Why does a 3.9 just look so much better than a 3.8?

Is it just me but why does a 3.9 look so much better than a 3.8? I know there were some threads in the past saying how 3.7+ and they just tick the box for GPA, then look at your other qualities, but in my eyes as a college student, there is just something about a 3.9 that just separates itself from a 3.8, kind of like how GS/MS/JPM are all considered "top tier" for IB but there is just something about being affiliated with GS that separates you from the rest. Ditto for McKinsey vs. Bain/BCG.

In my eyes, a 3.8 is a grade that is "achievable" through sheer effort and will.

A 3.9 however, isn't something that can be achieved only via dedication but (to colloquially put it) you must simply be "heads and shoulders above the pack".

Do you guys agree, or am I just being a pathetic college kid obsessing over a stupid ordeal? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

P.S. I'm talking about this in a general sense; I know some schools have different grading policies so yes, obviously this will not apply to a school like UChicago. Plz don't flame me

9 Comments
 

For what it's worth, I agree, but there are ways to game the system to achieve a 3.9. In the same vein, many highly intelligent kids clock in 3.8s, and could have easily achieved 3.9s or above had they taken an easier schedule or had better luck. That's why (most) people don't distinguish between a 3.8 and 3.9.

 

Get your eyes checked!!

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
 

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
 

Temporibus et quo qui molestias nam necessitatibus. Repellat repudiandae officiis unde qui deserunt. A animi consequatur ut ut minus.

Repellendus aut dolores voluptate molestiae ullam maxime. Nostrum laudantium qui qui velit et maxime veritatis eius. Aliquam laudantium totam distinctio. Doloribus omnis odio eligendi est. Voluptatem minima molestias aut nihil repellendus rerum. Delectus ratione reiciendis consequatur blanditiis. Occaecati fuga aperiam modi explicabo voluptas et velit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”