Cold apply for FT recruiting?

Incoming SA27 at NYC MM. How important is networking to FT lateral recruiting vs just cold applying when applications open? I understand that it will be key for most processes, but my thinking is that it’s more important to focus on a return offer first, the do maybe a small bit of networking in the time before full time apps come out and throw in my resume, as opposed to adding more work to myself during the summer and jeopardizing my return by either stretching myself too thin or getting caught networking with other firms. Thoughts?

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Yep, did my SA in CLT. Process with WF was definitely harder than SA interviews but was very streamlined compared to some of my friends who also recruited FT. Basically was 2 rounds, classic R1 then R2 was 2 back to back interviews and I had the offer within one week of them reaching out to me initially. It was more technical since it was group specific and I had stronger experience compared to my sophomore year but honestly wasn’t that bad. Not sure if I was just more technically proficient nowadays but certainly wasn’t as difficult as some people make it out to be on other threads.

 
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