Is IB possible without a prestigious school?

angryelf
Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:20:56 +0000

It depends on a number of factors.

1. Are you still at a decent school (top 50 in US news)? (ex: WUSTL may be a non-target, but it is still thought of as a great school and you will still do exponentially better than someone at a 3rd or 4th tier school)


Will someone believe you could have gone to a top school, but for whatever reason didn’t (financial aid, wanted to be close to family, …)? When applying, particularly if applying online, you will be asked for your SAT scores, GMAT scores if you’ve taken them, sometimes even high school grades. The average SAT score in one of the groups where I worked I believe was somewhere around a 2200 and it is at a slightly less well regarded bank than the ones you mentioned. If you scored well on your SATs (2250+), this will work in your favor. If you scored poorly (less than 2100, this will be another mark against you). Obviously, if you are in this range, you should retake the SATs and possibly the gmats, if you believe you can score in the 720+ range.
Does your school have any alumni at these banks or do you have any contacts at the above bank?
If the answer is no, your chances are very close to 0.
What kind of experience do you have? If you can get a summer internship at a reputable investment bank your sophomore year (doesn’t need to be a bb), you will be in a much better place for junior year recruitment. If your only experience is in boutique consulting or personal wealth management, it will be very tough to get that junior year internship.) Without a junior year internship at the particular bank you plan on working for, your chances are basically 0.


Finally, give up on the idea of working just at a three you mentioned.
Culturally, none of these may be the best for you.
Even people towards the top of their class at Princeton will apply to more than just the top BBs and elite boutiques. The difference between say Goldman and Credit Suisse are so minimal that choosing to work at one rather than the other often comes down to group placement or culture.