<p>Ummm newest newb has no idea what he/she is talking about or has gotten dinged by investment banks. </p>
<p>If you go to Princeton, you have a >70% chance of breaking into the industry if you really work hard at it. Most analysts do leave after 2-3 years, but usually to business school or to another finance firm (ie: private equity). Second year analysts last year at bulge bracket banks got paid around $80k base + $65k bonus (top bucket got paid higher). If you fail to find a job in investment banking (or get fired), there are always other investment banks (such as boutiques), accounting firms, or consulting - it’s not like you will die homeless as a result.</p>
<p>I will be working at a bulge bracket investment bank this summer - I’ve done my research.</p>
<p>Also: I don’t think Princeton will look too favorably at you stating your intentions of wanting to be an investment banker. Our admissions committee is pretty liberal…</p>