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
Drink every Thursday and Saturday and make memories. Also try all the restaurants in your college town, if yours is known for that.
You can knock out the SIE early if you want, but I had to take it well before my series exams anyways.
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