Pass/Fail Basic Finance

Hi, I previously transferred to a semi-target school and this is my first semester there. I am a finance and marketing major, All the courses at the moment are pass/fail optional given the coronavirus situation. As a result, I am considering Pass/Failing Basic Finance. I will likely finish with a B+ or B in the class. Since it's my first semester at the school, this could drastically drop my GPA even though it's not that bad. Without finance, I should have a 3.8-3.9, as I should get A-s or As in my four other classes. With Basic Finance, I anticipate having around a 3.6-3.7. I also have a one credit class that's mandatory to pass/fail if that matters, putting me at 16 credits rather than the usual 15.

My question is whether or not I should pass/fail my finance introduction course. I am torn because even though it's my only finance class thus far and I am a finance major, I figure that it might be more important to have a high GPA. After doing finance for a couple years, I then plan to go to law school if that matters. Any input would be great!

17 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Kind of an interesting question. My initial reaction would be, as I’m almost certain that HR doesn’t look at transcripts beyond i) verifying enrollment / graduation and ii) validating GPA, to take it P / F and protect your overall GPA. That said, if someone does take a closer look, it’s rather strange to be a finance major looking at IB who elected to take “Basic Finance” on a non-graded basis. Can’t imagine there’s much chance of that happening, though.

Regarding law school, don’t really have a view. Assume they take a closer look at coursework and rigor, but can’t imagine one non-letter grade is much of a blip.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”