<p>I want a career in finance (particularly investment banking) and was wondering how important undergrad is? Does it matter where you complete your undergraduate education as long as you are able to get your mba from one of the top tier schools in the US? I live in Alabama and come from a family with, less than mediocre, financial stability. I've been offered full tuition scholarships at different places such as Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Tennessee, none of which are known for their business programs. I'm sure that I can get into some of the top schools (33 ACT, National Achievement Finalist, valedictorian) but my parents cant bear the financial burden of paying for a college education at schools like Harvard, Princeton, NYU, Carnegie Mellon, so... my question is, am i sacrificing my investment banking career by choosing to go to some of the lower-end schools like the University of Alabama?</p>
<p>undergrad is important if you want to gain great internships/jobs right after college to pay for some other things you may want. but if you are certain an mba is what you'll get, study your ass off at alabama, TRY to earn a great internship, and go to columbia if six figures is what you're loking for. :)</p>
<p>The problem with attending a school like Alabama is that, coming out, you probably won't be able to get a good job that is "top-MBA" quality (work experience is the biggest factor in MBA admissions). The majority of students at top-MBA programs have already worked as Investment Bankers or Consultants and have attended a prestigious university for undergrad. If you have the numbers for a top undergrad school you should go. In fact, attending a school like Harvard may end up being cheaper than attending Alabama considering the need-based aid you might receive.</p>
<p>I agree with leo, you should definitely worry about the education you will be getting and not how much its going to cost you. If you are a strong candidate and these schools really want you, then you will receive plenty of need-based aid. A big part of getting into a top MBA program is the job you land after college and unfortunately, getting into banking from outside of a target school is nearly impossible.</p>
<p>If you get into Penn they'll give you a full ride if your parents earn less than a certain amount. I think it was $60k or something.</p>
<p>Why don't people understand that there arent just two options: random Southern State University or Big, Expensive No Merit Aid Elitist Harvard. Really, there are lots of places that will give out merit aid to applicants like you and usually depending on your financial situation, they will couple any merit awards w/ need based aid. On top of that, a few of these schools are actually target schools for IBanks. You seem like a rare applicant and would be valuable to a school that usually receives applications from only a certain region (i.e. New England schools) so why not do a little more research?</p>
<p>juggernaut ..Harvard and Princeton and schools like that are need blind if your family doesn't make too much money you will still be fine. The average indebtedness after Harvard is like 10k overall which you will more than likely make up with your great job.</p>
<p>Despite what one may believe, the less "prestigious" your undergrad institution, the less chance you have at a front-office IB rotation.</p>
<p>Investment Banks all have their core schools. About 80% of applicants are hired from them. If you're not in a core school, you have to go through a much harder process (jump through more hoops, per se) to get an internship/ job offer and prove yourself to the banks.</p>
<p>Regardless, it's all about your resume and interview. Work hard to craft both, and your chances will be great! Best of luck!</p>
<p>I heard pretty much if you get an internship you'll have a full time offer. About 80% of the time.</p>
<p>get a phd in physics, math, or computer science</p>
<p>futurenyustudent, at Penn competition for the junior year summer internships is actually more intense than the competition for full time positions. Investment banks and consulting firms don't recruit as many interns as they do full-time entry-level positions.</p>