3.5 GPA at Target: Am i cooked?
Sophomore here at an ivy-level target preparing to apply for IB SA 27. Ran into some personal issues in my first semester at college, which tanked my GPA. I got a 4.0 the next semester and on track to get my GPA up to a 3.5 in January when applications open up.
Need to know if I'm genuinely cooked. Seems like everyone has a 3.8+. I've networked and had a couple of good calls with some people at each bank, ranging from analyst to MD Only one of them explicitly said they'd give me a referral (without me asking) at the end of a call, but hasn't responded to my follow-up email; the rest hinted towards it but I'm not sure and don't want to be pushy.
I'm a woman, also URM. Have attended a good number of events by each bank to show interest, participated in some early insight programs, and applied to a few more. My resume is also good and I'm involved with leadership positions at school. Just need to know how cooked I am for top BBs. If anyone has any advice/insights. Thanks.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, you're not "cooked," but you do face a competitive uphill battle. Here's a breakdown of your situation and actionable advice:
1. GPA Concerns
2. Networking
3. URM and Diversity Programs
4. Leadership and Extracurriculars
5. Referrals
6. Application Strategy
7. Interview Prep
Final Thoughts:
You're not "cooked" at all. Your GPA is on the lower end for top BBs, but your diversity, networking efforts, leadership roles, and upward trend in grades give you a solid shot. Keep networking, leverage diversity programs, and prepare thoroughly for interviews. You've got this!
Sources: Two Internships Later: What I wish I Knew While Recruiting! (Toronto), Low GPA, trying to get my foot in the door. What do I do?, 3.0 GPA, 2nd tier target, looking to get into FT IB, Networking is over-rated/not-need for finding corporate jobs. My experience!, You want a summer analyst offer? Here's how...
You will be more than fine. People like me who are on F-1 visa are cooked.
Unless you shoot entirely for Goldman, MS, JPM, evercore, centerview, moelis, etc, you are perfectly fine. BBs and EBs care more, but even so you will likely get interviews at those places. Dont sweat it.
3.3 GPA at a target and I still landed an SA role + converted to FT at a top group in an MM / large BS Bank (JEFF / RBC / WF).
Network hard with alum (big plus if you’re a part of a major investing club w a strong pipeline) + be absolutely flawless with your technicals and you’ll be fine.
Not cooked. Focus on being personable, networking and the technical skills. And please don’t dress like gen z with white socks mixed with dress shoes. This industry is stuck in the past and is conservative af
Typically if you are diversity you’ll get a lot more laxed GPA standards. I had a 3.6 from an IVY+ and got an offer, I know a girl who had a 3.4 and got an offer. I think there is a rank into which is more laxed but all DEI is relatively laxed to non-DEI. I would say even then female DEI is one of the more laxed ones. Overall, I wouldn’t worry too much is the point, just control what you can control and try your best to bump it.
-a fellow DEI warrior
Thanks so much. If you don’t mind me asking do you happen to remember where she got an offer from?
Lazard
I’d be careful about this. Don’t assume you’ll have it easier GPA wise. At a target and all the women I know who got BB/EB had a 4.0 or at the very least a 3.9. MM was 3.7/3.8. Not trying to fear monger OP but why does this site assume there aren’t women who have high GPAs?
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