Does GPA Actually Matter For PE Recruiting?
I know this has been discussed a lot on other threads previously, but I haven't seen anything recent on this topic and want to see if things have changed. Does undergrad GPA actually matter for PE recruiting? For context, I am non-diversity and go to a (very) non-target university who will be starting FT at in a mid-tier BB coverage group after I graduate, and my end goal after IB is UMM/MF PE if all goes well. I've recently been talking with some other incoming analysts that I did my SA with who go to targets/semi-targets and they claim that their alumni networks are telling them that GPA is going to start mattering a lot more for PE recruiting. My school's network is not that extensive and we have a very weak PE network like the people I know from these schools, so I don't have anyone I am super close that just went through on-cycle that I can ask to confirm this. My GPA is by no means bad (can hopefully finish with 3.91+), but since I'm from a very non-target, is even this something that is going to hurt me for PE recruiting? I know that this sounds extremely douchey/nerdy/lame to ask if a 3.9 is a bad GPA, and I get that a 3.9 from non-target can potentially be better than a 3.4 or whatever from a target (if I am also more prepped), but ever since I've heard the above from the others in my incoming group, I've become a little paranoid that even a 3.9+ from a non-target won't be good enough to land a solid PE offer so would love some guidance to help calm my nerves on this matter.
Yes. And you've basically done what you can in any event, so there is no point in stressing over that (even if you had a 3.2 this would still be a true statement at this point). Instead redirect your energy where you can make a bigger impact at this point: networking and getting prepped on your story, technicals, model tests, etc.
If your test scores are low/medium you can also use this time to clean that up with a GRE/GMAT (which you may be best served knocking out anyway depending on your plans).
Also - try and relax a bit. I think you're getting a little spun up in the stress and anxiety here. You hustled from a non target to get a 3.9+ and network your way into a BB. You are impressive and a hustler. I'm sure you can apply the same energy and land a great UMM/MF. Assuming you prep, your realistic "worst case" is that you go to a good MM (which can be great btw) and then lateral up if you still care.
What do you mean by test scores? Do PE firms really care about SAT/ACT scores from HS??
Thanks for your comment. Also curious on how GPA is going to start carrying more weight in PE recruiting if more individuals are sitting out from on-cycle PE recruiting. Any insight or thoughts?
Honestly, yes. I know it sounds silly but remember that you will recruit with <1 year of work experience during which your deal experience is sort of luck of the draw. So we are still mostly assessing raw aptitude and have to go with any signals we can scrape, and there aren't many. I know it's frustrating but if it's a gap for you then my honest advice is to plug it with a new test score.
In a similar situation as a nontarget going into an EB, currently have a 3.85 and an MD at Bain Capital told me my GPA was too low lol
tbh think the non-target hurts you more than the 3.85. Go to a target and I can ballpark GPAs based on the honors they graduated with (if any) and kids with 3.85 from my target are at the firm.
Assuming a decent group at a bank, is there a "minimum" GPA for someone from a top public undergrad business school (UVA/UMich/Berkeley) aiming for MF PE?
I'd say 3.6 as a soft cutoff... a stellar 3.5 might get in, but definitely harder since the MF process doesn't allow for networking your way in like IB does.
once you hit 3.75+ no one will even take a second look at your GPA though - people look at GPA way less than prospects think, as long as it checks a box they care way more about your other experience and interests (hugely underrated line btw)
So if I'm coming from a target school with a 3.4, but I participated on the varsity team as well as majored in engineering, would these things be taken into account or am I still out of luck. I'm at a good firm, but I think my gpa is going to hold me back. I'm not looking at MF's just UMM.
Interesting that you have that perspective. An earlier comment said GPA mattered but that was nontargets
i really thought clicking on this post you'd have a 3.3
Honestly 3.9 is the perfect GPA... some people feel 4.0 kids do nothing but study their entire 4 years and ding them for culture fit.
Would love to chat more about your situation since I am also at a nontarget and going to a NYC boutique. Can you PM me?
Same! Can you pm as well?
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