on your ability to network, maintain a strong GPA, and secure relevant internships.
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/wharton-vs-stanford-gsb-for-private-equity-recruiting?customgpt=1, Undergrad School OPTIONS (please help), PE firms with best placement into H/S?, Yale Placement, INSANE PLACEMENT FROM UT, WTF IS GOING ON
If your goal is IB placement, I’d separate “overall prestige” from “actual placement into your target market.”
For NYC, I’d lean toward schools with stronger alumni density and more consistent banking placement. For Chicago, proximity and regional network matter more. For HF/PE, none of these are true feeders in the way top targets are, so I wouldn’t choose based on that alone.
My view: pick the school where you can get the highest GPA, build the strongest network, and have the clearest path into IB recruiting. Personal fit matters, but only after confirming the school actually places into the firms/geographies you want.
Don’t optimize for theoretical prestige. Optimize for placement data, alumni access, and where you’ll actually perform well.
Washu
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