Recently found out most of my college results, and am looking for input. I am gunning for a Bulge Bracket Equity Research position. Had a mid high school GPA but got a scholarship (won’t say which one for anonymity) which lets me take a full ride to it’s partner universities.
University of Minnesota- Full Ride
Washington and Lee- Around 30K A year
William and Mary- Around 20K a year
Fordham - Around 40K a year
Here’s my dilemma: Taking the scholarship at the U of Minnnesota means I could potentially transfer into U Michigan, Notre Dame, or U Chicago for free (provided I get accepted). Also have heard the scholarship network is very strong. However, if I don’t get in to a good school as a transfer I am stuck at U of Minnesota for 4 years which I am def not ok with (strongly dislike the vibe of both).
Washington and Lee is definitely the best school I got into, and recruiting and culture is great there but I am not sure if it is worth the money. Such a big decision would love any input. Thanks for your help!
You need to be able to afford where you go - no matter what.
UMN is a fantastic school - and as you know, there’s a lot of “everything” in Minnesota
Assuming you can afford elsewhere, , why go to a school (UMN) that you are definitely not ok with (strongly dislike is your word) - unless that’s the only place you can afford.
In general, it’s wrong to go to a school with the intention on day one of transferring. How could you truly enjoy/be engaged in that campus.
You also want to see the career outcomes of kids into the area that you are focused on (although I’d suggest that’s maybe too narrow a focus).
W&L is a great school - but I wouldn’t necessarily say (or not) that it’s the best school you got into. The best school is the one where you will enjoy, learn, excel, feel comfortable and can ultimately get you to your outcome.
You listed four great schools - and I know what you’re getting at - rank - and W&L is great (I’m a big fan) so so is W&M and Mason school (if you are targeting business) is a fine b school as well. And Gabelli is in NYC. Even UMN Carlson is a fine school.
Obviously up to you as to what to do - but first start with budget and then find the one where you’d want to spend four years (clearly not UMN). That’s the mindset I’d go in with.
Congratulations on some great acceptances and having such a specific career goal in mind.
Getting jobs at bulge bracket firms is a very nuanced and idiosyncratic process. I would seek out and base your decisions on the advice of those that have successfully navigated that process. Unfortunately, this is a unique career path and is often prone to being misunderstood and underestimated by those who haven’t participated in it.
–Are all of the options affordable for four years?
–IMO “gunning for a big bulge equity research position” is like a HS freshman saying he is “gunning for Harvard.” Both are fine and lofty goals, and both have a small chance to materialize These jobs are few and far between particularly for undergrads, regardless of the college. It is great to have goals, but better to keep the focus on learning and growth during college and then see what jobs work out when the time comes.
–In general I think it is a terrible idea to go to a college with the intent of transferring out. This mindset will stand in the way of your developing relationships with students and professors, getting involved on campus, etc. If you have decided you will dislike a college before you even begin then it is likely you will fulfill your own prophecy.
–Top tier colleges are typically difficult to transfer into. You can look at the common data sets for the schools you have specifically mentioned. If you have been rejected by the schools you mentioned, a transfer is unlikely to happen unless you have done something to make you really stand out. If you want to transfer after one year, most colleges will look at your HS record.
–I think W&M an excellent option and (if affordable) at a nice price point. Fordham has the NYC location but is the most expensive college. Are you in the b-schools at both?
–IF you can find a way to enjoy UM, would that money be available for a MBA down the road?