Crazy, but is it worth retaking the SAT?
IB analyst recruiting for PE (eventually, not sure when). Targeting UMM funds. Come from a semi-target school, working at an EB/BB in a solid group.
Find it crazy that the SAT (which I took almost 7 years ago now) is still relevant. Didn't get the best score bc I was an athlete and didn't need a great score to be admitted into my school, i.e. I only took the test once without really studying.
Bottom line: I got a 1460/1600. Should I retake and get a 1550+ if I am targeting UMM funds? I have no problem finding the time if needed.
Need to give info on undergrad GPA/Major - if bad, just take GMAT instead if you really have time, but 1460 isn't going to stop you. Once you're interviewing no one cares if you seem sharp/likable. Better to spend time on PE prep
3.7 as a Math and Econ double major?
Don't waste time retaking SAT - PE prep instead
No, think anything above 1400 is fine. It's more of a screener than anything else. PE prep will get you much farther. Will say that SAT scores matter more if at a non-target IMO, but if a semi and 1400+, you are 100% fine for UMM recruiting. Generally, for PE recruiting, based on experiences at my firm (UMM, 6-10Bn fund size) and what I have heard from others, the most important things are: 1) bank, 2) school, 3) GPA, 4) group (assuming you are in a coverage/M&A group; group matters much more/can inhibit you if you are in DCM/ECM).
I'm at a UMM. I wouldn't hire someone with a 1460 SAT and I don't think any of my coworkers would either.
Could I replace it with a GMAT score?
Would be curious to hear about ACT as well. I got a 28 after one try in high school but wonder if that’ll keep me out of some UMM firms as well
Focus on PE technicals prep and networking. Do a good job at banking and don’t burn any relationships - back door reference checks with former colleagues is very common.
If you’re polished, nail your model test, and nail technicals, no one will give a single shit what your gpa or ACT was. Head hunters just use it as a filtering tool for lack of any better alternative. Be proactive and network directly with the firms you are interested in.
No. Nobody gives a shit other than vapid headhunters.
I got into a name brand UMM PE firm with a 2100 SAT (I didn’t even put it on my resume) and a 3.6. Learn your technicals, be polished, network like crazy. Don’t let head hunters treat you like a piece of livestock up for auction - network and control your own destiny.
Absolutely do not retake. Your score and GPA are fine. We literally just need some quantitative measure to show that you’re not dumb, and you checked that box.
I’ll go a step further that I actually wouldn’t hire you if I found out that you wasted the time to retake it when you could’ve been focused on learning more in IB or doing PE prep or sleeping/not burning yourself out.
Hi all! OP here
Thank you for your responses. All very helpful and needed, not to mention reassuring.
Best of luck as you ramp at the new gig!
The whole point of the SAT is that it's raw intelligence at age 16. But your score is fine for PE recruiting.
Is it worth it to take the GMAT senior year of college to help in PE recruiting? Already cosnidering B school anyways and my act score was not the best in high school.
Depends on GPA / Bank / Group / School if optimizing your profile. Real benefit is you are used to school mentality and get it done before having to study while FT
Time better spend actually prepping for recruiting if your profile is already strong or just FT recruiting for a group with historically better exits
It’s not worth it. SAT scores only matter in recruiting when you have limited work experience and they need another datapoint to compare candidates. Once you’re at an EB/BB with solid transactions under your belt, they care about your banking pedigree, GPA, and references.
Yes. Definitely do it. I did exactly this and it helped me get into PE from a non target.
I took GMAT at the end of college (with prep) and did way better than I did on the SATs in high school (when I didn't prep). I just rolled straight into retaking the SAT with all that GMAT prep and scored 400 points higher. I then used that with headhunters and on my resume.
A good SAT/GMAT on your resume is a noncontroversial way to signal you are high IQ, even if you went to a nontarget.
You will see a lot of messages here from people who didn't need to do this and they probably hate it. Ignore them. Do it and put yourself ahead.
bump
Distinctio officiis dignissimos rem voluptatem reprehenderit. Suscipit numquam ullam natus perspiciatis quasi dolorem qui nam. Officia vitae consequuntur voluptatum velit. Nemo quod impedit numquam perspiciatis quo itaque.
Veritatis consequatur sint omnis voluptatibus. Nihil autem libero magnam facilis quibusdam velit molestiae. Culpa commodi eos et nesciunt est. Perferendis aut impedit est voluptas nostrum.
Natus in dolorum recusandae sapiente nam est quibusdam. Veniam est accusantium totam perferendis. Eos eveniet consequatur totam sapiente. Necessitatibus qui commodi error aut praesentium autem odio veritatis.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...