How Much Does GPA/SAT Matter for PE/PC/HF Recruiting

As I consider my options after banking, I've realized that, well, I may not have many options in the first place. My GPA is mediocre at best (3.5) though it is a STEM degree. I was wondering if I should consider retaking the SAT (1480) to boost my odds potentially, but wanted to ask here broadly about how much these numbers matter for buyside recruiting?

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SAT is a check-the-box thing; if above 1400 or so, don't worry about it. GPA is also a check-the-box thing, but 3.5 will probably eliminate you from a few funds that are looking for 3.7+. You just have to deal with the cards dealt there; a higher SAT there won't change the GPA issue. Logic is that GPA is used to evaluate how hard you worked in college, and SAT for the base level of intelligence/how hard you worked in HS. I will also note that school matters a lot; a 3.5 from CalTech or MIT or JHU is much more understandable than a 3.5 from a random state school.

 

Which funds have the 3.7+ GPA requirement? Also, which types of firms do you think are more forgiving of less than 3.7 GPA, HF or PE?

 

Dude, I do not know the policy of every single firm. I also had a 3.7+ from a target, so I can't speak to exact firms. I am at a UMM, and when we evaluate resumes, 3.7 is a soft cut-off unless from a top target in STEM. If that's not you, don't worry about it because it's not something you can change. Just focus on whatever opportunities you get and knock them out of the park once recruiting rolls out.

As for HF vs PE, those are very different jobs. Figure out what you want to do first; both have opportunities if you are a good enough candidate. Only focus on what you can control.

 

Did you read my post? I explcitly said 3.5+ is fine for most and 3.7+ is the cutoff for the others. Please read thoroughly before asking questions. Before you ask: yes, school does matter; but if it's a respectable school (say top 30 uni or top 15 LAC) with a 3.7+ it's fine. You will get bonus points if hard major. Ultimately, group matters most, followed by bank, followed by deal experiences, and then the GPA stuff (again assuming 3.5+).

 
Funniest

I fear this kid cannot be helped. I clicked on his profile and seems like he's been asking this on every thread despite everyone in the industry telling him it doesn't matter. This level of lack of being able to process information should be studied in a lab. I don't understand how this person got a banking offer with this lack of ability to take any new information or feedback. I may be being mean, but it's just insane to me that someone like this can get an offer but there's so many smart kids who cannot.

 

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