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US Target Schools

Hi all, 

I know in the U.S. there’s a lot of talk about target schools like Wharton, Harvard, or Columbia being the main feeders into IB. For anyone already in banking, how much does your university actually matter once you’re past the application stage? 

Thanks for the insights

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Top answer
Rita
Coach
on Sep 04, 2025
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Hi there,

From what I’ve seen, the name of your university matters most at the very first step, getting interviews. Once you’re past that stage, it’s much more about your technical prep, how you perform in interviews, and the impression you leave on the team. I’ve coached candidates from non-target schools who made it into top banks because they networked hard, had strong internships, and showed they could deliver.

So while a target school can open doors, once you’re in the process, it’s really your skills and drive that count.

Best of luck,
Rita