Undergrad Options – UW Madison vs. Radboud vs. Waiting on Warwick

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s how your options stack up:

1. UW-Madison:

   • Academically strong, especially for CS and Econ, but as you mentioned, it’s a non-target for high finance roles. Breaking into IB, S&T, or hedge funds directly from undergrad would be challenging without significant networking and internships.
   • The high cost as an international student is a major factor. If you graduate with significant debt, it could limit your flexibility to pursue unpaid internships or further education immediately.
   • However, the CS + Econ or CS + CE combination could open doors to tech roles, which might offer a solid backup plan if finance recruiting proves difficult.

2. Radboud University:

   • While not a traditional feeder school for high finance, the lower cost makes it a more financially viable option.
   • Completing a cheaper undergrad could allow you to save resources for a master’s program at a target school (e.g., LSE, HEC, or a top US program), which would significantly boost your chances of breaking into finance.
   • The European location might also provide easier access to finance roles in the EU, especially if you pursue a fintech or finance-focused master’s.

3. Warwick (if admitted):

   • Warwick is a semi-target/target for finance in the UK and Europe, particularly for IB and consulting.
   • If you’re admitted, it would likely be the best option for your long-term finance goals, as it offers a stronger recruiting pipeline compared to UW-Madison or Radboud.
   • However, being 2% below the requirement makes this a gamble, so it’s wise to plan around your current offers.

Recommendation:

• If Warwick comes through, it’s the clear winner for your finance aspirations.
• If not, Radboud seems like the better option given its affordability and the potential to pivot into a strong master’s program. This path minimizes debt and maximizes flexibility for a finance-focused graduate degree.
• UW-Madison is a solid academic choice but may not offer the best ROI for breaking into finance, especially with the financial burden as an international student.

To maximize your chances regardless of the choice, focus on building a strong profile through internships, networking, and relevant extracurriculars. If finance is the ultimate goal, targeting a master’s at a top-tier school after undergrad could be the most strategic move.

Sources: Why you should consider Notre Dame for undergrad, Undergrad: Help me choose college- Please (UNC-CH vs USC vs UW-Madison vs UW-Milwaukee), Dual major in Finance and Computer Science?, Undergrad School OPTIONS (please help), The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking