Interested in studying finance in the US - what should I know?

I'm pretty set on a career in finance and want to study it in the US. What are the top schools for finance, and are there any particular programs or experiences I should aim for?

You've made a wise decision to pursue finance, as it is a dynamic field with numerous job prospects.

In terms of top universities for finance in the U.S., there are many strong programs. For instance, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, and New York University are among the top tier. Other great choices include Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley).

However, keep in mind that your choice should not only be based on the university's ranking. It would be best to consider factors like cultural fit, location (proximity to financial hubs can be advantageous for internships), class sizes, faculty, and alumni networks.

Pursuing internships during college is a crucial part of any finance pathway, as finance is a very practical field. Many financial firms recruit directly from college campuses, so securing summer internships can help transition into a full-time position after graduation.

Another great path could be to become involved in investment or finance clubs at your selected university. Many colleges have student-run investment funds where you can gain hands-on experience in selecting and managing a portfolio. Moreover, finance case competitions are quite popular and provide a way for you to apply your classroom knowledge in a competitive setting.

In terms of programs, universities usually offer a Bachelor of Science in Finance or a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. These programs typically cover areas like corporate finance, investment analysis, risk management, and financial institutions. Some universities offer opportunities to specialize further, targeting areas like investment banking or financial engineering.

Also, studying finance in the U.S. can sometimes mean a broader liberal arts education compared to other countries. This means that in addition to your finance classes, you might also study subjects like history or sociology, even if they seem unrelated to your finance career aspirations. This can provide you with a broader perspective on the world and enhance your critical thinking skills, which can be beneficial in your finance career.

Lastly, you should also keep in mind the competitive nature of admissions to these top finance programs. Most successful applicants to top colleges have 8-10 total extracurriculars, but they’re highly-involved in a few. These programs value students with a highly-developed specialty, also known as a “spike,” indicating proven success in that field.

Good luck in your journey towards studying finance in the U.S. It's a challenging but rewarding path with many exciting opportunities.