On cycle vs off cycle with low GPA?
Blessed to have landed at a mid-BB (Citi/BofA/Barclays) for FT coming from a non target (although well represented in the finance world). Problem is I’m graduating with a ~3.4/3.5 GPA. I wanna recruit for growth equity or mm tech PE - don’t really care about MFs.
My question is with a sub-3.5 is it even possible to make it past the headhunters for on cycle, or should I just sit it out completely to avoid burning bridges? What’s the best strategy here? Is off cycle significantly more forgiving of low GPAs or will it be just as bad? Is it worth it to try for a 750+ GMAT to cancel it out? Just have no idea how to navigate this whole thing and it’s creepin up on me fast.
bump
Have your SAT / ACT on resume if it’s good, and do off-cycle
OP here - would like a 1480/33 help my case at all? Also any reason why off cycle would provide a better shot? I’ve heard similar things before but like why exactly do they not care abt grades as much during off cycle?
Would have the 33/36 & leave off the 1480; it’s because on-cycle happens fast and firms take a more stats driven approach then so you’ll be at a disadvantage relative to all the kids with good grades, during off-cycle things are less hectic and they’ll give you a shot if you have other strengths
In a similiar situation, landed a top boutique, non target, low gpa, non diversity. Came from a CC so I have no ACT or SAT. Is it possible?
How were you able to land an offer with such background?
I got that dog in me
+1 on most accounts. We’re out here
I think it’s really contingent on what type of undergrad you went to - people are willing to lend you credence if you went to a target / Ivy - I’ve seen many candidates with subpar GPAs place. I honestly think GPA is only important once you get to MFs / UMM - otherwise I think for MMs, many of them are looking at school but I think bank / deal experience exceed GPA.
OP already said he went to a non-target... Personally I'd say that major is more important here. If OP has 3.4 in hard majors such as engineering/math/bio, HHs will probably give some leniency. If OP is a business/econ major, this become more difficult since the standard is higher.
Give up man, your life is hopeless
Just put 3.5 and round up. 3.5 is good enough. If you had good experiences you shouldn’t worry about it
^Thats what I put and I've been fine. Its the minimum but nonetheless good enough lol
Tbh, landing a first experience in your field is huge. If I were a recruiter I’d focus on that more than your GPA or whatever
Nesciunt nulla aspernatur at iusto perspiciatis ducimus ea. Nemo et velit quo optio id. Eos nihil est voluptas qui saepe et. Inventore quia aut eum reprehenderit minima perspiciatis inventore voluptatibus. Qui id corporis aliquid et. Omnis doloremque dolor totam expedita dolor iusto.
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...