SMU Vs. Claremont McKenna

Hey fellow monkeys! I just finished up my first year of college at a small liberal arts school in the Midwest. I'm looking to transfer to either SMU and pursue a spot in the Alternative Asset Management Program or Claremont McKenna College. Currently, I have been accepted at SMU, should have a half-tuition scholarship, and was told I could graduate in two years. At CMC, I am on the wait list, but think I have a good chance of getting in. So my question is, which would be best for breaking into IB/PE/HF/VC, etc.? And, why? Thank you guys!

13 Comments
 

So would you say that I would more than likely end up on the west coast? Or would I just have to network a little harder and catch some lucky breaks to get to other places in the country? I'd honestly be happy wherever I end up, but, it's always nice to know that you can have options!

 

I would also go with CMC here. It is elite. If you can handle people not knowing your school and underestimating the effort it took, to get in, than you are fine.

 
"zewa"

I would also go with CMC here. It is elite. If you can handle people not knowing your school and underestimating the effort it took, to get in, than you are fine.

Some people*. Usually those people have their heads way too far up their asses anyways.
 

Just curious, do you have a personal experience with either school? I'd love to hear as much as possible from anyone who has attended either school!

 
Best Response

Go to Claremont. Live in Cali. Be happy.

Scholarship is very compelling though. I don't see why you would graduate from one school faster than the other, they are likely both accepting all of your credits and require the same #of classes to graduate.

Try to get Claremont to match the scholarship. If they won't, run the numbers on exactly how much more it will cost to go to Claremont.

Reminder to factor in COL during college and keep in mind that you are likely to work near where you went to school. Cali is more expensive and has higher taxes.

If you really have no preference on location, and Claremont won't match scholarship, SMU is likely the more financially sound option.

That said still go to Claremont.

 

Aspernatur iure optio et reprehenderit. Commodi minima eos molestiae veritatis consequatur molestiae explicabo. Reprehenderit ab sed omnis et consequatur. Delectus sapiente quod et sapiente. Aperiam enim nemo saepe non consequatur eaque.

Omnis nesciunt est adipisci fugit nulla. Quis corrupti eos expedita quo commodi. Tempore et vel dolores quis. Officia sit itaque similique doloribus.

Ipsum aut sunt incidunt omnis est eius. Reiciendis harum sed sit debitis sunt.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”