GMAT Advice

I am a third-year undergrad who goes to a non-target school.

I had good grades in high school and took APs, but did not have good enough SAT score to get into a top business school so I went to a ~10-15th best public business school.

In college I prioritized internships over school and have been trading at a HF which has caused my gpa to dip into lower 3s.

I am interning at a BB and want to get my MBA one day, but don't know where to start. I know I should just focus on getting a return offer this summer, but I always feel like I am not doing enough.

Knowing I have a lower GPA and go to a non-target school, are there any tips or tricks to getting into a top MBA program? I know Wharton or HBS is out of question, but what about Stanford, UChicago, or lower level ivy?

Is the only thing I can do perform super well on the GMAT exam? Would love to hear if anyone has had a similar path and how it worked out for you. Thanks.

Comments (6)

  • Intern in IB - Cov
2mo 

Also when should someone start studying for the GMAT exam?

  • 1
2mo 
BichaelMurry, what's your opinion? Comment below:

You don't have to rush to take it as you will the score instantly after test day and the score will only expire in 5 years.

  • 1
Most Helpful
  • Associate 3 in IB-M&A
2mo 

Don't take the GMAT until any earlier than spring of senior year. If you want to study through senior year fine, but the score does expire and you want to maximize it.

Stanford is probably out too but lower M7 or T15 are achievable. Also, you should be doing your absolute best on your GPA right now - if you work hard the next year you may be able to bring it to 3.5 range.

  • Associate 3 in IB-M&A
2mo 

Ut provident aperiam ut dolor dolorem in sint. Consequatur quia quia commodi nemo ipsa omnis. Reiciendis quibusdam laudantium sequi voluptatum illo laudantium.

Quod ab odit sit. Dolor fuga sit ut ipsum quia dignissimos laboriosam. Mollitia quidem omnis recusandae adipisci rerum repudiandae.

2mo 
windoflife, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Nesciunt non architecto ab est aliquam sunt inventore. Molestiae necessitatibus laboriosam officiis temporibus consectetur hic rerum. Molestias culpa voluptate quia labore. Quisquam fugit eligendi accusamus in iste soluta maiores. Cumque modi est dolores neque reiciendis odit. Vitae numquam doloribus nemo illo vitae aliquid id quia.

[Comment removed by mod team]
Start Discussion

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2023 Investment Banking

  • Lincoln International (▲01) 99.6%
  • Jefferies & Company (▽01) 99.1%
  • William Blair (▲12) 98.7%
  • Financial Technology Partners (▽01) 98.2%
  • Lazard Freres (+ +) 97.8%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2023 Investment Banking

  • William Blair (▲04) 99.5%
  • Lincoln International (▲11) 99.1%
  • Canaccord Genuity (▲18) 98.6%
  • Stephens Inc (▲12) 98.2%
  • Financial Technology Partners (▲09) 97.7%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2023 Investment Banking

  • Lincoln International (▲01) 99.5%
  • Financial Technology Partners (▲06) 99.1%
  • Jefferies & Company (▽02) 98.6%
  • Lazard Freres (▲15) 98.2%
  • UBS AG (▲19) 97.7%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2023 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (6) $592
  • Vice President (32) $396
  • Associates (148) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (11) $198
  • 1st Year Analyst (279) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (90) $170
  • Intern/Summer Associate (46) $166
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (205) $92