Didn’t update GPA

Basically how the title says I lied about my GPA.

Not going to be a bitch about it and I know I’ll get hate I don’t care. I made a mistake.

I’m Canadian and applying for a big 4 fall student analyst job. I already work at this bank and I’m applying internally.

My GPA was 3.7 but got tanked to a 3.59 just before application season. I decided not to update my CV and lied. I have no doubts in my ability to do the job.

I was on top of the world. Until I thought about how they might call my uni and ask. I don’t know if they will or not. I already work at the bank doing my summer co op here and they didn’t but perhaps that’s because it’s not IB and just regional shit

The guilt is building up inside me and literally is eating me up on the inside. Im literally starting to have dreams about what would happen if I get caught. I haven’t even gotten offered an interview So Im thinking of scenarios 1) I wing it and I don’t get caught. I get the experience and don’t come back FT.

2)I wing it and get caught. I get blacklisted from this bank and anytime I try apply and they get a reference they say the reasoning. Basically making it impossible for me to work in IB.

3)I come clean and they let me work anyway, highly doubt lol.

3)I come clean and get blacklisted anyway. I have such shitty anxiety so that doesn’t help lol. Any advice would be appreciated

5 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I highly highly doubt they will go to your university and check. I think you're being a bit paranoid.

I wouldn't say anything and if it is brought up, just say that your grade release was delayed and you weren't able to update until after the application closed.

Realistically, if you already work there and they hired you based on the quality of your work, a 0.11 GPA difference won't make or break your candidacy.

 

You’re overthinking and definitely not the first person to do this.
I’ve never heard of schools being called, they typically ask for the most recent copy of your transcript (as a PDF). You can either send it as-is or make a note to the hiring manager that your GPA updated since sending your resume.
Don’t sweat this too hard unless you used a first semester GPA as a Senior no one will think twice when they see your GPA changed after a semester.

Note: I can tell you're unnecessarily anxious about this whole thing but what you did is completely normal. Unless you 

- Forged your transcript

- Lied about your GPA entirely (say you have a 3.7 but have literally never gotten above a 3.6 any semester)

Literally no one will care whatsoever. If it makes you feel better when I was applying to Internships and was going to go to a superday, I sent an email to the hiring manager to update my resume so it would reflect my current GPA and correct a couple errors I had made on my original resume. 

 

Based on previous WSO threads, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

  1. Wing it and don’t get caught:

    • This scenario is risky. While you might gain the experience, the constant fear of being discovered can be mentally taxing. Additionally, if the truth comes out later, it could damage your reputation and future career prospects.
  2. Wing it and get caught:

    • If you get caught, the consequences can be severe. You might get blacklisted from the bank, and this could affect your chances of working in Investment Banking (IB) or other financial sectors in the future. The risk of long-term damage to your career is high.
  3. Come clean and they let you work anyway:

    • While this is an optimistic scenario, it’s less likely. However, some professionals on WSO have mentioned that honesty and self-awareness can sometimes be appreciated. If you decide to come clean, be prepared to explain your actions and demonstrate your commitment to integrity moving forward.
  4. Come clean and get blacklisted:

    • This is a possible outcome if you decide to come clean. While it might seem like the worst-case scenario, it could also be a chance to learn from your mistake and rebuild your career with a foundation of honesty.

Additional Advice: - Self-awareness and Integrity: As mentioned by a Certified Investment Banking Professional on WSO, self-awareness is a valuable quality. Admitting your mistake and showing a commitment to integrity can sometimes mitigate the damage. - Guilt and Anxiety: The guilt and anxiety you’re experiencing are significant. It’s important to address these feelings, as they can impact your performance and well-being. - Future Applications: If you decide to come clean or if the truth comes out, focus on improving your GPA and building a strong, honest resume for future applications.

Ultimately, the decision is yours, but consider the long-term implications of each scenario. If you need more detailed advice, you might want to consult with a mentor or career advisor who can provide personalized guidance.

Sources: Lied about my GPA to get a summer analyst position but came to my senses., Lied about my GPA to get a summer analyst position but came to my senses., Everything You Need To Know About Background Checks and Lying on your Resume

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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