Q&A: Non-target to target transfer; BB IB & buyside offers
Hi everyone, this site provided immeasurable help in my journey to break into finance. I realize this post may only apply to a small group of monkeys, but I think I can be most helpful by discussing my transfer process and decision to switch schools at the undergrad level. Since the deadline for applications is past due and decisions come out within the next month, my post focuses more on the decision than the application aspect, but I am happy to answer all questions.
My story
I became interested in business and finance during my senior year in high school, but my freshmen through junior year grades were terrible. Despite crushing standardized tests, I got rejected by all the top undergrad business programs. During my freshmen year, I attended a top 100 school and had a great experience there, meeting many upperclassmen who were incredibly influential in my development. I threw in some applications to schools in the top 5-25 within the rankings but after getting accepted, I was nervous about the prospect of throwing away a year and starting from scratch. On the final day that I had to put down my deposit, I made a gut decision to accept. I immediately focused on hitting the ground running, both from a social and career development aspect. After arriving, I was in disbelief about the quality, quantity, and passion of student-run groups on campus. Getting deeply involved helped me make friends and assimilate quickly, but took a toll on my GPA. During finance recruitment, nearly every BB and consulting firm recruited at our campus, so the process of landing a front-office role was straightforward but challenging nonetheless (I'll be doing IB).
My advice
The network, recruiting, quality of student groups, interesting/intelligent students, and brand value of being at a top school are immeasurable. If you have the choice, take it and don't look back*.
The downside
Being at a non-target forces you to know more and hustler harder than everyone else. There is far great personal reward and pressure to improve by being an underdog. I did not understand the importance of this until I switched schools. *If you do switch, protect this mentality at all costs.
Non-target with FO offer. Can confirm.
How crucial do you think transferring was? I'm currently a freshman at a non-target (but one on the rise) that's currently debating the same move.
Did you get any acceptances yet? Depending on where you get in, PM me and we can discuss specifics
I admire your guts for transferring. I failed to pull the trigger because I was having too much fun. Didn't even apply to transfer and am paying for it now. Also a huge grind. Props to you sir.
I'm in the exact same spot. Currently at top 50 b-school and looking to transfer to a top 10-20 undergrad b-school. Thanks for the story!
Very true
I am at a non target school currently and I just got accepted into UNC as an Econ major. I am concerned that if I go to UNC I might not make it into Kenan-Flagler because the internal transfer process is highly competitive. I currently have a great group of friends in my investment club at school that have provided me substantial amounts knowledge and support as I work toward the coveted IB internship. Should I stay at my current school with my already established network or go to UNC and work hard to get into KF?
First, congrats on the acceptance. I was in a similar situation because I got accepted to UVA and would have had to apply to the McIntyre b-school, which is competitive and definitely adds an additional layer of risk. I ultimately ended up going to a different target with this additional risk being the most influential factor. Also, I could be wrong, but I think UVA recruiting is far superior to UNC, so you should be even more hesitant. I realize this isn't a definitive answer but these are some things to think about. Feel free to PM with additional questions.
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