Semi Target Maths and Econ degree

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/… 

I have been accepted onto this course whilst Nottinhgam is a decent Semi Target, I dont know if its worth taking the risk and taking a gap year to apply to a uni like LSE (low but still some chance I believe) or UCL, warwick etc, or woudl this course at this uni be sufficient for IBD 

 

Navigating the decision between accepting an offer from a semi-target university like Nottingham for a Mathematics and Economics degree and taking a gap year to aim for a place at a more traditionally targeted institution for investment banking, such as LSE, UCL, or Warwick, requires careful consideration. Here's a breakdown based on the WSO dataset and insights:

  1. Nottingham's Position: Nottingham is recognized within the context as a decent semi-target university. Graduates from Nottingham have successfully entered investment banking, but it's acknowledged that the degree subject becomes more relevant after Oxbridge and LSE. This means that your Mathematics and Economics degree could indeed be a strong foundation, especially given the quantitative and analytical skills it will develop, which are highly valued in investment banking.

  2. The Value of Target Universities: According to the WSO dataset, Oxbridge, LSE, and to a similar extent, institutions like UCL and Warwick, hold a significant prestige advantage in the eyes of investment banks. Graduates from these universities are often sought after, and LSE, in particular, is noted as a breeding ground for bankers. This doesn't mean that a degree from Nottingham won't open doors in investment banking, but the path might require more networking and effort to stand out.

  3. Gap Year Considerations: Taking a gap year to reapply to a target university could potentially increase your chances of breaking into investment banking directly. However, this comes with its own set of risks and uncertainties, including the possibility of not getting accepted into your desired university. During the gap year, it would be crucial to engage in activities that enhance your profile, such as internships, finance-related courses, or networking, to make a stronger case for your application.

  4. Networking and Experience: Regardless of your university choice, breaking into investment banking heavily relies on networking, internships, and relevant experience. Starting from your university days, actively seek opportunities to intern at banks, join finance or investment clubs, and connect with professionals in the field. These efforts can significantly boost your chances of securing a role in investment banking.

In conclusion, while target universities like LSE, UCL, and Warwick may offer a more straightforward path into investment banking, a degree from Nottingham, especially in a relevant field like Mathematics and Economics, can still provide a solid foundation. The decision should weigh your confidence in reapplying and potentially securing a spot at a target university against the opportunities and experiences you can actively pursue at Nottingham to carve your path into investment banking.

Sources: Intro to Investment Banking, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/investment-banking-in-the-uk-an-overview?customgpt=1, Help me choose the right university for Investment Banking, Pathway to Investment Banking Econ/Math, Investment Banking Australia

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

hi,
so i reapplied n got into ucl for econ politics history after being at cass/bayes business skl studying finance.

i think if i were u , do the best u can a levels then see. u can always back out if notts if u get 3A*s or ye just rlly good grades.

if not notts is good enough to break in esp w ur course. just have to recruit urself well.

 
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Why the fuck do you type like that? Your parents never went to university or something?

 
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in essence cos why do a finance course that won't help break into finance lol. also mid ass campus( thought it was gonna be at the actual bayes campus) and socially dead asf compared to my friends at London RG's-  full of international kids or chavs lol that's a bit harsh.  the course is also way too long and difficult to justify it. I'm only 8k in debt so think it was 100% the right choice in the long run. 

also academically I'm more interested in econ anyways ( originally missed offer at kcl for econ/politics) . also the prestige thing did play a big factor, because I always wanted to go to an 'elite' uni so it really disheartened me on results day that I missed out by one mark (so I got AAB but after an appeal AAA). 

I don't regret going cos I had no way knowing whether my a levels would improve or not (and I also got a spring) but I'm glad its over now. been a weird 10 months lol 

 

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