Purpose of unofficial transcript

What do the banks that request unofficial transcripts with a resume and cover letter do with them? It seems that only Lazard, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley are asking for them on my ocr website. Are they just there to prevent fraud or do they play a role in the selection and interview process? I have a good cumulative gpa but I have a couple Bs in some very relevant classes so I am wondering if I need to come up with a story/reason to explain them.

6 Comments
 

The only classes I would be worried about (with a B) would be accounting. This has been my experience coming from a non-target school. I earned a B or two in a few accounting classes and got some frowns during interviews when asked. At the end of the day it's all about how you sell yourself; if you can come up with a good way to spin your story, I wouldn't worry about this too much.

 

ibchimp, were you only asked about your grades in accounting classes at firms where you submitted an unofficial transcript?

 
Best Response

@pmlok:

Most places where I interviewed didn't even ask for a an unofficial transcript. I believe only one firm requested one (they requested a copy after I was invited back for superday interviews).

To answer your question, no. About 60% of my final round interviewers asked what I got in accounting regardless of whether they had a copy of my transcript.

You mentioned that you made some Bs in relevant classes...I took 4 undergraduate accounting classes; I averaged a low B+ in these classes. I ended up with a FT offer this fall. This goes to show that Bs in a handful of relevant classes does not immediately disqualify you from landing an offer. If they ask about it, have a sincere-sounding response ready.

It is worth noting that fit and work experience really help (obviously) to diminish the effects of a few "low" grades in a few classes.

I hope this helps; good luck!

 

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