During high school, I got a 1740 (out of 2400) on my SAT and a 27 on ACT. I know that they aren't good scores but I was able to get an offer at an "EB" and will be starting soon. I read that they might ask for my scores during PE recruitment and that these scores might ding me. Should I consider retaking the SAT/ACT so that wouldn't be a problem?
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If a fund is stupid enough to consider high school test scores a meaningful performance metric, after you've gone to school, recruited for IB, worked at an elite boutique etc, are they really a fund you want to work for?
Edit: My comment probably sounded harsher than I meant it to. If we've learned anything from the GS13, recent suicides etc, its that there's more to life than money and prestige. If a fund or recruiter really considers your high school test scores a make it or break it performance indicator given your otherwise very impressive resume, I'd think that's a good indication that they're assholes. Life is too short.
Full disclosure, I'm not in IB or PE. Currently working 40 hours a week in a BB investment research group with great culture and loving it.
I personally think acing the GMAT is a better approach to this issue vs. retaking a test meant to be taken by high schoolers. Will benefit you even if you don't go to business school (and obviously benefits you if you do).
I have taken the GMAT for a plus one masters program and I didn’t do great either. The reason why I said SAT/ACT because I assumed they are much easier than the GMAT and would be looked at the same way during PE recruiting.
Take a grad school exam instead—GRE or GMAT at a top percentile should suffice/ work as a fill in. Say you didn’t take the act or can’t remember.
Don’t think it’s worth re-taking, but I wouldn’t show those scores on my resume tbh
Never got asked my SAT scores. I recruited mainly for LMM funds, although did some sizable MM's too.
If it’s below a 30, yes. Headhunters will ask you your score. Take 1-2 weeks to study math / tactics and you’ll likely get a 30+, assuming you’re better at reading now than when you were 16.
Was in a similar boat with a score lower than yours. When headhunters asked for my score I just said I didn't have it available or didn't know it. Was never pressed on the issue - if you're at an EB you are more than qualified. And any funds that seriously care about something from when you were 16 is a red flag anyway.
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