How do megafund PE associates study for the GMAT?
Due to the fact that megafunds have hours that are as bad as banking, how do their associates study to get a competitive GMAT score? Is the prestige of their job enough to compensate for a lower GMAT?
On a side note, is it a good idea for someone aiming for PE to study for the GMAT in the end of their senior year?
Depending on what MF you are at, many of them also have GMAT tutors come into the office for the Associate class. These places are generally well oiled machines in every area, including the getting Associates in HBS and GSB. They are somewhat understanding if you're really running into a jam, that said they also expect their Associates to be machines. So to the above posters point, you just push hard and do what you need to do.
I was also under the impression that most MF Associates are hired a year-plus out, which usually means that at the very least the last few months of your banking Analyst stint will be meaningfully checked out, in which case you could use that time for GMAT.
Keep in mind the scores have a 5 year shelf life. So if you're taking it in college, you probably want to take it as late as possible in your Sr. year, just so you have the flexibility in case you end up having something that stretches out your timeline.