Hi,

So here's my story:

Basically, I've done absolutely nothing my freshman year. I started at an out of state school, but had to transfer once back instate (because it was too expensive), and now I need to transfer again, because for one, I absolutely hate it at this school, and two, I feel the other instate school has a better program. So already, I've transferred twice, which isn't by any means a good thing. This leads me to my next point. You know how in investment banking people keep talking about going to a target school? Well guess what? I DON'T. I (will) go to a school that's anything but Wharton (University of Oregon), so that already puts me at a huge disadvantage.

Here's the kicker though: I have terrible grades! I started off in pre-med, and have only now switched to business, so my freshman GPA is absolutely horrendous. Plus, even in the intro business class, I haven't been doing as great as I wanted (probably will end up with a B+), and this term has still been a struggle. Part of the problem, I think, is that I have only NOW, 3 terms in, realized just how hard I'm going to have to bust my ass in college to get good grades.

So here's my point I suppose. I am really looking at trying to get into a Big 4 firm (at least to start out) and eventually become partner of a firm (whether it's in the Big 4 or at a smaller company) or go into consulting. However, I go to a "non-target", and will probably finish my freshman year with a 3.1-3.2 GPA. Should I just give up now, because, from what I hear, Big 4 firms only want people with a 3.5+, and that is probably from "target" schools, meaning I basically need a 3.9+? I have family in India that will try and set me up with an internship during the summer at an Indian bank, but is there anything else, besides internships (btw, how much weight do they carry) that can make up for my low IQ?

thanks