GPA - At 3.55 competitive?

I know this is just another thread about gpa.

I am a long time reader of this site, and I know that there is a strong emphasis on gpa in the IB recruiting process.

I am starting to freak out a little though. My freshman year went fine and I pulled a 3.7. However, my sophomore year I loaded up on tough classes and pulled in a 3.4. Right now my cumulative stands at a 3.55.

I know that if I buckle down I can rock next semester and boost my cumulative to a 3.6+, but I am just worried about my chances at bigger firms. I have seen some talk on these boards about how a kid needs a 3.7+ to be competitive in BB recruiting.

I go to a target school and I have some solid internships (hedge fund, merchant bank, etc.). I feel like my experience is better than most kids, but my gpa is just average at best.

I know that networking will play a large role in my chances, and I plan to reach out to bankers starting in the fall. With my gpa, should I be focusing more on boutiques or is there still hope for bulge brackets?

Thanks.

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