Which Undergrad School Is Best For Consulting (US/Canada) - OLIN, KELLEY - IU, CARLSON - UMN, U Toronto

Well, I have not been on WSO for too long but have already really been appreciating the advice and help I have been able to find. I haven't really found much up to date content on my particular situation and I am hoping to get some idea about where I should go to school next year if I am looking to get into MBB consulting. I am okay with jobs in either the US or Canada as I am a dual citizen. I am looking strictly for the school with the most opportunities, networking, and recognition when it comes to the mentioned job prospects as well as creating an overall experience appealing to companies/B schools for MBA. I would really appreciate any and all guidance.

Wash U Olin - Econ & Strategy Major (Will pick up a Finance and/or CompSci major/minor as well). Likely most expensive

IU Kelley - Finance Major (Will likely pick up an economics/public policy and/or CompSci major/minor as well). Likely 2nd most expensive

U Toronto NOT Rotman - Studies in mathematics and physical sciences (basically undecided); will look to pick up Economics and/or CompSci (but have heard CS is hard to get). Cheapest option

UMN Carlson -Finance and Risk Management (Will likely pick up econ or CS major/minor) Is my state school, likely the 3rd most expensive

8 Comments
 
Most Helpful

TL;DR for Canada: U of T is a great school overall, but if your goal is to go to MBB, you'll have an easier time at a school with a strong undergrad business program.

--

Long version:

In Canada, the majority of BA/A/AC hires come from undergrad business programs at Queen's/Western, McGill, UBC and York (more or less in that order, with some variation by firm).

The one major exception to the predominance of business/commerce undergrads at Canadian MBB offices is U Waterloo, which sends a decent number of people there out of their math and engineering programs.

U of T is a fantastic school, higher ranked than the other schools I mentioned on many dimensions, but it simply doesn't have a very strong undergrad business program. Since these programs are the main feeders for entry-level consulting jobs in Canada (both MBB and others), there are fewer U of T alum at Canadian MBB offices than you would imagine based solely on University rankings etc. It's still a target school, and there are definitely (non-Rotman) U of T alumni at MBB, but if getting to one of those firms is your main goal, one of the other options I listed above might give you a better shot.

 

This is a great response, thank you! I was wondering if you had any guidance as to how I could approach the grind getting to MBB from non-Rotman UofT. I am sure there is a lot of opportunity but I think sifting through it all is where I need some guidance.

 

Is there any specific information you have, statistics or otherwise, that prove Olin is more of a target than Kelley or Carlson?

 

Is there any specific information you have, statistics or otherwise, that prove Olin is more of a target than Kelley or Carlson?

 

Velit velit ratione eum et voluptatum fugiat natus. Placeat odit dolores optio odit dolor.

Non et voluptate veniam nam perferendis qui alias qui. Numquam sequi ut quia voluptatibus excepturi aut.

Rem est numquam et voluptatem perferendis non repellat aut. Dicta repellendus error dignissimos occaecati dolorum quia itaque.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (68) $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...”