Do Big 4 really only look for top students?

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

<p>I've been looking into Big 4 auditing firms and had done hours of research going through each of their websites regarding career opportunities and what's required to get into their firm. Moreover, I've went to various professional and career events which the Big 4 representatives took part in to inquire about the career.</p>

<p>One thing I noticed is that they make it sound as if a successful candidate must be top students who get average of B+/A- grades in accounting courses and must've been involved in various leadership positions in numerous organizations. Also, they make the whole interview process sound really intimidating (45 minutes of interview in career center for 1st round, 6 hours of interview with one-on-one with each of partner, manager, and senior accountant from 8am to 2pm in their office during 2nd round).</p>

<p>However, when I come to this forum and read about what the people write about Big 4, it seems like getting into Big 4 firms isn't much of a fuss and that any average student who knows how to think can get into one of the Big 4 firms. </p>

<p>After hearing the two totally different stories, one from their website and recruiters and another from people in this forum who know about the Big 4 firms, I don't know which one to believe. Which is the actual reality of getting into the Big 4 firms?</p>

2

<p>ha, my interviews were:
45 min on campus then at PwC: 30 min with manager, 15 min with partner, 30 min with senior manager. Pretty simple and easy interview, just the general give-me questions.</p>

<p>As to the other parts of your questions. My view is that you need the grades 3.5+ but you don't have to go to a top 25 school. I saw people in my office visit from top 100 schools. </p>

<p>Instead of saying, " any average student who knows how to think can get into one of the Big 4 firms." I would say, "any above average student who knows how to think can get into one of the Big 4 firms."</p>