[UK] Bad A levels BUT target uni - Can I get spring weeks/internships?
I’m a 19M about to start a humanities/social science degree at UCL, aiming to break into BB/EB investment banking. My concern is around my A-level grades: I got ABC in Maths, Economics, and Further Maths, but that was mostly down from three extenuating circumstances during my final year.
From what I’ve heard, banks look at A-levels for spring weeks and sometimes even internships. How much of a barrier could my grades be? Would retaking Further Maths while at uni make any real difference, or is that unnecessary?
If I aim for a first-class degree and build relevant experience at UCL, what are my chances of landing a spring week or internships despite the ABC?
Would love to hear your thoughts and any advice.
Thanks!
Tough spot. Ask yourself what a potential recruiter would have to judge you on come application time:* A-levels* Y1 Grade (non-1st = fail)* Extracurriculars (society stuff, pitch competitions or whatever, etc)
UCL is a semi-target btw.
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So?* Could retake further maths but how much time would that take and could you keep on top of the other two points?* Alternatively could craft such a strong application with your Y1 grind that the a-level issue becomes pretty much meaningless.
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Edit: not sure why so much MS. UCL students I guess. I say semi target not dismissively, it’s a better uni than my UG.
do you recon I can get away with putting an ABB since that was the requirement for my UCL course?
I mean you'd be lying on your CV and banking on the fact that no-one would check it. Personally I'd say don't do that.
pretty sure it's target. oxbridge, lse, imperial, ucl, warwick back in my IB days
Your A-level grades (ABC) might present a slight hurdle for spring weeks and internships at some BB/EB banks, as many do consider A-levels during the application process. However, this is not an insurmountable barrier, especially given that you’re attending UCL, a target university, and pursuing a humanities/social science degree.
Here’s what you can do to maximize your chances:
Focus on Achieving a First-Class Degree: A strong academic performance at UCL will help offset your A-level grades. Banks value a first-class degree highly, especially from a target university.
Build a Strong CV with Relevant Experience:
Network Aggressively:
Apply Strategically for Spring Weeks:
Consider Retaking Further Maths:
Highlight Your Strengths in Applications:
While your A-level grades might limit you at a few firms, many others will prioritize your university performance, experience, and skills. If you aim for a first-class degree, build a strong network, and gain relevant experience, you’ll still have a solid chance of landing spring weeks and internships.
Sources: Screwed up my A Levels, what courses can I go for to still make it in IB?, (London) So you didn’t get any spring weeks, here’s what you need to do:, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/investment-banking-in-the-uk-an-overview?customgpt=1, Intro to Investment Banking
Depends on what you are studying at UCL. If you are doing something like Econ and be highly ranked in your class ppl will be more forgiving. If you are doing some bullshit like archaeology or art history then your resume is going straight to the bins
lol, ig mine's going to the bins
Again this is not necessarily true. Yeah sure for quant roles and probs even Sales and Trading you would need a STEM degree (including econ cause some unis count it as a BA). For M&A for example you could get away with doing some humanities degree as long as you can answer all the technical questions in the interview. Ik someone from my uni at a BB who studied music, its more about where you go rather than what you study (and ofc relevant exp). Recruiters love if you can demonstrate good technicals without having studied it in your mandatory accounting/finance module.
I’m in the same boat, but attended school and university outside the UK (BSc and MSc at EU Target).
My advice would be to leave your A Level grades off your CV entirely. Some banks (including some BB and EB) prioritise university GPA, work experience and extracurricular activities, so you might stand a chance with those banks if you set your priorities straight and try to excel in all three areas.
Sad truth, but banks that ask for your A Level results in their application form or contact you after you have applied will reject you immediately.
did you land a SA internship at a EB/BB?
BB yes. Was applying to countless OC/SA‘s for 2 years straight until it eventually worked out one day
Yes you can and infact know many student hired in the bank I interned (BB) that are like you. They ask for it but don't really look at A levels and focus much more on your Uni. It breaks down to 1) getting an interview which means having a good resume and networking and 2) getting good at technicals and behaviourals, for this i've recommended the platform margin of alpha .org and it seems to be the consensus for the clubs at LSE
Would it be better if I remove my A level grades from my CV? Or at least include the subjects? Thanks
Ppl will assume the worst for anything that isnt included
Definitely not an ad
When you are filling up applications most companies ask if you had extenuating circumstances for uni grades and a-level grades. If you explain it thoroughly and transparently you should be fine. But yeah you do risk the fact that most places require a minimum of ABB (but typically to be considered you'd need AAB). It does help that you have gotten into a pretty well placed uni. Even if you do leave the grades of your CV they are bound to come up during the application process, and if you are applying to springs/summers they most definitely will ask for them.
my advice leave of cv and apply to everything anyway. you're at a good uni.. sure, makes you a little less competitive on the formal apps - but never say never. my trick was to attend the networking days at banks and get contacts of HR so when i apply for the springs i shoot them an email.
What was the purpose of said email?
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