Currently have a 3.4 at a semi-target going into Junior year SA recruiting, even with a 4.0 next semester I won't have a 3.5. How real is the 3.5 GPA cutoff? Would having two IB internships (boutique and MM) and a higher Major GPA (3.7) allow me to make it past resume screens?
I plan on networking with alumni but realistically what are my chances of top BB/EB's? Any advice from current bankers?
| +379 | Evercore Intern Seizure | 56 | 1h |
| +74 | JPM M&A is Gone??? Purely Coverage Banking??? | 33 | 1h |
| +62 | Is DCM actually underrated ? | 26 | 23m |
| +53 | How do I understand vs. just memorizing? | 9 | 2h |
| +48 | Losing my personality in Banking | 9 | 1d |
| +47 | Are all Tech / TMT groups sweaty? | 38 | 1d |
| +42 | Associate & Above IB exits | 16 | 4d |
| +33 | Incoming IB Analyst: Best Ways to Prepare? | 11 | 8h |
| +27 | Which groups are ideal for laterals? | 12 | 1d |
| +24 | Thoughts on PEI Global Partners? | 4 | 2d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Can you round your gpa to 3.5? I had a 3.49 and put 3.5 on my resume. Or do you have a 3.36 that you rounded to a 3.4? Your 2 IB internships will help you a lot.
Yes, list your Major GPA first, and IMO, your two IB internships make up for it. Just have a reason as to why you have a lower GPA in your back pocket in case anybody asks.
Definitely list your major GPA first and try to round up however you can for actual GPA.
Networking will usually be able to push you past the GPA screens
Pretty fake - landed top BB SA with a 3.3 (non diversity and not rich with connections)
Congrats man! What advice would you have for the recruiting process? Were you at a target school?
Confused how a 4.0 wouldn't bring you up to at least a 3.5/3.6? Lets say on average you have 15 credits and a 3.4 right? Say next semester you get 4.0 with 15 credits, that would bring you up from a 3.4 to a 3.55 which you could round to a 3.6. Am I missing something here?
Math: 3.4 * 3 semester = 10.2 + 4.0 = 14.2 grade points /4 semesters= 3.55 GPA.
Have known a handful go to BB IB with similar profile. The differentiator will just be networking to get past the resume screen, then it’ll be up to you to sell yourself.
Myth. I had a 3.3 and not as good experience as you at that time in my life. It was an uphill battle tho.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get a top SA offer?
Pretty standard stuff tbh. Network if you can, nail your technicals, be normal and friendly in interview but not overly energetic. Have solid, thought out answers to fit questions that you can easily recall and explain.
Try to raise it through your senior year. GPA matters a lot when you’re trying to exit to buyside roles (if thats your thing). It wont get you the job but without a good GPA you just wont be given the same looks by headhunters
Fake. GPA isn't everything. It's just a quick (and dirty) way to filter out candidates from the stacks of resumes. Bear with me on this quick rant:Currently working in a top RX group -- think EVR, HL, MOE, PJT -- and I came from a non-target school with ~2.6 GPA. Had to take a lot of crap to get here, but I also wouldn't have broken into IB had I not networked my way into interviews and didn't make up for my shit grades with internships at boutique shops, taking modeling courses, and being prepared for that off chance of getting an interview (story, technicals, etc.).People get hung up about having a cookie cutter pedigree, but screening for potential bankers is a more holistic approach (or at least it should be). I certainly would rather work with someone with a 3.3 GPA with a history of working their ass off and able to hold a conversation than someone with a Dexter Morgan psyche or no hustle and a 4.0.You have a very slim chance of making it past the online portal with a subpar GPA. You're going to need internal referrals or network your way into interviews. You'd be surprised to find how casual and spontaneous an interview can be. I can be coming back from lunch (pre-Rona), and someone can ask me to interview or have a phone chat with an undergrad or a potential lateral. Make a list of banks / groups that you're interested in, use LinkedIn to find people at those places, and get in front of them. For those of you who have missed out on getting a SA offer at a top shop, switch gears and start prepping for FT recruitment. Try to secure an internship at a smaller shop if you have to and bring up your grades (if you need to) and start networking away. I did internships for a year and a half after graduating before securing my current position. Identify what you need to improve, what you're lacking, and keep up with it. After that, it's just getting lucky. You get that interview, you better be ready.
Wow, firstly congrats on having a great story/career, definitely reassuring to hear. Would you mind if I pm'ed you to ask some specific questions regarding my situation?
Natus sed vel veritatis non labore assumenda voluptates reiciendis. Dolor porro aut aut expedita et sit.
Nobis eveniet hic numquam. Debitis deleniti enim ipsam. Vel autem id labore repellat modi accusantium. Quod adipisci aut nihil pariatur eius dolores velit soluta. Aperiam aut quis enim illum doloribus ex asperiores. Qui est et unde debitis reprehenderit labore ut. Impedit ea aliquid quidem dolor.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...