Rebounding from 2.6 Freshman GPA
I am currently entering my sophomore year at a target school in the midwest. My time during freshman year was burned up by walking on to a varsity sport, pledging a fraternity, a handful of clubs, and trying to double major in physics and econ (now econ and math). Attempting a Physics major, wasting too much time and energy on drinking, and getting 3.5 hours of sleep per night compounded into a cumulative first-year GPA of 2.6. To be quite honest with you, I just didn't have a passion for physics nor my priorities in order.
My only option for the summer was a non-finance internship (after 200+ cold emails to alumni to no avail in any boutique IB or finance). I took it and got some data management experience out of, but not anywhere in the realm of true expertise. I have since wiped the slate clean in extra-curricular and looking to start anew. I have taken zero econ courses going into my sophomore year, and effectively have no experience other than trying to memorize WSO interview guides. My GPA is dog shit, but I have sorted out my priorities and I am taking serious initiative to enter resume-boosting clubs and networking events.
How can I leverage my poor GPA and non-finance internship to get alumni and employers to take me seriously? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
You could do an "adjusted GPA" meaning that you state on your resume that the GPA listed is 2nd year onward. You will get questioned on this every single time, but it looks like you have a good explanation prepared. You'll also want to hit on what you learned from it and what you did to improve.
Thanks, I have never come across that but it seems like a really good idea. Have you personally seen any others who have successfully used the adjusted GPA with demonstrated improvements and well thought out explanation?
This method was actually suggested to me by a c-suite exec at a top MM firm because I have a weaker gpa (3.5). He said that he’s seen it used successfully when the candidate had extenuating circumstances and the person showed that they learned from their mistake. Same situation if you had a difficult family matter during freshman year.
Especially when networking, this should help you better get people on the phone with you instead of them blowing you off because they don’t think that you’re capable. Not everyone will buy in, but all you need is one person at one firm to understand and you should do fine.
Assuming you get a 4.0 for the next 3 years, your average gpa would be a 3.65 so not that bad but you got to grind it out, get 6-7 hours of sleep and fuck the frat unless they are actively encouraging you to get high grades. I play a varsity sport , work part time and am still able to manage my courses so it is definitely possible it just takes a good mindset and a fresh perspective which you have.
You could explain the double major and spin it as a good story but take the advice above and just have an "adjusted gpa". I think you are making great steps to resolve the issue so continue to network with alumni, join finance clubs and also i found debate clubs are great for meeting smart people and being accountable for your schedule and life. I think debating is seriously under appreciated generally and everyone i have meet in debate club has increased my level of competition and made me smarter in my decision making whilst also making me comfortable in meeting alumni and having coffee chats that goes beyond a general conversation.
One last thing, surround yourself with people you want to be like. This isn't a joke but if your friends aren't able to relate to networking and envisioning themselves as successful in the future then you suffer indirectly and it becomes a toxic environment ( no one needs negative energy) so become a "hardo" and get criticized for it but at least you won't be aiming for getting a basic job out of undergrad and living a basic life. Everyone fucks up but you are proactively getting better and making good changes so don't let a bad first year derail you from your goal :)
I appreciate the uplifting message. I have surely already left the fraternity, and the debate thing seems like a good idea. It never crossed my mind about its benefits in showing conviction in meetings and such. I am also actively seeking more friends who have more interest in investing in their success. Thanks for the advice.
yeah that sounds great, debating is such a great booster and it improves everything from grammar to speech to conviction and self confidence. You got this , i'm rooting for you
Dolore sed rerum maiores beatae cupiditate aut repellat. Vero id modi adipisci. Mollitia quibusdam velit ut aliquid ad qui. Dicta repellat enim omnis expedita. Labore quasi quisquam provident.
Quas in provident cumque aut omnis. Labore delectus velit laboriosam doloremque aspernatur ut ea.
Aut dolorum in distinctio possimus sunt quis. Rerum aut ut enim atque aut placeat nisi. Expedita ut quam quisquam quos qui possimus. Ipsum earum et rerum quia quaerat tempore velit. Tempora nesciunt et est doloremque impedit quam.
In architecto soluta distinctio dicta ut sed temporibus. In molestiae ut perferendis. Impedit culpa et saepe molestias aperiam. Debitis fugit veritatis molestiae expedita.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...