How much does target school status matter for BBs?

Hey There!

Target school status definitely makes the process easier because banks concentrate much of their recruiting there, but it doesn’t make breaking in from a non-target impossible. What it really means is that you’ll need to be more proactive and strategic in building your path. 

Strong grades and internships are already a good foundation, and the next step is to maximize networking—reaching out to alumni, setting up coffee chats, and making sure people know your name before your application hits the system. Many non-target candidates land interviews simply because they built relationships with analysts or associates who then flagged their resume.

To stand out, make sure your story is sharp and clearly explains why you want banking, how your experiences prepared you, and what makes you different. Show that you’ve put in the work to master technicals, since that helps prove you’re just as ready as candidates from targets. 

Persistence is key here—the process may take more effort, but plenty of non-target students do make it into bulge brackets by combining hustle, preparation, and a strong personal pitch.

Breaking into bulge bracket banks from a non-target school is challenging but entirely possible with the right strategy. Since you won’t have the built-in network or on-campus recruiting advantages of target schools, you’ll need to be proactive with networking, reaching out to alumni, second-degree connections, and professionals at boutiques or middle-market firms who may be more accessible. 

Strong internships, demonstrable technical skills, and polished interview preparation are essential to offset the school name, as banks will focus on your ability to perform from day one. Highlighting leadership experiences, relevant projects, and any unique achievements can also help you stand out and show that your drive and capability make up for the non-target background.

It’s definitely tougher from a non-target but not impossible. Many BB hires come from target schools, but strong grades, relevant internships, and networking can bridge the gap. To stand out, focus on building solid technical skills, get internships—even smaller ones count—and network aggressively, especially with alumni or contacts inside banks. Tailor your story to show why you’re motivated and capable. Also, consider programs like off-cycle internships, workshops, or competitions that get you exposure. It’s about proving you can perform, even without the target name.

It's definitely harder if you come from a non-target university as BBs focus on schools with strong recruiting pipelines, but it's still possible. You have to network a lot, get relevant experience in finance, and be really solid in tech. I've seen people from non-target schools break through by outperforming others and being persistent.