Why is HR asking about my GPA?

I received an email from HR regarding an M&A internship at a large media corporation I'm really interested in. He asked for answers to a few questions before deciding if I'm chosen for an interview next week.

One of the questions was what my GPA is. I clearly stated it on my resume along with my year and major (sophomore, math and economics major). I'm concerned because the job description says "Minimum 3.3 GPA," but I have a 3.11. Why did HR ask me this question, and do you think they send this email to all applicants? Should I respond with just my GPA, or add an explanation? Is this going to automatically cut me off from getting an interview?

9 Comments
 

Not sure why they are asking but probably can't get around not giving it to them regardless if it's on your resume or not. It's not uncommon for hiring managers to re-ask something that is already on your resume.

Also, if your GPA is low and you somehow made it through the initial resume screen at least now you have a chance to explain why your GPA might be a little low.

 

So do you think there was an initial screen, or do they typically send those types of emails to all applicants? Should I explain why my GPA is low in the email response?

Array
 
Best Response

I don't understand where you're coming from.

  1. If they require a 3.3 + GPA and your GPA is under a 3.3 (by a substantial margin), then you are not a viable candidate from the start....maybe you'll have an opportunity to explain it, if they even decide to ask

  2. Who gives a shit if it's on your resume. You will be asked THOUSANDS of questions by your superiors that they could easily find out themselves....but guess what, it is much easier to just ask you directly...For example, "do I really want to sift through my emails / attachments and look at this kids resume for his GPA....nah...i'll just ask him"

  3. The fact that you didn't automatically respond to their question and now have replied multiple times to an online thread makes me question your ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

They didn't ask you to analyze the moon land, it's a simple question.

 

Et veniam assumenda ab asperiores quia asperiores architecto. Quam aut rerum rem expedita laborum. Nobis fugit incidunt voluptas sint quia in. Aut tempora modi voluptatem quia quae veniam. Ratione laborum et qui ipsum labore blanditiis.

Occaecati impedit reiciendis illo odio nulla. Rem quas et in. Voluptatem vitae culpa porro quis quis et.

Quod ut ut quidem et commodi sint. Libero soluta quia aut. Velit nihil et consectetur unde repellendus.

Voluptatem eos est iste laborum molestiae. Consequuntur nam blanditiis praesentium magnam praesentium ipsam aut. Ipsum autem minima animi ad. Architecto veritatis in eveniet accusamus. Quidem fugiat est dignissimos cum.

Only two sources I trust, Glenn Beck and singing woodland creatures.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (66) $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

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...”