Was wondering how this datapoint is treated by headhunters. If one is interning at a top BB (GS/JPM/MS) does that compensate for a lower SAT score (1450)? Or is it binary wherein, for example, candidates below a 1500 are disqualified? Primarily focused on MF/UMM firms for the purposes of this question. Thank you!
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Yeah you’re cooked lil bro.
nepo hire
Think about this from the HH perspective. Their goal is to put in front of their clients the most "proven on paper" kids. What matters (in order) is 1) Bank Group, 2) Bank itself, 3) College, 4) GPA / test scores (tie). If you have the first three in order (you didn't give us any datapoint besides "top BB") then test scores will be prioritized less. But even still, a 1450 is definitely good enough, assuming you're in line on the other metrics.
Based on your tone in the post (and the fact you're fixating on a 1450 which objectively is not a low score) I'll assume you have the other metrics in order, and hence you shouldn't be worried. Because if you went to a non-target or were at a shitty BB group you would've mentioned those as weaknesses, which you did not.
And for those wondering, what's considered a "bad score", this depends on your school and GPA, as the three metrics are usually weighted to get a holistic sense. Not what I'm going to put below is not factual (and shouldn't be interpreted as gospel), but as someone who screens resumes on the buyside I'll put the below as a general framework:
Hold constant good bank group + target school: Anything north of 3.7 GPA and 1400 SAT (~32 ACT) is fine. If you were an athlete you'll get slack on the GPA but not the test score (ie. to see if you're actually a dumbass vs. if you just grinded on that sport and didn't have time to study).
Hold constant good bank group + non-target school: Probably the same, maybe 3.8 GPA + 1400+ on SAT (no one is splitting hairs over this shit btw). More emphasis on test scores given GPA at a non-target should be a lock (and theoretically easier to get a better GPA).
Do non targets get into pe?
What are the top groups at the top eb’s?
Any guidance is appreciated
How screwed am I if lower-tier BB, top group at firm, target school, 1400 SAT, and 3.8 GPA? Could I still get some UMM/MF looks?
Yeah your cooked
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