Non Target over a Target ever?

Apart from cost, would it be better to choose a non target over a target in a certain situation? I ask because I’m currently a high schooler deciding between schools, and didn’t have a great gpa. Because of this, I’m scared I wouldn’t be accepted to any good clubs that are selective and would help my resume for IB or other careers.

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If there's a certain location you are really going for- ex. I'm looking to go for Chicago, and Notre Dame places really well in Chicago, so it would make sense for me to go there over somewhere like UNC or UVA. I know ND isn't a non target, but in terms of rankings, ND is certainly worse. Other silver lining of going to non-target is that your competition is reduced. Clubs at big state schools and top targets are really difficult to join- ND has a no-cut club policy (for all non-athletic clubs), so that policy will make it easier for me to network. 

Honestly, go where you think you will be successful. If you can't tell, I love Notre Dame, and that includes the culture and the student life, so I just think I can be more successful in a place where I am happy. 

If you give more details, I'm happy to help (fellow HS class of 2025 here). Obviously, not all non-targets are created equal. Although both are non-targets, going to UW-Madison is a lot different that going to St. Norbert's college when it comes to banking opportunities.

 

Thanks! For me one of my non targets is case western, which I’ve seen them place (IB for Morgan Stanley) on wso but I’m not sure if I should attend vs IU Kelley. As well, I’m from the California area so would attending one of the csu schools or ucs (apart from LA and Berkeley) be good? (I know they are larger state schools to your point that it’s hard to get into clubs).

 

Awesome. Then the UC's are probably your best bet. I don't know much about west coast schools, but I think UCSB is good for econ, and a lot of people like UCI as well. WSO has some decent commentary on the UC schools. Definitely don't pay a bunch of money to a school out of your area if you want to stay in CA long-term. IMO CWRU and IU are both so expensive for most students that the marginal benefit isn't worth it to pay more. I think that it would be too hard to try to network from the Midwest to CA to go for a school out of your area. Placement is very region-dependent, so the BB placement from CWRU is probably to NY

 

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