Questions about UF (University of Florida)

Just got into UF a couple days ago. It’s one of my safety schools but even as an out of state student it is highly enticing due to its low cost (would graduate no debt basically), great weather, social life, etc. Assuming I am a top student (top 1% SAT, top GPA), but non-diversity and little finance connections (parents know a couple analysts/associates in IB/PE) how well does UF place into IB/PE/HF/S&T/ER?

27 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, UF (University of Florida) can be a solid choice for breaking into investment banking (IB) and related fields like private equity (PE), hedge funds (HF), sales & trading (S&T), and equity research (ER), but it does come with some challenges:

  1. Placement into IB/PE/HF/S&T/ER:

    • UF is not considered a "target school" for top investment banks, meaning it doesn't have the same level of on-campus recruiting as schools like Wharton, Harvard, or even semi-targets like UNC or Michigan.
    • However, UF has a growing reputation, and top students have successfully broken into IB and related fields, especially through networking and leveraging alumni connections.
    • The MSF Program at UF is a notable advantage. It has a strong track record of placing students into IB roles, particularly in the Southeast and occasionally in New York. If you're serious about finance, joining this program could significantly boost your chances.
  2. Networking and Alumni:

    • Since UF isn't a target school, you'll need to rely heavily on networking. The alumni network is active, and there are UF grads in IB and PE, but you'll need to be proactive in reaching out to them.
    • Your parents' connections to analysts/associates could be a helpful starting point, but you'll need to expand your network further.
  3. Cost and Debt:

    • Graduating with no debt is a huge advantage, especially if you're considering a career in finance where the early years can be demanding. This financial flexibility could allow you to focus on internships, networking, and other career-building activities.
  4. Social Life and Environment:

    • UF offers a great social environment, which can be a nice balance to the rigorous preparation needed for a finance career. Just ensure you stay focused on your goals.
  5. Challenges:

    • Breaking into PE and HF directly from undergrad is extremely rare, even for target school students. Most people enter these fields after gaining experience in IB or consulting.
    • For S&T and ER, UF's placement is less prominent, so you'd need to work even harder to stand out.

Recommendations:

  • Join the MSF Program: This is your best bet for structured finance recruiting.
  • Network Aggressively: Start reaching out to alumni and professionals in the industry early.
  • Excel Academically: Being a top student will help you stand out, especially when applying for competitive internships.
  • Gain Relevant Experience: Secure internships in finance-related roles as early as possible, even if they're not at top firms initially.

While UF may not have the same prestige as target schools, its low cost, strong programs like the MSF, and active alumni network make it a viable option for breaking into finance with the right effort and strategy.

Sources: Which undergrad public safety is best to attend: IU, Penn State, UFlorida, or Fordham?, The Allure of Investment Banking, BB vs EB for HBS/GSB?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/university-of-miami-fl-mba-the-rundown?customgpt=1, Why move to PE/HF at all?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

Look into UF MSF’s program. They place very well into IB with connections to EVR,CVP,Gugg,HL RX, and a lot more

 

UF is fantastic for finance. You would have to get into one of their 2 top clubs as well as then get into the MSF program. This is doable given you're prepared from the get-go. Then keep as close to a 4.0 and get good freshman summer/sophomore summer/term-time internships. It's very very competitive though and even the smartest people strike out sometimes due to bad luck or one misstep. 

 

Prospect in IB-M&A:

UF is fantastic for finance. You would have to get into one of their 2 top clubs as well as then get into the MSF program. This is doable given you're prepared from the get-go. Then keep as close to a 4.0 and get good freshman summer/sophomore summer/term-time internships. It's very very competitive though and even the smartest people strike out sometimes due to bad luck or one misstep. 


Thoughts on doing a finance + accounting double major?

 

Can't hurt. It won't really increase your chances of anything. If anything, would recommend something else that you enjoy (whether that be poli sci or psych or something of the sort). Just don't tank your GPA before recruiting with some really hard major. Also, this is kind of irrelevant as you will have to give up your 2nd major if you get into the MSF program (which you will want to get into for recruiting purposes) as it's a 3+1 basically so you have to finish your degree and in your last year you take all masters classes. 

 

im a freshman finance major at uf right now and my gpa is a 3.55 cus of mental health problems throughout this year. i know recruiting is next semester for IB and then the semester after for other finance fields, and that being said, does that mean it's not worth recruiting for IB at all since my gpa won't change much after this semester? it's crazy that these firms decide based on a mere 2 semesters of school for junior year internships. same goes for the investment funds here, i heard from someone in GSIF that he hasn't seen anyone with a gpa below 3.8-3.9 get in. i got screwed from the jump and can't get into funds now, and even if i end my 4 years with a 3.8 or higher (which is highly likely) that ending gpa doesn't matter at all if i can't get into the first step of good which is finance clubs. basically what im wondering is how screwed am i?

 

shawn24

im a freshman finance major at uf right now and my gpa is a 3.55 cus of mental health problems throughout this year. i know recruiting is next semester for IB and then the semester after for other finance fields, and that being said, does that mean it's not worth recruiting for IB at all since my gpa won't change much after this semester? it's crazy that these firms decide based on a mere 2 semesters of school for junior year internships. same goes for the investment funds here, i heard from someone in GSIF that he hasn't seen anyone with a gpa below 3.8-3.9 get in. i got screwed from the jump and can't get into funds now, and even if i end my 4 years with a 3.8 or higher (which is highly likely) that ending gpa doesn't matter at all if i can't get into the first step of good which is finance clubs. basically what im wondering is how screwed am i?

Hey man im OP and I just saw this. I would say that if you are diversity, you should try and recruit for DISS capital at UF. Im still a senior in HS lol but I know they have that one club. Sorry man, cant offer much more help than that hopefully someone else chimes in. 

 

FWIW GPA will hurt since they have a screener, I would say talk to them during their info session and see if you can make yourself better. Try to take as many summer classes to pad your GPA. As for getting into GSIF, first and foremost what matters is writing a good pitch, they do not throw out any pitches soley on GPA, they read every single one and then choose. If you have a great pitch with a low GPA they will interview you. As for recruiting, worst case scenario is taking a smaller job post-grad and get into a solid MBA program if you are still interested in high finance.

 

You need to get into GSIF or Founders Fund, (preferably GSIF) your freshman year. Apply to the MSF program in the beginning of your sophomore fall. If you’re in MSF and in one of these clubs, you’ll break in very easily to places like RBC & Truist. If you’re a top student in the MSF program you could Evercore, HL RX, or GS. Not saying you can’t do IB if you’re not In GSIF/ Founders Fund or MSF, but it’ll be 10 times harder

 

jay0910

You need to get into GSIF or Founders Fund, (preferably GSIF) your freshman year. Apply to the MSF program in the beginning of your sophomore fall. If you’re in MSF and in one of these clubs, you’ll break in very easily to places like RBC & Truist. If you’re a top student in the MSF program you could Evercore, HL RX, or GS. Not saying you can’t do IB if you’re not In GSIF/ Founders Fund or MSF, but it’ll be 10 times harder

Thanks for the advice. Are you a student/alumn there? Would love to chat more if you are.

 

Went to UF. From what I remember about 90% of high finance recruiting runs through the MSF program. Can't speak to the actual program because I wasn't in it, but you can see the placements on the website, it's definitely solid. It is a grind from the beginning of your freshman year though, and something you need to be at least keeping in mind for the second you get on campus. Most people I know who were in the program said 3 things. 1. Get involved a finance club here early
2. Land some type of finance related internship your freshman summer so that your application is better for MSF apps come fall
3. Make sure you're tracking what classes you're taking early as im pretty sure there's some prerequisites for even applying.

 

Analyst0910:

Went to UF. From what I remember about 90% of high finance recruiting runs through the MSF program. Can't speak to the actual program because I wasn't in it, but you can see the placements on the website, it's definitely solid. It is a grind from the beginning of your freshman year though, and something you need to be at least keeping in mind for the second you get on campus. Most people I know who were in the program said 3 things. 1. Get involved a finance club here early
2. Land some type of finance related internship your freshman summer so that your application is better for MSF apps come fall
3. Make sure you're tracking what classes you're taking early as im pretty sure there's some prerequisites for even applying.


Hi this is OP. Mind if I PM you?

 

Consequatur voluptatem laboriosam beatae. Velit qui officia eum quisquam eaque iste officia. Ex dolorem iure minima minima inventore enim. Commodi praesentium provident rerum aperiam voluptate hic eum.

Libero optio in est quo rerum. Recusandae rem alias et ullam. Et est exercitationem sunt minima sint. Quas nobis facilis eum et sit. Iure veniam autem ex tenetur.

Enim eos et consequatur fugiat. Vel velit id est sit. Illum ullam enim sequi quis dignissimos quia eius.

Eius eaque ut enim qui repudiandae dolore. Optio similique et quo veritatis id alias illo modi. Sint aperiam quibusdam similique repudiandae sapiente. Voluptatum aliquid sed consequatur unde enim provident recusandae.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (71) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”