Transfering to a target school from a semi-target for investment banking (undergraduate)

Hello,

I recently committed to Boston College to study finance. I applied ED because I liked the school and it was ranked high on US News. However, I did not know that I would be interested in investment banking. After my acceptance, I realized that Boston College is considered a semi-target for investment banking, which kind of upset me because I thought that Boston College was one of the best schools for every field in finance.

So, I am about to start my first year, but I am considering transferring to a target school such as Notre Dame, Georgetown, Cornell, or UPenn Wharton after my first year, so I would be starting as a sophomore at a target school (if I manage to be accepted). I feel that if I had applied regular decision, I perhaps would have been accepted to other target schools because my recommendations, grades, and extracurriculars were really strong. I was in the top 5% of my high school, had at least 5 leadership positions, ran a small environmental business and had a leadership position in a youth organization. I applied to Notre Dame and UPenn, but I withdrew after being accepted to Boston College.

However, I'm not sure if it’s really worth it, and that’s why I’m consulting this forum. Do you think it’s really worth it to transfer to get into investment banking? I’m certain that I want to get into investment banking, and I know that Boston College has a good finance program but is not too much represented amongst top investment banking firms. What do I do?

2 Comments
 

Based on previous WSO threads, here are some key points to consider when deciding whether to transfer from a semi-target school like Boston College to a target school for investment banking:

Pros of Transferring to a Target School:

  1. Recruitment Opportunities:

    • Target schools like Notre Dame, Georgetown, Cornell, and UPenn Wharton have stronger representation in top investment banking firms.
    • These schools often have more on-campus recruiting events, networking opportunities, and alumni connections in the finance industry.
  2. Prestige and Network:

    • Attending a target school can enhance your resume and provide access to a more extensive and influential alumni network.
    • The prestige associated with target schools can open doors to more competitive internships and job offers.
  3. Resources and Support:

    • Target schools typically offer more resources for career development, including dedicated career services, finance clubs, and mentorship programs.
    • You may have access to more specialized courses and extracurricular activities related to investment banking.

Cons of Transferring:

  1. Cost and Effort:

    • Transferring can be a costly and time-consuming process. Consider the financial implications and the effort required to apply and adjust to a new environment.
    • There is no guarantee of acceptance into the target schools, and the application process can be competitive.
  2. Current Opportunities at Boston College:

    • Boston College, while a semi-target, still has a strong finance program and opportunities for motivated students.
    • You can leverage the resources available at Boston College, such as finance clubs, networking events, and internships, to build a strong profile.
  3. Personal Fit and Satisfaction:

    • Consider your personal satisfaction and fit at Boston College. If you are happy with the campus culture, academics, and social life, it might be worth staying.
    • Transferring can be disruptive, and you may need to rebuild your social and academic networks at the new school.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, the decision to transfer should be based on your priorities and willingness to make trade-offs. If you are certain about pursuing investment banking and believe that the benefits of attending a target school outweigh the costs and effort, transferring could be a worthwhile investment. However, if you are content with Boston College and believe you can leverage its resources effectively, staying might be a viable option.

Consider speaking with current students or alumni from both Boston College and the target schools to gain more insights. Additionally, reflect on your long-term career goals and how each option aligns with them.

Sources: Was it worth it?, Is It Worth Transferring To a Better School?

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