Undergraduate University Choices

First off, I'd like to say that I'm currently a high school student, with little to no experience with university. I know you guys are probably like "Pssh..." but it's OK, I just want advice.

I currently live in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

I plan to study mathematics or engineering in university. I like engineering because I think it would open more doors for me, and I like math and physics, but I don't like chemistry and the killer workload I hear about is discouraging (if I go into engineering, it'll be at UofT). I want to go into mathematics because... I like it. However, this may close some doors - I'm not too sure about what I can do with a mathematics degree other than something in the financial or actuarial field. If I go into mathematics it'll be at UBC, UofT, or University of Waterloo. My goals are very vague right now, but what I really want is to make enough money to buy myself a nice car, and to have a comfortable life with kids and family, etc. I'm not very keen on investment banking right now because of the long hours the work entails, but if I end up liking the stuff I think I might consider it.

Is it worth it to travel halfway across the country to take on a more prestigious mathematics program (from UofT, UW)? I'm very comfortable with UBC, it's very convenient to go there since it's only 4 minutes away by car (I live very close). Also, my parents might be willing to buy me a car if I went to UBC. I don't have any chances with a car if I want to study in Ontario and they have to pay for residence.

Do investment bankers get a lot of variety in what they do? This is particularly important to me, I don't want a job where I'm doing the same shit everyday - I need change and variety or else I get bored very easily.

What would look better on a business/graduate school application? A decent GPA from a school like UofT, or a higher GPA from a school like UBC? Would my undergraduate institution/GPA be that important to begin with?

If I appear to be misinformed, please let me know. Thanks for reading.

3 Comments
 

Go to UofT or Waterloo. And not just because they're better schools with better recruiting opportunities.. going to college away from home is just a good experience imo.

Engineering degrees have a lot of math classes so you can decide on your major after a year or two. Also realize that majoring in math is very different from the math you have probably learned in hs (unless you've done some advanced coursework and know what you're getting yourself into). Either way though, you will have a lot of options. People like hiring engineers and mathematicians because they're smart.

 

Eos voluptas cupiditate et. Inventore iusto rerum ratione facere non. Magni nam quam nostrum sint enim molestiae minus.

Quam illo sed molestias soluta voluptas. Quia et deleniti debitis et sunt libero et repudiandae. Aut iure ut beatae ipsam voluptas. Consequatur quo animi doloremque nulla quo fuga placeat. Hic dolores illo numquam voluptates. Fugiat id rerum sint.

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

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...”