I’m currently a freshman and have a 4.0 unweighted GPA. I’m taking Honors Algebra II (100% average!) and Honors Geometry for math classes. Outside of that I’m taking all honors courses. Next year I’m doubling up on AP Bio and Honors Chemistry as well as taking Honors Pre-Calc for the math/science department. I’ll probably be taking an AP Stat course at FLVS if all goes well next year so I have an AP math classes and a total of 2 AP classes under my belt in just my sophomore year.
I apologize for my digression, I just wanted to give a bit of a background of the classes I’m taking as of right now and the ones I’m taking in the near future. Now to my question- what things, as in extra-curriculars, summer experience, etc., are finance-related and will help me get into my dream school Princeton? I’ve noticed that a lot of the accepted applicants all have their summer experiences, work, and extra-curriculars all have something to do with what they’re aiming to major in. For ECs, I am in DECA, Future Business Leaders of America (hoping to become president by junior/senior year which is a major plus), Math League, and TSA among others. I’m aiming to become the president of a good amount of clubs in later years as well as finding a club so that could help too. What else should I be doing?
Wow I thought I saw finance in the major list, I’ll look at some other majors or universities. I really want to aim for Princeton so is there a major there that’s similar to finance?
you realize that 100s of HYP grads go onto finance careers right? Surprise for you: none of the three have business, finance or accounting majors. The “major” is not a direct link to the career – it’s called liberal arts. Go study economics, or applied math or French literature. It doesn’t matter.
@T26E4 I know that, I don’t know if I want a career in finance yet. I want to major in that or something similar because that’s what I’m interested as of right now. I know that I wouldn’t be locked into the major I picked and would have to have it as a career. I’m asking what to I have to do to show that I’m interested in a business major (it would now be economics because there is no finance major).
Econ is definitely one way to keep your “business” career options open. Math or heavy quant majors (Physics, comp sci) are highly prized too. Hiring managers want solid analytical skills, great communication (written & oral) skills, and ease of fit within an org.
Also, operations research and financial engineering (ORFE). It’s a BSE degree in the engineering school though, but it’s a popular major for finance-bound students
@CannedPineapple the ORFE program is pretty interesting, thanks for mentioning that. I just have a question about it that may be pretty stupid but I’m just starting to research colleges and majors, but is ORFE a major that you can go into as a freshman at Princeton or is it a program where you have to opt-in in later years after passing certain classes? Thanks.
You can start as a BSE/ORFE concentrator right away. You won’t declare until later on but you will start on the BSE track from the start. If you decide you don’t like it, it’s easy to make a switch from BSE to AB (and AB to BSE if you have the required math/physics preparation). When you apply, you can indicate your area of intended concentration but you are not bound to it as students are accepted to Princeton as a whole - not to the school of engineering or college of liberal arts.
As indicated above, economics is a great option for students who are considering careers in finance, but many graduates from completely unrelated concentrations have been known to go on to work in the financial sector. One thing my son noted - if you are considering concentrating in math, you will need very extensive preparation to be successful. My son was the top math student in his class and even ranked highly nationally but said he would have absolutely floundered as a math concentrator at Princeton. Many incoming math students are starting at very advanced level classes so it’s worth keeping this in mind as you apply. My son said there are profs who actively discourage students without significant preparation from concentrating in math because it’s so advanced and demanding. Just something to keep in mind!
@Cantiger thanks for answering my question. I’m probably going to try to major in that.
Question for anyone who can answer; what are some things I can do (ECs, summer activities, etc.) that can show Princeton I’m interested and dedicated to going on the BSE track? I would guess taking AP Stat next year would be a great idea but what else?
I never thought it really existed either…I know Cornell and Columbia both have strong finance programs. @andrewoz9 I think finding an internship or job somehow related could help!