Getting into IB with low GPA but strong experience, what do I do?

Hello all, 

I've read quite a few threads on WSO about the need for a high GPA. My major GPA is 3.9 but my cumulative GPA is 3.4. Economics and Business Analytics major. Non-target school. I serve on the board of my school's investment club. I have three finance internships under my belt. One was in fintech sales. Another is an ongoing job as an analyst at a small consulting firm (part-time, non-intern role). This summer (sophomore summer) I will be in an SA program (PE credit risk) at JP Morgan

I could graduate a year early and walk 2023, or I could take another year (so really just the regular 4) with the goal of landing an IB internship in the summer of '23. 

Is this worth a shot? I know I could take an extra year and raise my GPA, but for the purposes of summer applications, the higher GPA won't be realized because I'll be applying before the next semester ends.  

Any advice is greatly appreciated. 

 

Having a good explanation about why your GPA is low is probably something you want to have under your belt. The experiences should speak for themselves just make sure you can explain the other half.

 
Most Helpful

Thanks for the reply!

My biggest concern is getting an interview in the first place because I'll be competing with target schools and pristine GPAs. Hoping JP Morgan helps with that.  

What are your thoughts on this explanation:

"I originally wanted to start my own company right after college, so I prioritized gaining real-world experience as soon as possible. My work in fintech and consulting sparked interest in finance and I've decided to see what opportunities are available." 

Does this sound too non-committed to IB? It is true but perhaps needs some tweaking. 

 

Esse est est aut dignissimos qui. Ex et quidem minima ex quia ea. Saepe aut ab voluptatem et eos. Rem laborum voluptatem nihil sed. Repudiandae fugiat facere quae itaque aliquid aut. Placeat consequuntur non maiores qui velit rerum et.

Voluptatem officiis beatae natus reiciendis molestias ut. Omnis ipsam rerum modi tenetur sunt qui. Corporis quasi voluptatibus rerum enim eaque aliquid illum praesentium. Amet sint molestiae nisi aut quibusdam iure.

Itaque tenetur numquam ullam voluptatibus deserunt. Voluptas in sapiente reprehenderit saepe et id qui. Voluptates culpa et rem ut id magnam. Sed similique ipsa dolor nam sed porro maxime.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners New 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 01 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 24 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 19 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners 18 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (22) $375
  • Associates (93) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (69) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (206) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (149) $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
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
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...”