For IB: Is there a difference between a 3.6 and a 3.9 GPA as long as...

<p>as long as you meet the minimum requirement of 3.5+? This cutoff is for goldman and the top ibanks. Do they care HOW much higher your GPA is over 3.5? My friend tells me no. As long as you're above 3.5 and come from a target school, the rest is all up to the interview.</p>

<p>Yeah. But a supremely high GPA can help you in the interview, naturally.</p>

<p>Why would it? Would you be talking about your supremely high GPA during the interview?</p>

<p>Interviewer: What ways have you displayed your hard work?</p>

<p>Interviewie: Mah 3.9 harverd gpa dawg</p>

<p>That's not the point whether or not you reach the minimum. That doesn't mean you are getting an interview.</p>

<p>I'm confused about the last post, Dawgie. Please explain.</p>

<p>He is just saying that there is more to getting an interview than just your gpa (your school, EC's, interest in the field, cover letter, etc...), which I am sure you already know.</p>

<p>GPA always helps, though not as much in the latter interviews</p>

<p>let's just say if you have the bare minimum gpa you're not going to get nearly as many initial interviews as the guy with the 3.9 holding other things equal</p>

<p>Minimum GPA is the GPA you need so that they don't throw out your resume. It's the GPA you need just to be considered at all. If you meet the minimum, they'll probably read on. After they read on, they'll compare you to others. It's not enough to just make the minimum because everything is relative. So just because you got the 3.5 cutoff (or whatever it either officially or unofficially is), doesn't mean you'll get the interview because many more candidates might have a 3.8+. That's what Dawgie means.</p>

<p>You got it redhare.</p>

<p>so say your GPA is 3.4, will the top ibanks just throw away ur resume and cover letter? without even reading it or looking at ur EC's and other stuff?? :(</p>

<p>Of course there is a difference... the higher GPA, assuming everything else was about the same, will have the upperhand... better chance of getting hired... better chance of landing in a interview... landing in a better department... high GPA catches attention... your resume gets what probably a few minutes of review... for investment banking it's almost critical to come from a target school with a high GPA...</p>

<p>Let me put it this way::</p>

<p>3.9 @ Wharton = Automatic interview at ANY bank, automatic offer for at least 5 banks, possibly more, depending on how ambitious you are. I know one kid from Wharton who had a 3.92 and had 15 offers... The average from Wharton is about 2-3.</p>

<p>3.5 @ Wharton = Lock for an interview, but personality plays a huge role thereafter. Likely will get at least 2 offers, if not a social hermit.</p>

<p>Think of it this way: If I'm going to be paying you 6 figures right out of college, do you think that I'd want the best and brightest, or just some run of the mill guy?
However, nobody wants to work with a 3.9 Book worm, and by book worm, I mean your typical social outcast. I want somebody smart, but I also want that person to be personable, to be able to take me out for a couple beers after a long week.</p>

<p>Basically, it definetly matters a lot. A 3.9 at a target school will get you multiple offers, guaranteed, whereas a 3.5 will get you in the door, and this is regardless of how socially inept you are. IMO, I'd take a 3.5 w/ a kickass personality over a socially awkward 3.9 anyday</p>