MBA TARGET SCHOOL TIER LIST FOR IB

This ranking is based on how easy it is to secure a BB/EB offer from each program without prior IB experience—which, in my view, is what matters most. It’s not necessarily based on overall placement numbers, as some schools may have strong self-selection into other industries like consulting or private equity.

S++: Wharton, Columbia, Booth, Harvard, Stanford

(Multiple offers from top banks.)

While placement numbers at HSW (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton) may appear lower than some other schools, that’s likely due to self-selection into buyside roles or other post-MBA paths. For example, Stanford a few years back had only two students recruiting for IB, but both landed spots at top EBs. Wharton, Columbia, and Booth consistently place extremely well, with many students receiving multiple offers from top banks.

S+: Tuck, Kellogg

(Basically guaranteed BB/EB offer)

Ranking these, especially Kellogg over Stern, may be a bit controversial—so feel free to push back. But from what I’ve heard, practically everyone who recruited for IB at Kellogg landed a top offer. Almost 30% of its IB placements were at EBs, with the rest at top BBs.

Tuck, on the other hand, benefits from its Ivy League brand and an exceptionally tight-knit alumni network, which still carries significant weight. Tuck kills it in terms of placing at top BB's and while it isn't as strong as Kellogg at EB's I would still rank it slightly higher. Also a side point but Tuck’s unique recruiting experience—where overworked bankers travel to Hanover and spend the day uninterrupted also helps make the experience more enjoyable for bankers potentially leading to better outcomes.

Even if you half ass it, I haven't ever heard an anecdote of anyone who didn't get a great offer.

S: Stern

(If you try, you will get it a BB/EB offer.)

Stern is a lock for IB, but I’ve heard mixed opinions on its placement numbers. Many NY-based analysts pick NYU for their MBA, and since they don’t need help recruiting, their success inflates the stats IMO.

Additionally, some feel that NYU’s massive alumni network (~100K+) has diluted the brand compared to the more close-knit networks at Kellogg or Tuck. It’s still an excellent choice for IB, but (hot take) it might not provide the as strong outcomes for first timers, despite the ease of networking. Some describe it as feeling like a small fish in a big pond quite the opposite to Kellogg and Tuck.

A: Johnson

(Strong pipeline, you'll 100% get IB but BB/EB isn't guaranteed.)

Johnson has an extremely structured recruiting process, making it easier to navigate. However, while many land solid BB/EB offers, it’s not quite a sure thing like it is for the schools above. Think of it as a very well-organized “monkey see, monkey do” system where following the playbook yields strong results.

B: Fuqua, Darden, Ross, MIT, Yale

(Most land strong offers, but not all BB/EB.)

For most students who put in the effort, a BB offer is likely (~65%), but some end up at top middle-market (MM) firms instead.

One key distinction: MIT and Yale are not true IB target schools. Some banks don’t even recruit there, so despite their prestige, IB recruiting can be trickier.

C: Berkeley, UCLA, McCombs

(Primarily regional placement, fewer spots available.)

Here, you’ll be recruiting regionally, which limits your options. SF and Houston have fewer IB spots compared to NYC, making it a more challenging path. That said, strong candidates still place well.

Would love to hear y’all’s thoughts!