PE Headhunters Asking About ACT/SAT
Not sure why these scores from years ago still matter to Headhunters but I wanted to get others opinion on my situation. I graduated college early and was in the high school Covid graduating class so all of our standardized testing were shut down and colleges temporarily stopped requiring them.
I have been asked at the end of every headhunter call recently for these scores and I’ve been telling them that I wasn’t able to take the tests.
Do you think this is an acceptable answer as most of my peers in my recruiting class are a year older than me and did take these tests? Is there any reason at all to consider taking these tests today? Do Private Equity firms actually care about or filter out candidates based on their scores?
Never thought I’d ever have to hear about these tests again but here we are. Curious to get everyone’s input since I’m probably one of a few people in the ‘26 recruiting class that didn’t have the opportunity to take these tests (and didn’t think they would ever come up again post admission)
Interesting predicament. How’s your GPA (college), what’d you study, and did you take anything standardized in HS (like AP tests)?
3.8/4.0 gpa in college, studied finance at a non-target state school, I did 3 APs in high school and scored 4’s, I also 1.5 years of college in high school (hence early graduation) ~45-50 credits. I usually don’t bring these things up unless asked (GPA stated on resume though).
However, I get asked constantly about these ACT/ SAT scores and not sure if my Covid answer will hold me back in PE recruiting. Additionally, do you think it’s worth mentioning my high school credits and early graduation on my resume? (maybe that could help my case but could also off as braggy, didn’t think it would matter much to HHs)
Got it. I'd emphasize your GPA (strong) and give your answer on standardized tests. That's totally acceptable as it sounds like you're part of a cohort where they strictly weren't taken. Don't lie.
Test scores are just used as a proxy for intelligence (alongside GPA), and given your grades are good, you check that box just fine.
I wouldn't over-emphasize the high school stuff otherwise, too long ago. This overall isn't a big deal as grades are good.
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