Best way to spend senior year? Bucket list
I know there are already posts on this, but curious if the answer has changed at all from a 2026 perspective.
Senior at a target with FT offer secured. Ofc planning to relax and enjoy the time before starting, but also trying to be smart about how I use the flexibility of senior year.
Curious what is actually worth focusing on while I still have the time.
Current ideas:
- Take interesting classes (public speaking, negotiation, etc.)
- Improve modeling skills (PF, Rosenbaum, etc.)
- Participate in stock pitch team competitions
- Potentially move GPA from cum laude to magna or summa
- Take the GMAT/GRE while school material is still fresh
- Knock out the SIE before starting — my university offers very good and free prep materials (would free up some time during training for the other licensing exams)
For people who have gone through this recently:
If you could only pick 3 of these, what would you prioritize?
Also curious:
- What do you wish you had done before starting FT?
- Anything that is materially more or less valuable now than it was 5–10 years ago?
Similar position. SIE seems like a good bet. I would do stock pitches only if your truly enjoy them. Move GPA up? What even is the point of that if you got RO. Improve modeling? I mean like you could but why, you're gonna spend 100 hours a week doing that in about a year.
Honestly bro just life max. This is the last year before you start a 40+ year long grind. go talk to some women or travel the globe. the world is your oyster and you want to spend more of it looking at a computer screen?
Thanks, haha fair. I already have a gf and travel plans. Mostly trying to figure out if there are one or two things worth knocking out now while I have the flexibility
Not in banking, but I know you want to hear something beyond "get girls."
Above all make sure you graduate, don't add to or subtract from the population, and say yes to everything.
GMAT is a big load honestly. Make the decision on MBA or not honestly before you commit to studying. Requires far more prep than SAT imo. SIE will take 1 month max of consistent studying and your other exams will take 1 week. Just chill and enjoy your life
Take SIE if you have time. Otherwise, just enjoy life.
What not to do: modeling, stock pitches, and anything work related. You will get enough of that on the job. Just jester goon and have spend all of the money you saved from last summer
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