Are My A-Levels a Problem for IB despite strong University?
So a bit of background on me. I was a super unserious student in school but still managed to get mostly 7s+ in GCSEs. That didn't work for A-levels though, and I ended up with ABB.
Decided to reapply at the start of uni, and for 2025 entry I got unconditional offers from Durham (BSc Finance & BSc Accounting & Finance) and Nottingham (BSc Finance, Accounting & Management). Got rejected from Manchester and QMUL. Most likely going to Durham BSc Finance since it seems to be the best option.
Didn’t land any spring weeks, got close to a few Big 4 ones, but that’s about it. Right now, I’m:
Main Question:How much will my ABB A-levels hold me back even if I have Durham on my CV? You see guys like Sameer saying it's over if you don’t have AAB+, so is there any point in retaking an A-level or doing something like A-level Maths? Or does it not matter as much as it seems?
Would appreciate any advice or opinions. Cheers.
ABB is OK
I got ABB due to covid predicted grades (terrible attendance) but ended up at a strong semi-target, I have strong internships/work experiences (FO PE/AM) on my CV. Would you recommend I take my A-Levels off my CV as my manager at my PE internship advised me that they would only hurt my chances for FT recruiting?
No because as I said below, at my BB, ABB appears to be ok.
Why don't you apply to other divisions like in Middle Office
Its not by force everyone has to aim for IB
Definitely not the best A-levels, if I saw it I’d probably ding your CV at my bank.
Harshness aside, just don’t put your high school A-levels in your CV. The banks that require it will ask it in the application portal, otherwise it’s not that necessary. Try to beef up your work experience and extracurricular sections instead. Durham is a great name outside the classic target uni’s so honestly fair play for getting in with those grades, I don’t think it’ll be an issue if you do it this way.
Thanks man, I appreciate unfiltered advice HAHA.
AN1 do not look at CVs, so I don't think the above commenter's comment is particularly reliable.
How do you get more relevant work experiences? I didn’t land any springs and I’m not sure where else to apply.
First year at a target, gunning for London IBD
Wdym ignore title you are a prospect pal
i wouldn't put the grades on CV
What do you think about companies that want me to fill those in during the application process, which most will?
Hi, in a similar position myself so feel free to message me privately. Ignore my title, internship is finished
Background:
AAB in maths, FM, econ. Retaking econ. Gap year, didn’t go to uni in september
Durham isn’t strong enough to dispute your alevels. If you was ABC @ lse it’d be a very different story, your university/alevels can make up for the other if one of them is very strong.
Also note: Sameer Merchant only worked in ER (still amazing), he has modelling skills because of this but was absolutely not an investment banker, so take into consideration your own goals and what specifically you want to do within finance. He also came from an mba background and his programmes specifically target getting people into small boutiques, so you have to take his undergrad/alevel knowledge with a pinch of salt because whilst he has experience getting people in, people @ lse,oxbridge etc would simply never pay for his services and these people do take up the majority of roles across the country.
If you was at durham (which is an absolute semi target), then 4xA*s would put you in a much better position. I’d personally take durham Bsc finance. If you could get econ@notts that’d be your best bet, you could try calling them?¿ Notts are pretty flexible to my knowledge
Exam season is close so retaking an alevel if you havent prepared yet is probably a bad idea. Retaking the B,C in your first year of uni would be an excellent shout in my opinion. AAA @ durham/notts would help you a tonne.
Feel free to ask more
Appreciate the great response. I guess fixing my A levels before summer internship applications could be valid.
Again, ABB is sufficient. I just reviewed someone's CV who will be interning with us who has ABB. Idk where these high grade requirements are coming from but it's contrary to what I see in practice.
Hey again, thanks for your comment earlier. Just wondering what you think about taking the SAT and getting like 1500+ instead of A levels?
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