Realistically, you're not going to get into MF PE even with a 36 ACT. What's far more important is getting into a school where a MF recruits undergrads (Harvard, Wharton, maybe a few others?) and then being at the top of your class AND having at least 1 BB/EB IBD internship. So I guess the "bare minimum" ACT is the "bare minimum" for Harvard/one of the other schools.

Source: I applied to a MF PE internship with a personal recommendation from an Senior MD. Every other person interviewing was from the schools listed above.

 

I know an MD at KKR. So I have that going for me. I am currently going into a non target as stated above, but I plan to transfer to a school like georgetown or USC. I know it is difficult but I am extremely determined (I don't intend to leave my dorm except for exercising and networking). I am already compiling a list of individuals who work at IB firms that were alumni at my school into a spreadsheet with the intention of getting a boutique IB internship for my freshman year of HS. Hopefully that will serve as my first "stepping stone" to a BB IBD M&A position. Also the minimum ACT for Harvard is around a 34, so do you suggest I retake it? Lastly, did you end up getting the PE internship?

 
354231:

I know an MD at KKR. So I have that going for me. I am currently going into a non target as stated above, but I plan to transfer to a school like georgetown or USC. I know it is difficult but I am extremely determined (I don't intend to leave my dorm except for exercising and networking). I am already compiling a list of individuals who work at IB firms that were alumni at my school into a spreadsheet with the intention of getting a boutique IB internship for my freshman year of HS. Hopefully that will serve as my first "stepping stone" to a BB IBD M&A position. Also the minimum ACT for Harvard is around a 34, so do you suggest I retake it? Lastly, did you end up getting the PE internship?

Honestly don't think that is a very good idea. Yes, do work hard, study etc. but try to have some semblance of a social life and try to be somewhat involved on campus. The kids that annoy me the most when they're networking are the kids that are singularly focused on getting a banking job and can't hold a conversation about anything other than finance. So go and work hard and transfer to a good school, but not at the expense of being a well-rounded, likeable person.

As far as test scores go, minimum is probs >2000 / >30. There isn't a formula to it, just something that won't raise any eyebrows when people are skimming your resume. Yes, you might get a few bonus points for a 2200+ or 34+ but not enough to really make a difference.

 
354231:

I know an MD at KKR. So I have that going for me. I am currently going into a non target as stated above, but I plan to transfer to a school like georgetown or USC. I know it is difficult but I am extremely determined (I don't intend to leave my dorm except for exercising and networking). I am already compiling a list of individuals who work at IB firms that were alumni at my school into a spreadsheet with the intention of getting a boutique IB internship for my freshman year of HS. Hopefully that will serve as my first "stepping stone" to a BB IBD M&A position. Also the minimum ACT for Harvard is around a 34, so do you suggest I retake it? Lastly, did you end up getting the PE internship?

No, don't retake the ACT. You are much better served just focusing on school and killing it your first year.

I know someone else also mentioned this, but you need to have some type of life outside of school/networking. Actually enjoy your years in school. There's nothing wrong with doing well, but I'm getting the impression you have your mind made up about working at a mega fund out of undergrad and anything else will be a disappointment. These opportunities are incredibly difficult to get and you may not even yet realize what these types of positions entail. Someone more knowledgable than I has written on this forum about how being a PE analyst isn't anything like the work an associate would do and how they would recommend the IB route for someone who was actually serious for doing PE in the long term.

And lastly, no, I did not get the internship. I was actually cut after the first round because I didn't have strong enough prior experience (IB internship). Doesn't mean I will never work in PE (hence my name), I just had to keep my options open and have realistic expectations about what opportunities would be available to me from a state school.

 

I have a 33 ACT and no one wants to hire me but I got a dope graduation announcement. So I have that going for me.

"It is better to have a friendship based on business, than a business based on friendship." - Rockefeller. "Live fast, die hard. Leave a good looking body." - Navy SEAL
 

lol no. no one told me the difference between schools other than 'fun' life when I went to a rural town high school. literally only could name Harvard as part of the Ivy League. thats what people don't realize that a lot of kids (especially poor or rural areas) just don't know aobut going to a great school even with great scores.

"It is better to have a friendship based on business, than a business based on friendship." - Rockefeller. "Live fast, die hard. Leave a good looking body." - Navy SEAL
 
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