On Cycle 1/1 or 1/2?

Consensus that it is going to happen in next 2 weeks. But do monkeys think it can happen tomorrow? It's technically 2026 and don't see any reason why it couldn't break the dam. KKR will likely be the one to kick it off this year. 

12 Comments
 

There is no chance it kicks off 1/1 or 1/2. There are no senior people around and it would be silly. The logical answer is that it will probably be 1/5. Good luck

 

The exact start date really shouldn’t change anything for you all. We’ve already communicated that January is when activity will pick up, so the priority is simply being fully ready by early January. Whether things kick off on the 1st or the 5th won’t materially affect anyone’s preparedness.

At this stage, your time is best spent locking down behaviorals and building a clear, well-reasoned tier list heading into on-cycle. The latter also is super helpful terms of confidence under pressure and being able to articulate a compelling “why firm / why PE” story. Once things start, offers will move fast and processes will overlap. Most offers are extended within 24–36 hours, and realistically you’ll only make it through ~2 - 3 processes with interruptions from other shops along the way where you have to make hard decisions on firms. Much easier to do that when you are very confident in your list. Have 3 top tier firms (would drop all others; ideally firms you have coffee chatted or have in-person events for) and maybe another 3-5 on the would accept exploding no questions. If you have more than 10 firms you would accept for on-cycle, you should probably narrow it down. 

 

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