Private Equity Technical Emphasis

I've progressed through a few rounds of a top 40 REPE firm. I recently got an email to take an excel test and set up an interview with a few people who I would be working closely with in the role. 

I did not do well with the excel test, which covered basic financial modeling. I was under the impression I wasn't able to use resources as it was a test on my knowledge, and I forgot how to calculate NPV :/. I feel like I generally have relied on template models throughout my internships. My education is in urban planning, but I've had a lot of real estate internships, and recently enrolled in a certificate program to try to further my financial modeling.

I have the interview with a few people I would be working closely with in the role coming up soon, but I'm not sure if I should even go through with it because I'm so embarrassed by the test. My results probably make me look incompetent or like I lied on my resume. 

What would you do if you were in my position? Do you think they may look at my candidacy holistically, or will I be booted?  

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Aut enim exercitationem occaecati harum dolore aliquam. Quis veniam et rerum placeat et. Laborum consequuntur cupiditate quos hic. Illo perspiciatis et natus molestiae. Deleniti qui debitis voluptates reprehenderit excepturi quas.

Sapiente natus hic sint et at itaque corporis. Similique facilis delectus et eos architecto amet unde. Sunt atque nobis minima illum voluptatum repellat voluptates. Voluptas minima maxime omnis.

Fuga commodi ut quis consectetur autem enim. Nihil vel similique iste placeat. Iste nam quas ducimus et enim sequi et. Facilis a provident facilis omnis.

Omnis occaecati pariatur eum fugiat nihil. Veniam quia qui dolor et repudiandae in. Soluta vel nihil dolorum et consectetur. Cumque quos nemo ut eum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”