MFIN: Vandy v.s. WUSTL v.s. UT Austin

Need advice on which MSF program to attend. Deciding between Vanderbilt, WUSTL, and UT Austin. I don't care about geographical location in terms of the school or placement. I want to be placed at a bulge bracket IB program.

My background:
- Umiami BA Econ gpa 3.1
- 1 year work exp. in financial services (credit officer)
- No relevant experience in college besides majoring in economics because it was an interest. I was pre-med and almost all my undergrad extra currics reflect that.
- No prior IB experience

Looking to:
- Get into a bulge bracket IB analyst/assoc. program

 

My major gpa was 3.6 but my overall gpa was killed by pre-med classes.. My 1 year work experience included a management role, strong letters of rec, decent test score. basically compensated for the gpa with every other aspect of the app.

Anyone have input on these programs and their track record with bulge bracket IBs?

 

I'm surprised with the preference on Vandy.

after all, those programs will land you some OCR, but you have to work at it with alums for IB. in my opinion, WUSTL and UTAustin are national programs--Vandy slightly shorter in my opinion as it may have a little more difficulty outside of its South region. I've seen WuSTL's OCR being solid; UTAustin & Vandy both have lots of BB alums I'm sure....it's more about using your opportunities well than getting into "one" program that will guarantee you IB.

For the records, WuSTL will offer no discounts--how is the packages for your other schools? You will probably shell out an MBA in a few years, and it doesnt hurt to save now~

 

There isn't a single MSF in the U.S. that will give you a good shot at BB IB. Almost all MSF's, including those in the top tier, place into boutique/regional MM. That being said, Vandy is your best shot out of the programs highlighted (I'm a WUSTL msf grad).

“Elections are a futures market for stolen property”
 
Esuric:

There isn't a single MSF in the U.S. that will give you a good shot at BB IB. Almost all MSF's, including those in the top tier, place into boutique/regional MM. That being said, Vandy is your best shot out of the programs highlighted (I'm a WUSTL msf grad).

a guy in your Q track got into GS this year; I think it was back office though.. However, I'd say IB is more for C track; given that your C track has >65% US students, Do you know how is the C track doing with placements?

 
Best Response
shuang19:
Esuric wrote:

There isn't a single MSF in the U.S. that will give you a good shot at BB IB. Almost all MSF's, including those in the top tier, place into boutique/regional MM. That being said, Vandy is your best shot out of the programs highlighted (I'm a WUSTL msf grad).

a guy in your Q track got into GS this year; I think it was back office though..
However, I'd say IB is more for C track; given that your C track has >65% US students, Do you know how is the C track doing with placements?

My class had about 35% - 40% IB placement (if you include ER). No one went to BB IB and we had some very strong candidates.

“Elections are a futures market for stolen property”
 

All are great programs and will place well in general. I'd probably open yourself up to non BB firms. Plenty of great banks outside of the handful of bulge bracket players.

Vanderbilt has placements on lock thanks to the career service head. He is amazing. Preps students, works on recruiters, full process.

End of the day all three of these programs will provide you will the network and recruiting necessary to get a banking job. Actually landing the offer is going to depend on your effort level.

I'd suggest visiting the campus of each school. Pros and cons of both and the feel is a big part of it.

Congrats for getting into 3 great schools.

 
TNA:

All are great programs and will place well in general. I'd probably open yourself up to non BB firms. Plenty of great banks outside of the handful of bulge bracket players.

Vanderbilt has placements on lock thanks to the career service head. He is amazing. Preps students, works on recruiters, full process.

End of the day all three of these programs will provide you will the network and recruiting necessary to get a banking job. Actually landing the offer is going to depend on your effort level.

I'd suggest visiting the campus of each school. Pros and cons of both and the feel is a big part of it.

Congrats for getting into 3 great schools.

why would anyone poop this. some people on WSO are a little crazy sometimes if they don't hear what they want to hear

 
BobTheBaker:

Esuric where do you come up with this stuff? Pretty sure both MIT and Claremont can get u BB offers

You're pretty sure of this based on what, exactly? Also, to be clear, I never said that you can't get BB IB. I only said that it's very difficult/rare.

“Elections are a futures market for stolen property”
 

I think the issue is just with the verbiage. Getting a BB offer from an MSF is possible, but not the most likely outcome. Most msf programs place students into banking if they want and are prepared, but this includes BB, MM and boutiques. If BB or Bust is someone's mentality then they better grind very hard or forego the MSF. With that being said, even top MBA programs don't place everyone at a BB.

UVA has amazing placements. I have their newest placement report in my email. I'll try and post it to my site this week.

 

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