How to best leverage my last undergrad semester?

Hi all,

I have one semester of undergrad left at a semi-target and am trying to maximize my chances of getting into a top ten (five?) MBA program after two years of work in Equity Research at a Bulge Bracket firm. There's a chance I might go the CFA route, but for now I want to keep my options open and am operating under the premise that I will get my MBA.

Info:
Business/Finance major
Political Science minor
G.P.A. 4.05 (school gives over a 4.0 for A+'s)
Investment Team Leader - Portfolio Club
Professional Business Fraternity

I'm taking a relatively light course-load, so I intend to study for the GMAT and take it before I start in June. I scored 99th percentile on the ACT, so I am hoping that I can perform well on this test as well.

My main concerns are my lack of volunteering and leadership. Would it be a good idea to start volunteering this semester? Or would my time be better spent on other things? Also, how essential is leadership to Bschool admissions? I have my investment club experience, but honestly it wasn't that much work (though I suppose I could talk it up if necessary).

This is my first time on this board, so please excuse my ignorance. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!

5 Comments
 

Personally I think you should go out, drink and sleep in as much as you can. I did all of that and I still miss it more than anything.

 

Haha I intend to do plenty of partying don't worry. Still, I'm taking the minimum number of credits, so I think I should have time for partying and GMAT prep. After all, I'd much rather study now while I have time rather than trying to cram while I'm working full-time.

"My dear, descended from the apes! Let us hope it is not true, but if it is, let us pray that it will not become generally known."
 

bump for a serious answer?

"My dear, descended from the apes! Let us hope it is not true, but if it is, let us pray that it will not become generally known."
 

Perferendis id ipsa dolorem dolor. Et autem qui dolore cum ipsam distinctio aut sit. Est veritatis sed voluptate expedita incidunt voluptatem. Vel aut aut ut ex suscipit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $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
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”