GPA dropping senior year

I know this question has been asked a lot on the forum, but coming from a non-target, I was wondering if the advice I should follow would be different from those going to a target and/or a BB. I'm graduating next Spring and then starting FT in MM IB next year. I'm having a really difficult time finding the motivation to do well in my classes, and grades are definitely slipping.

I know having a 3.8+ is very important in breaking into IB from a non-target, but what about getting into PE from a ton-target and then MM IB? Especially since my bank isn't well known for the best exit opps. Probably can end with a 3.75+ but some people make that seem low on the site if coming from a non-target. Not looking for MF PE if that matters, I know my place lol

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Semi-target here. I’m a second year going through the recruiting cycle with 2 offers. My college GPA was a mere 3.71. I don’t know if it’s looked down upon by headhunters or not, but I’ve gotten more interviews that I can handle. Most interviews have been focused around my technical skills and deal experience. the latter precede the former. A friend from my group (non-target white male) is currently at Apollo. The kid is very bright and can sell the hell out of himself, his college GPA, 3.5.

The idea is that headhunters always want the perfect candidate (4.0 Wharton GPA, GS TMT), but if you are good at networking, you can easily bypass them in most recruiting cycles. Right before on cycle recruiting, I had acquaintances and friends texting me and asking if I wanted to be thrown into the process. It’s senior year, enjoy it as much as you can because IB hours are tougher than you can possibly imagine (and no, a summer internship doesn’t give you the full picture). Try to keep your GPA as close to a 3.7 as you can and you’ll be fine. As I mentioned, there are other more important criteria that determine whether you’ll be a good fit for a buyside firm.

 

I had the same take. In finance you only get 1-2 weeks off per year and a maybe 2 weeks off when you get married (and don't even try to trick the system by remarrying multiple times because divorces are expensive). Slack as much as you can without dropping below a 3.7 and enjoy the last few months you'll have fully ridden of responsibilities and the burden of always being on call. Congrats on making it in, that alone is a good reason to reward yourself. I'm sure you worked hard for the past 3 years, so rephrase your take on "slacking" to "cashing out" on some long-overdue delayed gratification

 

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