Investment Banking Summer Analyst in NY M&A group

Applied online in April. I attend a semi/non target and heard back in May from an analyst and an associate separately, both asking to complete a first round interview and asked when I was free towards the end of the interview. I thought I was dinged but I guess they saw my application late (i believe they're doing seperate target and nontarget batches), and I was also able to attend their Houston Diversity Seminar in the fall. Overall, not horrible and most questions were from the guide (I think they didn't go as hard on me because I'm diversity) and they asked abstract questions and about my prior and upcoming experience (as I'm an incoming sophomore IB intern, as well as basic behaviorals like Why X school, why X major, tell me about a time when you had a conflict etc.

Overall, know your story, know why Evercore and especially if you have internship experience in finance before, expect to be grilled about that.

From the alums/people I talked to at EVR I felt like EVR has a great culture that's less stuffy compared to other BBs, but where you're still expected to grind and get amazing deal experience. The alums I chatted with are moving to Apollo, Thoma Bravo and even top HFs so it seems to be a great place for exits (as well as supportive for exit opportunities with seniors willing to bat for you, and they let you stay on a 3rd year if necessary).