What is considered a "Leading University"?

[Jim]

I know that a lot of Wall Street hires are based on pedigree, such as this one: http://www.quantfinancejobs.com/jobdetails.asp?dbid=&guid=&JobID=10463

But what constitutes "leading" university? Does that mean top 5 graduate program? If you're not from a so-called "leading" university, are you better off just not applying even if you have a solid foundation on the subject matter? Thanks.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

The idea is if you even ask this question, you are not qualified to apply. I know finance is an industry where many people have a snobbish attitude towards brands, perceived prestige.
These kind of postings can only come from recruitment agencies, not the employers themselves. You can imagine the kind of mess they will get into.
I personally wouldn't want to work with a recruiter who can't distinguish talents and have to use a brand to filter.

So to answer your question, I don't know what is a top 5 grad programs. And I'm sure different people will have different answers.

Stay away from those sites and job postings. There are more postings than jobs there.

 

[Barny]

In the UK:

Oxbridge

Gap

Imperial, UCL, LSE

Gap

Warwick

Gap

Durham, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Bristol

Gap

Other red bricks

Gap

Beyond here, you have 1/1000 chance.