In need of advice - Current sophmore at a non-target state school

Hello I'm a current sophomore at a non-target state school. I just finished my third semester and I have a 2.7 gpa cum (2.2--3.4--2.7). I've spent my third semester partying and joining a fraternity. I need opinions on how bad I've messed my self up in regards to my gpa and will I even get looked at in the future when applying to working in investment banking?

 
Inneedofadvice:

Hello I'm a current sophomore at a non-target state school. I just finished my third semester and I have a 2.7 gpa cum (2.2--3.4--2.7). I've spent my third semester partying and joining a fraternity. I need opinions on how bad I've messed my self up in regards to my gpa and will I even get looked at in the future when applying to working in investment banking?

You could attend a target school and have a connected Dad and still have pretty much no chance with that GPA.
 

With that GPA, obviously the chances are low even for SA your junior summer. But the good news is that you've recognized the problem and it's not too late as long as you start to turn things around now. If you can raise your grades (>3.7 every semester), network, and apply broadly, you'll probably have a great shot at a boutique for your junior summer and then may even have good prospects for full-time recruiting.

 

If you delay graduation one year, take a full course load for the next 4 semesters, and get a 3.8 in those semesters, you could get a 3.4 cumulative. That will also give you a chance to get 2 summers of relevant experience. Not all is lost yet. You need to get your shit together though.

Of course, given your current performance at a non-target no less, I'd question your ability to do what I just recommended. Prove me wrong.

 

I want to go into investment scale 8/10. I see it as the best way to start off a life in finance, the experience you get at a young age i imagine is like no other.

But when you guys say networking do suggest reaching out to people on wall-street etc.? I'm attending school in the south/midwest.

 
Best Response

Do you have any previous finance internships? Any internships? Any on-campus (or high school) jobs? I would say that if the answer to all of these is 'No', it might be nigh-impossible to get an internship in IBD, unless you have some ridiculous connection (an uncle MD or something).

Otherwise, you still need to do some serious reaching out to people, as getting recommended is pretty much the only way for non-targets, especially with a low GPA. It's going to be really, really tough.

 

Odio quia odio est iste ut voluptas. Dolorem enim quibusdam esse non illum. Quos autem suscipit qui eos quia ipsam ipsum. Ea autem quas vitae non dicta. Consequatur aut asperiores delectus fugiat veritatis at magni.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”