Did I screw the pooch? 3.3 GPA at Target
Hi Monkeys,
I am currently a sophomore at a (somewhat) target university. Think Michigan/UVA/Georgetown. Made some poor choices during my first year and grades tanked as a result. I am looking at a 3.4/3.5 if I run the table. Only thing I have to show is that I am involved in two of the better investing clubs at my school and have an internship at my schools angel investment fund.
Am I mostly screwed for MM banking? As applications for SA begin to open I am starting to rethink my chances of getting into banking. Is it worth it to continue networking for banking or should I try to focus on AM/ER as alternatives.
Can this be overcompensated for with networking? Or am I screwed.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:
GPA Concerns:
Networking:
Extracurriculars and Internships:
Alternative Paths:
Improving Your GPA:
Persistence:
In summary, while a 3.3 GPA may pose some challenges, it is not insurmountable. Focus on improving your GPA, leveraging your extracurriculars, and networking extensively. Consider alternative paths like AM or ER if necessary, but don't give up on your banking aspirations just yet.
Sources: How screwed am I??, Am I Screwed? Feeling desperate in job search despite strong academic profile, Accounting major, can't seem to break into IB, Did my GPA screw up my application?, Took an Associate job at a tiny firm, how screwed am I?
Doable but anything below a 3.5 at Mich is usually a auto cut off for all banks (including MM)
Source: went to Mich and know ppl on recruiting teams across various banks
If you’re a stem major, you should have more leeway
Know a guy who went to my uni (semi target) who went to a LMM IB junior summer and lateralled to an EB for FT. His gpa was less than a 3.4. How? He grinded. Do the best you can academically but always remember "control the controllable's". Prep as hard as possible for technicals. Network aggressively and well. This is the way
As a senior recruiting for FT, I suggest you add a major and graduate in 5 years. That GPA will be a significant handicap in screening processes and it wouldn’t hurt to get more experience under your belt. It may feel tough to not graduate with your friends, but you have to do what’s best for you.
I assume you are not allowed to apply for a SA position twice. If I were to take an extra year would I be unable to recruit for 2026?
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