Transfer to Top Tier B-School

Career Opportunities & Internships Investment Banking
1

<p>Hi guys,</p>

<p>So I've come to a dilemma here. I want to go to Wharton but the realization of acceptance of the acceptance rate is always discouraging. That being said I am looking to transfer as an incoming junior. By the time I look to transfer I look to have between a 3.8 and a 3.9 and have taken a demanding course load built upon a large majority of honors coursework. My SAT's were not stellar so I feel that my collegiate coursework would prove that the SAT did not properly gauge my level of intellect. I would be coming from a state school which is a non target. I'm in the honors college of my current school and have joined our school's investment association. I've already begun rising up although my involvement is <4 months. I've started my own equity/economic research non-profit organization where I produce detailed analysis for interested investors and teach others how to valuate companies. I've also done some independent research on hedge fund's impacts on the economy. My most proud achievement is creating a charitable trust for helping families struggling with ALS. </p>

<p>Along with these EC's I also have volunteer work and some intramural sports.</p>

<p>I feel that I have done a bit to differentiate myself and prove my dedication to the financial industry. </p>

<p>Should I give Wharton a shot or just apply to general Penn and graduate with an economics degree and see where that takes me.</p>

<p>That being said what would my chances be at other top schools such as Stern, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, etc.</p>

2

<p>Shoot for the stars, bud. Probably would have to take an extra year if you get into a b-school… stern and wharton are four year programs. A transfer to any of those schools by any applicant is tough.</p>

3

<p>You sound like you would have a competitive application. </p>

<p>I am almost certain you will get into Stern. </p>

<p>Yale, Columbia, and Harvard: I would say because each of the transfer programs is so small, they will really want to see A) Great, great potential and B) Why transferring will help you. I think one of your problems is that at this point (especially as a junior) it will be hard for them to see what transferring there will give you (other than access to on-campus recruiting, which to them is not a valid answer). </p>

<p>I would also highly recommend looking at Cornell AEM and Dartmouth. Both schools are known for taking transfers, and especially in the past two years I’ve seen an overwhelming number of students from both of these schools in general on Wall St compared to past years.</p>