Focus on raising GPA in summer school?

I attend a top target (H/W/P) however I have a low GPA that I have been trying to raise. I spent last summer taking classes and I am considering taking two more classes this summer in order to have a decent GPA for FT recruitment (~3.15-3.2). As it stands OCR starts in January and I dont believe my GPA is high enough yet to be considered for any real opportunities (~2.8-2.9). I know my limitations and am in no way aiming for BB's, think MM/Boutiques (even regional) who would give a guy like me a shot. My GPA was hampered by some family issues but I am not trying to make any excuses, I am trying to show an upward trend and dedication so when I get an interview I can say, "Yeah thats what I had however I understood the problem, did what I had to do and worked my ass off to do it." In summary, my question is if I cant land anything during OCR should I just take some summer courses and focus all my energy on FT recruiting (my only work exp. is working at a govt agency after my fresh year)?

Thanks

2 Comments
 
Best Response

I would suggest you hunker down now and next semester and bring that GPA up while looking for an internship at one of those MM/boutiques. Use your experience, network, anything you can to help you find something as far as an internship goes (internship experience at a MM/boutique w/ the possibility of a job offer will trump your lower GPA, but dont rely on it to get you into a BB when looking for FT). I would keep looking up until the point where you have to register for summer classes (spring sometime?). I had a similar issue but ended up with an internship my sophomore and junior year so I just worked on my GPA during the fall/spring and now have had some opportunities with trading firms even with a GPA around 3.0

GPA will get you in the door, it is what you do/say once your in the door that really matters. And getting in the door is probably the hardest part, don't let that discourage you from looking for internships (through your schools placement center or through your own initiative, which is probably what would get you an interview at a MM/boutique if you can articulate why they should choose you. Just keep sending out your resume and cover letter.

Good luck with the search.

 

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