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?

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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

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