<p>I recently finished my first year of college. I now have a 3.5 cumulative gpa. I would like to major in Finance and hopefully get into investment banking, so I would like to know what schools am I able to get into with that 3.5 and with no extracurricular activities in college.
Which business schools are reaches, which ones are in my range of the same level, and which ones are safeties?</p>
<p>Back when I still had my 3.85 during first semester I considered Berkeley, Stern, Cornell aem, and Mich ross, but I'm sure that as of right now they are all high reaches. Any comments, feedbacks and suggestions will be much appreciated.</p>
<p>Those are all top 10 schools, it is highly doubtful you will get into any of those with only a 3.5 gpa. You should look at schools between top 20-30 schools, even then it will be hard without ec’s. Examples may include Boston University, University of Rochester, Penn State, or Lehigh.</p>
<p>Although more information would be helpful. What school do you currently attend? HS GPA? Are you applying for mid year transfer or next fall? Standardized testing scores?</p>
<p>I’m currently at SUNY Buffalo.
I did really bad on my SATs so I don’t plan on submitting them if possible.
I’m planning on joining a Business Fraternity this Fall so I’m hoping that will count as an extra-curricular activity.</p>
<p>I would like to apply twice, once for Spring 2011 (2nd semester sophomore year, and the 2nd time for Fall 2011 (1st semester junior year) since those are my last two chances of applying, so I’m hoping I’ll get into somewhere good. (Assuming I get all A’s for my mid-year report for this upcoming semester and a 4.0gpa as I plan to work my butt off).</p>
<p>AoDay - Also when you say top 20-30 where should I look aside from using business week because people on this forum say it’s not the best source. Thanks</p>
<p>Pretty much every worthwhile business admin program that accepts transfers, only accepts them for fall semester. Most schools will also require your SAT/ACT score unless you have completed your freshman and possibly sophomore years. Check their transfer requirements. </p>
<p>USNWR’s business undergrad program rankings would be a better source for 20-30.</p>
<p>I am not sure how legitimate a business frat would be as an EC unless you took some officer positions. There should be some business clubs, finance club, or something along those lines. Try and get officer positions in those.</p>
<p>You should be careful with that set up of application dates. Every school I’ve looked at does not let you apply two semesters in a row, requiring you to wait a year before the next application. I’m not sure if there are any schools that allow it. Your only chance to apply twice would then be 2nd semester sophomore, and 2nd semester junior. Some schools only allow applications for fall, which would then only allow you to apply once to those schools.</p>
<p>GPA is definitely the most important thing in transfer admissions, followed by EC’s and essays. Your SAT’s will gradually carry less weight the further down the line you apply so I wouldn’t worry about those.</p>
<p>Personally I think SUNY Buffalo is an underrated school, but definitely not top 20 or 30. Most people agree that USNews reports the most accurate rankings, however they have stopped giving complete lists online only allowing you to see the top 10.</p>