GPA and cover letter

hi guys so I have a really low gpa(2.5), I don't list it on my resume but most applications ask for it in a mandatory field. What do you guys think of listing the cutoff gpa(3.5) in the field and then explaining that it's a lie in the cover letter.

What are the odds of HR reading the cover letter?

Suppose they don't catch on during the application and then ask for transcripts? Could I be given the benefit of the doubt since I technically explained that that gpa was false during the initial stage of pre interviews?

5 Comments
 
Most Helpful

If you list a 3.5 and have a 2.5 you will be cut pretty quickly once they see it, whether in the app or later with transcripts. HR does not usually read cover letters and regardless a cover letter saying you lied about your GPA is a bad look.

I disagree with above - do not put semester/major GPA in the online app. It's not like you have a 3.4 and are just trying to round a little (they might give you the benefit of the doubt there), sounds like you'd have to be very creative to get to a 3.5. Semester/major GPA is okay if you clarify it on your resume, but most online applications ask for cumulative and you shouldn't be lying about that.

You're going to need a very, very strong reason as to why the GPA is so low, as banks have tens of thousands of other candidates with 3.5+. Start making connections with alumni and try to get a back door in to an interview without ever having to type your GPA in. If you've already been through a superday and have 5-7 senior people vouching for you that's a situation a low GPA could be pushed through.

edit: just read your other posts, you said you have a 3.2 or a 3.4 finance GPA - use this on your resume and look for places with no firm cutoff/don't ask for cumulative GPA, you can use this better one as a start

Array
 

Dolorum minus aut dolorem ut. Tempora et maiores omnis ipsam nisi inventore. Odit provident repudiandae delectus minus voluptate a ut. Voluptatibus inventore est qui. Consectetur amet vel ducimus perspiciatis atque. Cum neque voluptate numquam earum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”