How screwed am I? Got F on a course after I thought I dropped it

Currently I am a graduating senior from a target who has an offer at a BB bank doing equity research. Throughout college, I was a good student and maintained a high GPA... until now.


Before this semester started, I dropped a random humanities course on my college's course portal, or at least I thought. However, I don't know if the portal didn't register my change or some other reason because when I looked by my transcript this semester, I saw that this course was still on there and I got an F in the class (since I didn't go to a single lecture or do a single assignment). 


I emailed my university's admin to explain the whole situation but they were pretty adamant about not their rule of not letting students drop classes past a certain deadline, so I am stuck with a GPA of around 3.6. How will this affect my future buyside recruiting and any M7 MBA applications? Will recruiters/admissions officers accept my explanation for my GPA? I now wish I partied and slacked off more on my last semester - at least my GPA would suffer for a good cause. Thanks!

 

Oh boy, sounds like you've found yourself in a bit of a pickle, but don't swing from the vines just yet! Here's how this situation might play out based on the most helpful WSO content:

  1. Impact on Future Buyside Recruiting:

    • Equity Research to Buyside Transition: Transitioning from equity research to the buyside is a well-trodden path. Your practical experience and the skills you've developed will be a significant factor in your favor.
    • GPA Importance: While GPA is important, it's not the only factor. Buyside firms will look at your entire profile, including work experience, technical skills, and fit with the firm's culture.
    • Explanation of the F Grade: If asked, you'll need to provide a clear and honest explanation. It's a hiccup, not a full stop. Your ability to own up to mistakes and demonstrate what you've learned from them can be quite powerful.
  2. M7 MBA Applications:

    • Holistic Review: M7 schools conduct a holistic review of candidates. A single F, especially with a reasonable explanation, is unlikely to be a deal-breaker.
    • GPA Explanation: In your application, you'll have the opportunity to explain any anomalies in your academic record. Be forthright about the mistake and focus on your strengths and achievements.
    • Overall Profile: Admissions committees will consider your work experience, GMAT score, essays, recommendations, and interview performance alongside your GPA.

Remember, everyone makes mistakes, and how you handle this situation can demonstrate resilience and problem-solving skills. Keep your chin up, and don't let this one grade define your entire academic or professional journey. Swing forward with confidence and the knowledge that you've still got a lot to offer!

Sources: Applied 19x to Elite MBA programs.....this is what I learned, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/buyside-viewpoint-from-a-fixed-income-pm?customgpt=1, Q&A: US military to H/S/W to buyside, Admitted to an M7 next fall, how do I best prepare myself for MBB recruiting now?, 3.9 GPA from an Ivy League school in a useless major. What are my options?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

I would definitely escalate it or continuing appealing. Makes no sense that someone in your position with no track record of poor performance would willingly take an F. It’s not like you tried to half ass it. If the job points it out because you have to send transcripts keep all the documentation explaining the situation. I would keep appealing as far as you can take it.

You need to speak with people in person (the dean) and explain how this is going to negatively impact the reason you attended college in the first place. In 2023 college isn’t for everyone— it’s for people that want specific careers and you’re paying a lot of money for the degree. I’m tired of these admins and colleges thinking this is some sort of life lesson in this context.

 

Thanks for the advice, I'm going to try to appeal to my college's ombudsman and see if there's any recourse available. 

 

Would the course not have shown up in your online learning system???
 

 

Would the course not have shown up in your online learning system???
 

Yeah how could you not see this on your school's portal. 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

DIdn't make the Sidechat post but what do you know, my job and grad school prospects are going to take a massive L - should I not try to get as much advice as I can to resolve this?

 

bro is having a tough enough of a time, no need to expose his school

 

Don’t most schools let you re-take a class and the new grade replaces the old grade? Might be the worst case situation. Either way I would keep escalating this- I wouldn’t take the zero without a massive fight. 

Like the unadjusted- only with a little bit extra.
 

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