Which school should I transfer to?
I'm currently a freshman at Cornell's Dyson School, and I was recently admitted to Dartmouth, UChicago, and Columbia as a transfer student. Before you wonder how I already got my decisions back, I'm in a very unique situation and I'm just gonna leave it at that, I will not be giving any details haha. I did not get into Wharton and HYP. Which one would you pick/how would you rank them?
I would love to hear your guys' thoughts on which school would provide the most opportunities, and which has the strongest reputation. After college, my plans are either IB (BB or EB -- if EB, maybe RX specifically), or if I can land some buyside gig in MF PE or L/S equity at a HF, but that's a challenge for anyone. From what I understand, all 4 schools (Cornell, Darty, Chicago, Columbia) all place very well into BB/EB (right?) and about the same for the buyside (slim to none, I assume), so which school would you choose? I love all 4 schools. Would it make sense to stay at Cornell, or nah? FWIW, my long term goal is to be at a top L/S fund, or MF PE.
Posting this on IB, PE, and HF forums to get more feedback. Thanks in advance!!
I would definitely choose Dartmouth, but I could see an argument for Columbia.
Interesting -- would love to hear the rationale!
Tbh, I'd stay but it doesn't seem like that is an option for you. I'd probably go with Columbia or Dartmouth. I don't believe the difference between the 4 are that large except for maybe Columbia. If it were up to me I'd go to Darty for the parties.
How did you answer the why Columbia/Dartmouth essay etc?
*I’ll go with Columbia *
Changing to any of these schools from Dyson feels like a waste of time
I'd either stay or go to Columbia. Personally, you could make an argument for each of the four schools. It ultimately comes down to what you are looking for / want to prioritize. I applied to Columbia, Dartmouth, and Cornell (Dyson as well) RD and got waitlisted at the former and accepted at the latter two. Didn't apply to UChicago but got into another Ivy+ school (not hard to guess). I ultimately ended up going to Dyson. If I were a non-NYS resident / non Dyson admit, I don't think I probably would have made the same decision. My family saved a good bit of money and I was able to stick to my preferred major (business over econ) and stay relatively close to home.
There isn't much of a difference in opportunities here. Dartmouth or Columbia might position you a bit better for MBB although Dyson has started placing more kids there as of late (and that isn't even what you are looking for). Dyson (and broader Cornell) banking recruiting has been very strong, and has continued to improve since I've graduated (Cornell was a top feeder at the bank I worked at). For banking / buyside role roles, there won't be that much of difference. Outside of HYPSW, it is pretty difficult to land MF PE out of undergrad (and it's insanely hard to do so even from places likes Wharton). Columbia might give you a slight edge relative to the other schools.
I very briefly considered applying for a transfer but didn't end up pursuing it. I wouldn't really think about the career opps from this subset of schools (since they're pretty similar) but rather on: 1) are you up to the challenge of "starting from scratch", so to say? (largely lose the social / professional network you've built up, don't think these schools take many transfers so not sure how that impacts the adjustment, big city environments of Columbia / UChicago are far different from more rural settings at Cornell / Dartmouth), 2) any significant difference in cost between the schools, 3) required change of major if you transfer (does that set you back slightly / does a harder or more time consuming major give you less time to focus on extracurriculars and whatnot). Then there's a ton of other crap to think about (e.g., will you like Columbia's core curriculum, Dartmouth's Greek scene, or UChicago's academic vibe).
TLDR: If you had HYPSW in the bag, I'd go for it. If you are set on transferring, I'd lean toward Columbia over Dartmouth, but I don't think you should rule out staying (in fact, I'd probably lean toward doing that). Obviously all great schools so congrats! Happy to PM you, if helpful.
I don’t go to any of them, but I know a dozens of people from high school at all of them (top NYC private school). The four schools are basically peers in terms of reputation and placement, regardless of the nuances WSO tries to debate. If you’re going to transfer, you should do Columbia. Cornell and Dartmouth are really similar environment wise, both in the middle of nowhere, but fun because of sizable Greek life. Not a fan of the Columbia school experience based on what I hear of it, but it’s a great school with an improving reputation(?)
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Tbh, HYPSM would be worth transferring to but personally I wouldn't go to a place like Columbia or Chicago over Dyson. The big consideration here is that transferring uproots your entire social circle and plants you into a foreign environment where student cliques are likely already forming. To me, the upgrade you get from Columbia or Chicago isn't worth the other consequences.
However, if you absolutely prioritize getting into MF PE or elite HF's over everything else, then perhaps (and I understand this will sound extreme, but I do believe it's the best way to achieve your goal if you are willing to sacrifice anything for it) the best choice of action is to reapply transfer to HYPS. Maybe even take a gap year, do an internship to strengthen your resume, and then reapply for transfer. Just throwing the idea out there.
Finally, to answer your original question, if you're still dedicated enough to transfer schools but don't want to pursue any of the extreme options, I'd take UChicago over Columbia. Though there is unfortunately no hard data on which school places better into top PE/HF straight out of UG, I can say anecdotally (and via a ton of LinkedIn searching) that Chicago should give you the best chance.
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