I don't meet the GPA Requirement

So there's an info session for Nomura at my school tomorrow. I have a 3.2 GPA and I'm majoring in Economics and minoring in Computer Science. I read up on the application process on their website, and they require a 3.5 GPA to apply. Would I still be able to apply/get an interview through straight networking?

37 Comments
 

No reason not to take a shot. I would definitely try to see if you can speak with someone and see if you can't get your resume pushed.

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I agree with the above point. A good truism: you miss every shot you don't take.

In addition, from a tactical standpoint, when you submit your resume to OCR, don't put a GPA on it, even if the listing says to do so. Odds are they won't take it (unless you have someone on the other side looking out for you), but then again the odds are even higher that they'll throw it out if they see you're below the cutoff.

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You might want to have story of why GPA not above 3.5.... It never hurts to try, but get the GPA and in meantime network build positive relationship with whoever there with Nomura and then maybe mention you saw on their site that they demand a 3.5 gpa. My gpa is only xyz because of _____. I plan on bringing it up and wanted to get my face infront of you.

Could help next semester/year when GPA above 3.5 or immediately

 
futurexrejectIf it helps, I go to a top 10 school and a target. I hear the GPA requirement is lowered for targets. Is this true?

Nope, not for OCR at least since they're comparing your application to kids at your target, 95% of which will have 3.5+. But yeah if you were trying to network into somewhere that didn't have OCR and they could choose to interview a kid with a 3.2 from a top school vs a kid with a 3.6 from a no name state school all else equal with ECs/experience they're going to choose the top school 3.2 all day.

 
Best Response
Raptor.45

Nope, not for OCR at least since they're comparing your application to kids at your target, 95% of which will have 3.5+. But yeah if you were trying to network into somewhere that didn't have OCR and they could choose to interview a kid with a 3.2 from a top school vs a kid with a 3.6 from a no name state school all else equal with ECs/experience they're going to choose the top school 3.2 all day.

Not so sure about this. If that GPA is in Engineering at a name brand state school, the engineer is going to get the first interview, but they'll probably bring you in too. A 3.5 in EE at UT Austin is a bit tougher to get than a 3.2 in Econ at a top ten school.

Most econ graduates at top ten schools land something. It's tough, but you'll find something.

 

You should be doing three things yeah:

1) Network your ass off with firms doing OCR and hopefully one or more will go to bat for you and get you a first round after which it's up to you to ace it 2) Make a list of all IB firms, large and small that don't do OCR (including local MM offices/boutiques as you mentioned) and try to network into interviews there 3) Get your GPA up to 3.5 asap

What year are you by the way?

 

Definitely go and network at the info session. I was able to create a relationship with a senior guy at one info session, we kept in touch, and ultimately it helped me get an interview. My GPA was around what yours is so I feel I was somewhat in the same boat. I later ended up getting the summer position and then a FT offer this fall with the same firm. Had I given up on the info session because my grades were "too low" nothing would have ever come of it. No harm in taking the chance.

Networking can help you get in the door, but remember, once your in an interview its up to you to earn it.

 

Put an "GPA (expected)" and just write "3.5"

Later on you can say that you realistically can expect to get 3.5 and that you wrote "expected" anyway. If they go with "it is not true.." you can simply say that it is "true to the best of your knowledge" and that you probably did not understand the process.

Afterall, they ask for people who "expect" to get 3.5.

 
animalzPut an "GPA (expected)" and just write "3.5"

Later on you can say that you realistically can expect to get 3.5 and that you wrote "expected" anyway. If they go with "it is not true.." you can simply say that it is "true to the best of your knowledge" and that you probably did not understand the process.

Afterall, they ask for people who "expect" to get 3.5.

Don't do this. This would be an automatic ding for a lot of people interviewing you.
 
SirTradesaLot
animalzPut an "GPA (expected)" and just write "3.5"

Later on you can say that you realistically can expect to get 3.5 and that you wrote "expected" anyway. If they go with "it is not true.." you can simply say that it is "true to the best of your knowledge" and that you probably did not understand the process.

Afterall, they ask for people who "expect" to get 3.5.

Don't do this. This would be an automatic ding for a lot of people interviewing you.

hi SirTradesaLot

could you explain why? if one shows progress, and is asked for the GPA estimate, why should he be modest and put the current result, when it is very realistic that he could get a better GPA in one year time?

 

I got my offer letter to join full-time at a BB but I'm freaking out a little because I don't put my GPA on my resume and it didnt come up in any of my multiple interviews. When you join though, you have to supply your transcript + go through a bg check. I assume I'll be safe since it's never come and up and I have not lied about anything on my resume.

Do you think I'll be safe or am I going to get screwed?

 

You've made it through what 2 rounds of interviews they arent gonna be like oh shit sorry forgot to ask, whats your GPA what a 2.0 fuck you get out.

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 

haha okay, you do have a point - thanks man.

just being slightly paranoid - you never know with their hiring policies. Also because i'm choosing between two BBs, one with which i had a summer - they'd be more likely to take me back on as FT, and a more prestigious one thatI want a lot more but have had no working history with them.

 

if your GPA drops to about 3.6 or so they rescind since the GPA minimum is usually (not always) 3.7; but if you had a 3.9 and went to a 3.85 its not looked favorably but they wont rescind your offer (maybe put you on probation when you start but nothing huge)

 

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