SAT & GMAT for on cycle

Hey guys, preparing for on cycle recruiting soon.

1. How much weight do standardized tests (SAT & GMAT Focus) matter for on cycle?
2. should they go in my education section (top of resume) or additional info section (bottom of the resume)?

Thanks in advance!

6 Comments
 

For on-cycle recruiting, here's what you need to know:

  1. Weight of Standardized Tests (SAT & GMAT):

    • Based on the most helpful WSO content, the GMAT holds more weight than the SAT, especially if you're considering business school or private equity recruiting. A strong GMAT score (730+ or ideally 750+) can signal intellectual horsepower and dedication, which are valued in competitive recruiting processes.
    • The SAT, while less relevant for experienced candidates, can still be a useful indicator of academic ability for younger candidates or those with limited work experience. However, its importance diminishes as you progress in your career.
  2. Placement on Your Resume:

    • GMAT: If your GMAT score is strong (e.g., 730+), it can be a valuable addition to your education section at the top of your resume. This placement ensures it gets noticed quickly by recruiters.
    • SAT: If you choose to include your SAT score, it should generally go in the additional information section at the bottom of your resume. This is especially true if you have more relevant achievements or experiences to highlight in the education section.

Ultimately, prioritize showcasing the GMAT over the SAT, as it aligns more closely with the expectations of on-cycle recruiting and MBA-related career paths.

Sources: Q&A: Former MBB Consultant, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/a-guide-on-how-to-navigate-on-cycle-pe-recruiting?customgpt=1, A Guide on How to Navigate On-Cycle PE Recruiting, PE Recruiting as a Lateral Analyst w/ Weak Academic Profile, GMAT score for IB Associate Recruiting

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Ignore title - in PE. School / educational background absolutely matters. Banks are all viewed as training programs at the end of the day. A GS analyst from Ohio State is not going to dominate on-cycle. Glad you had a positive experience, though. 

 

Thanks for the reply - for reference I went to non / low-semi target but at a top EB. Both test scores are 99%+ percentile. Wondering if it’s helpful in that case?

 

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