Transferring undergraduate twice?

Question

Hello!

I have a really non-traditional background, and need some quick advice.

I went to community college, and transferred to NYU. I'm currently studying economics and ending my sophomore year (I'm 22 so a little behind, but have work experience to make up for it, hopefully).

I'm loving NYU academically, but hating it socially. I'm thinking about transferring (again) up town to Columbia to finish out my undergrad. I am doing very well here academically though.

I was told doing this could seriously jeopardize my ability to attend top business schools. Is this true?

I also am 100% set on working in California (LA) when I graduate, which is my home town. NYU has a massive presence in NYC, but not so much in LA. I think Columbia would make me more competitive against graduating USC, UCLA, Berk and stanford kids in the career I'm interested in (finance). However, transferring could set me back a semester, or even a year academically

Does anyone have any input? What would you do if you were me?? I'm trying to make the best long term decision as possible!

bakfed · Answer

This is what I would do.

Stick it out with NYU simply for the fact that I'm already doing well academically. No matter where you end up working (LA or NY), your undergrad grades will come into play when you apply to b-school. I'd rather end up with a 3.8 from NYU than a 3.4 from Columbia. Work-wise in LA, I highly doubt that the differences in names (NYU and Columbia) will be much different when you're looking for a job. Both are great schools and while Columbia is an ivy-league, I don't think anyone will doubt the rigor that you endured at NYU as any less than that of Columbia.

humphy · Answer

I agree with bakfed, transferring will likely cost you more, make it longer for you to graduate, and not gain you anything. NYU is a great school, plus there is going to be serious scrutiny around your perceived "lack of commitment". Kind of a downer for major orgs.

applesauce123 · Answer

See I completely agree with what you've both said.

I should also point out though that Im in SCPS within NYU, a program for non-traditional returning students. The courses and program are identical to the college of arts and sciences, but it may not be as prestigious on a transcript for b school admissions, if i decide to apply.

I'd also think though that I wouldn't really have to mention my transfer to perspective employers unless they ask, right?

My reason for transferring within my hypothetical b school app would be columbias new financial economics undergrad major, which is not offered here. Columbia also has a new business management co-major program, which allows you to take MBA courses, and also participate in recruiting events solely for MBA students. You're also eligible to do their 3+2 program, where you get admitted into the business school starting your senior year and take courses, and complete your BA and MBA in 5 years (its really tough to get in however).

I'm just concerned that the big UCLA/Berk/Stanford crowd in LA won't view me as competitive as their current alumni, but would change their mind if they saw a Columbia grad. It's such a bummer that the industry I'm interested in going into is so about pedigree. I also think that Columbias program is more rigorous as well.

I'd also point out that I was nearly a HS dropout with terrible scores. Getting into columbia itself is something that I've wanted to accomplish for a very long time.

However, I feel very comfortable within NYU and am doing extremely well academically. I even created an independent study course over summer that will teach me financial modeling, LBO modeling, merger models, comp models, accounting, and excel.

I'm so confused

humphy · Answer

Well, what are you going to put on your resume if you transfered? grad columbia? that isnt 100% true is it?

Also, Id have to ask about your premise in coming to LA. By the sound of it, you are trying to get into IB (fin modeling, LBO, merger, etc.). LA is a terrible banking city. NYC and SF and maybe Chicago are where you want to be for that in the US.

that columbia program sounds interesting, would you be starting over in it? BTW, the fact that you were nearly a HS dropout and have made it this far is an interesting story, try to use that to your advantage in your future efforts if the opportunity presents itself.

NYU is a good school. If you offer to relo yourself, i doubt cali ppl will opt for a local rather than an east coaster. but seriously, there is no banking in LA. The finance scene is pretty bad here too. Its all about entertainment, hospitality, food, some A&D, some biotech/pharma, but finance isnt at the top at all..

applesauce123 · Answer

Its interesting, I initially listed my community college and then NYU. I was told by a recruiter as well as the OCR counselor that I only needed to put the institution that would be awarding my degree. If I received an AA from SMC then I'd list it. I was also told to put my GPA from my current academic institution, so that can be verified when I'm receiving an offer, as opposed to cumulative which could complicate HR's life.

I keep hearing that over and over - and I totally agree. That being said, I have no family anywhere other than Cali. I can't work 90+ hours a week without my family as a support system. Big banks (GS, MS, CS, Citi, UBS) all have an IB "presence" there. There's also smaller shops like Houlihan, Moelis, Lazard. Oaktree capital is the big PE firm out there, whom I've already begun the recruiting process with. I'd totally be down for something boutique/middle market in LA. I just need family around me, and I really underestimated that coming to NYC for college.

Well the Columbia Business Management co-major offers courses I haven't taken at NYU, so I don't know if I'd be starting over, rather than beginning (because I'm not really in a business program at NYU). https://www.college.columbia.edu/bulletin/depts/busc.php

Thank you for the encouraging words about my background. I got admitted into UPenn CAS a few weeks ago and that was exhilarating. Unfortunately, their transfer evaluation process is the worst of its kind (much harsher than Columbia), and their requirements are so different that going there would 100% set me back even more than Columbia. Thus, I've opted to not go. It definitely feels good hearing "accepted" though when I can remember only a few years ago being told I may not graduate, and several teachers at my HS petitioned to keep me because of my truancies and what not.

So you feel being an east coaster is working for me? I'm so concerned. I've always heard Cali people who I know personally be like, "Why didn't you go to Berk or UCLA," or, "What is NYU known for again...Film?"

I really appreciate your help. Neither of my parents graduated college, and I don't have many friends that are in college, or at least in college for the same reasons as I. I've become really reliant on forums and such not having an official mentor in this regard.

jordanhendrix · Answer

why do you want to work in cali so bad?

applesauce123 · Answer

- My only family lives there
 - I love the beach lifestyle
 - Hate east coast weather
 - East coast is a little to proper for me
 - Like laid back social atmospheres
 - Love car culture
 - My idea of a family is a big house with a backyard, relatively close to where I work, and not an apartment (even if its huge)
 - My only family lives there (to the tenth power)

jordanhendrix · Answer

its banking, use the NYC connections and get over there, worry less about the school and just make it happen. I worked in LA, people from every school in the world are there.

Transferring undergraduate twice?

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