GPA Worries Entering Recruiting

Currently a sophomore entering the recruitment cycle. Every application I've submitted has my GPA as a 3.9 from my first year of college. 

I had a pretty bad semester this past fall, had a loss of a loved one and some other issues that really distracted me from coursework, and while my grades aren't finalized for another day or two, I'm thinking I'm gonna end with a 3.5/3.6. At a non-target state school as well, and have a decent enough network at most banks I'm applying to (i.e. 1 person that could refer me).

If I do get an offer this year, I assume the bank would ask for all of my transcripts before I start work, and see that my cumulative is now lower than on my application. Is this something I'd have the opportunity to explain? I know they're pretty strict with this sort of thing and I don't want to come across as dishonest.

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ok the difference is quite big from 3.9 to 3.6/3.5. it'll def come across as suspicious for background checks etc. honestly at this point, gpa is out of your control. network is the only way you can make it in. 0.3 in gpa is too big for any background checks. 

that said, having a network will get you interviews at many firms regardless, so just stop worrying over it. 

 

Got it, thanks for your response. Grade’s not fully calculated yet so might only be a 0.2 dip but I assume that’s still suspicious.

either way will focus on network like you said and re-recruit for full time if necessary. 

 

Banks typically wait around a year before asking for that stuff, so I would just get the offer and then try your hardest to get it back up. Even to around a 3.75 would be findmost likely

 

I applied with a 3.9 and had a 3.7 when they asked for transcripts a year later - honestly it sounded like they didn't care. 

 

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