You have impressive stats and scores please don’t underestimate yourself. Just make sure you have a balanced list of schools.
You are correct that is does make a difference what school you attend in these areas of finance. There are exceptions but the vast majority of I banking analysts get their internships and jobs by attending target schools and leveraging the alumni networks of their schools.
I think your best bet financially and career wise is UNC and working hard to get into Kenan-Flagler. You can take a punt on Robertson at both Duke and UNC. Either one would be a “golden ticket” as the Robertson is well known and will open doors although it is extremely competitive.
Additionally, I would look at Fordham, Holy Cross, Kelley or Geis. I would avoid schools with lesser alumni networks, minimal perceived prestige or a limited geographic placement history. I am not suggesting these biases are justified but they do exist.
Agreed. We see many applied math, CS, physics type kids in these roles. I previously posted that while Econ and finance majors tend to be overrepresented it is largely a function of how many of them apply.
I am a career I banker so happy to answer any specific questions.