MBA IB RECRUITING AT TOP 10 SCHOOL WITH GMAT WAIVER- HELP IM STRESSING!

Hi everyone, 


I hope to be attending nyu stern's mba program, and since I went to nyu for undergrad and had above 3.2 gpa, I wasnt required to submit a gmat score

I am very very nervous that when i do IB recruiting, it will look bad when they ask for my gmat and i dont have one. I know ib recruiting at nyu stern is very strong, so i will have a lot of opportunities, but i would be super depressed if i spent 250k on an mba and didnt end up with an internship, solely because i didnt have a gmat score.

Should i study and take the gmat now? just for the 2 seconds in the interview/application screening where they may or may not ask about it? What is everyones thoughts? Im panicking and would love any help

 

Ah, the classic GMAT conundrum! Let's swing through the vines of wisdom together on this one. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider:

  1. NYU Stern's Reputation: Stern is indeed known as a finance powerhouse, and many have navigated the IB recruiting jungle successfully without a GMAT score, especially if they have a strong profile otherwise.

  2. GMAT and Recruiting: While the GMAT can be a shiny banana in your bunch, it's not always necessary. Recruiters at top banks often look for a well-rounded profile, which includes your undergrad performance, work experience, and how you fit with their team.

  3. The Stress Factor: It's completely normal to feel a bit like a monkey in a suit when facing the high stakes of MBA recruiting. But remember, your GMAT isn't the only tool in your toolbox. Your networking skills, understanding of the IB landscape, and ability to articulate your value can often outweigh a missing GMAT score.

  4. Taking the GMAT: If the thought of not having a GMAT score is giving you more anxiety than a banana peel on a tightrope, then taking the GMAT might be worth it for peace of mind. Plus, a strong score could be a good backup to have in your pocket.

  5. Action Plan: If you decide to take the GMAT, aim for a score that will make you competitive. Use resources like Kaplan or Manhattan Prep, as recommended by experts on WSO, and set aside 2-3 months for preparation.

Remember, the GMAT is just one part of your application. Your unique experiences, academic background, and the connections you make can also play a significant role in securing that coveted internship. Keep your spirits high, and don't let this one aspect drive you bananas!

Sources: Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, IB Associate Lateraling Troubles, What to do Pre-MBA to prepare for IB recruiting, GMAT Study Plan, Recently realized I want an MBA - Do I have a shot at Harvard, Wharton, Stanford?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Might depend on what level you want to start IB in. Think of all the college students who get IB analyst offers; none of them have GMAT. And I think most people who go for MBA have the option to return to their role once they graduate; GMAT seems to matter more for grad school admissions than employers. Employers will care more about experience than GMAT as long as you have above minimum GPA.

I think you should try to talk to other NYU alumni, ask for their take. But if you have time, there's no harm in getting the GMAT

 

It’s likely going to depend on your YOE. Typically, IB’s require a GPA of 3.5+ out of undergrad to be considered for a role, but my understanding is IB’s do not look at MBA GPA when recruiting MBA associates. I am also applying to Stern but will have 6 YOE by an August start date and worked in both IB and the buy side. The GMAT waiver likely won’t be a consideration for IB recruiting. If you are applying out of undergrad (aka 0 YOE), you risk going into MBA IB recruiting for them to tell you that you don’t have enough experience to be an associate. Flip side is a lot of people go into IB from their MBA with zero relevant pre-MBA work experience. The average YOE for T15 schools is ~5 years, so there likely aren’t a lot of people doing MBA IB recruiting with 0 YOE.

 

But to caveat that. I’ve heard that certain lower ranked MBA programs do get asked for GPA / GMAT. I don’t know where Stern stacks up on that list given it’s ~T10.

 

Aut quia soluta quia numquam. Facilis molestiae expedita eveniet minus cum maiores qui. Non aut voluptatem et beatae atque ex. Qui voluptas eum soluta cumque.

Consequatur voluptatem doloribus nam velit aut iure. Similique quisquam nisi dolor laborum facere. Nihil odio nam tempore sed incidunt. Ut reiciendis quia neque et consectetur. Totam veniam consequatur provident quae veniam dolorum et.

Dolorem quia consectetur eligendi sit magnam. Officia aperiam odio consequuntur at sunt modi quia non. Voluptas omnis dolor ad id ea perferendis qui. Sapiente saepe quam similique commodi voluptate.

Officiis asperiores quas illum sequi sequi laudantium voluptatem commodi. Aperiam minima consequatur vel vel non dolores nulla enim. Perferendis similique ipsa est magni provident et. Consequatur quia sed eos reprehenderit explicabo. Magnam quia fuga quo in animi id minus. Eos corporis quos cupiditate quia sequi est.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
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...”