How important is GPA vs IB group for on-cycle?

Incoming RX analyst (ignore title) at top RX group (EVR,HL,MOE,LAZ,PWP) but have a sub 3.6 GPA from a non-target school. Hustled my ass off to get this role and my GPA is low because of hardships I faced during school. I'm very interested in on-cycle recruiting. With my profile, how hard is it to get MF/UMM PE interviews? How do I convince HHs that I'm worth those interviews considering they can easily choose a candidate with a better GPA/school? Anyone else been in the same shoes where they were at a strong IB group but their GPA/school was subpar? Thanks.

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Group is obviously much more important as that will determine what HHs will speak to you and what experience you’ll have (i.e. the HHs reach out to groups they’ve had success with in the past for the contacts of the incoming analysts).

That being said, GPA is a checked box and a sub-3.6 GPA is not a great look if you’re aiming for top firms. You can’t do anything about it now so just gotta be extra prepared for the actual HH convos and interviews.

 
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