The Complete List of Investment Banking Target Schools (2024)

FAQs

What is considered a target school for investment banking? ›

Investment Banking Target Schools Definition: “Target schools” send significant numbers of their students into investment banking each year and have broad alumni networks in the industry; large banks focus their recruiting efforts on these schools and often reserve spots for a fixed number of students at each target ...

This is pretty simple - investment banks want to hire people with good grades in school. The closer you are to 4.0, the better. Anything 3.7 or above is considered a good GPA, and you probably won't get questioned about it.

Target Schools

A target school is one where your academic credentials ( grades , SAT or ACT scores , and class rank) fall well within the school's average range for the most recently accepted class. There are no guarantees, but it's not unreasonable to expect to be accepted to several of your target schools.

Other schools with strong representation at Goldman include MIT, Stanford, NYU, Michigan, Georgetown, and Duke.

For those seeking a career in investment banking, a bachelor's degree in finance is a prerequisite. Other potential acceptable majors include bachelors in economics or bachelors in business supplemented with a minor in finance.

Target schools are schools that you are more likely to be admitted into and have an acceptance rate between 35 and 75%. If your standardized test scores and GPA meet the requirements and range scores these universities are looking for, then there is a greater likelihood that you will receive an admissions offer.

How to pass an investment banking interview? ›

Preparing for an investment banking interview requires a lot of preparation. Before going into an interview, research the particular bank, familiarize yourself with the deals it has done in the past or is currently working on, and be prepared to talk about the economy and financial markets.

Reputation: JPMorgan Chase is a highly reputable and respected company in the financial industry. Working at such a well-established and successful organization would provide me with valuable experience and opportunities for growth.

Goldman Sachs does not give a specific minimum GPA requirement, though some sources suggest a GPA of at least 3.6 is preferred. Additionally, you may need to show relevant coursework and hard skills for certain programs.

Q: What are your GPA requirements? A: We value diverse degree backgrounds and experiences and while a GPA 3.2 (or equivalent) in your undergraduate degree is preferred it is not required. Our training programs are designed to allow everyone, regardless of major studied to succeed.

Yes, GPA matters! Bulge bracket banks and almost all other investment banks will look at your GPA when applying for a job and you should include it in your resume. Typically banks screen resumes based on GPA and will often remove anyone below 3.5.

Target: the admit rate over 25%+ and your academic profile puts you in the mid 50th percentile or higher of students from the previous year. These schools represent your 'sweet spot' since your academic performance is in range and the admit rates are reasonable.

Semi-target schools are schools where there are a more limited number of Wall Street firms recruiting consistently, the firms recruit for back and middle office positions, or some combination of the two. Some examples of semi-target schools would include Emory, Notre Dame, and Vanderbilt.

Overall, UCLA places reasonably well into investment banking and earns a designation as a semi-target school.

UFlorida is ranked #44 on our investment banking target school list, earning it a designation as a lower semi-target school.