<p>...a high GPA - 3.8 - in economics (arts and sciences at upenn) or a moderate GPA - 3.2 - in finance (from wharton) for someone who is considering a career in i-banking or pursuing an MBA from a top business school?</p>
<p>this is a purely hypothetical scenario based on the assumption that being an economics major allows for a greater number of free electives than a finance major in wharton. i realize that is a huge generalization, but definately valid enough to debate.</p>
<p>I believe a 3.8 in economics</p>
<p>depends on the person...GPA is not the sole factor in getting a job.</p>
<p>The GPA helps you get in the door for an interview (and both those GPAs at least here at penn will get you many interviews)...it all depends on how well you interview, how well you convey your interest in the job (here wharton students have advantage - many interviewers will ask you why, if you really wanted to be an ibanker, you studied in the college rather than wharton, etc.), and in general if you fit the firm's culture and what they're looking for.</p>
<p>i'd recommend studying what interests you rather than choosing based on what you think you can do better in.</p>
<p>well, wharton classes are a lot more difficult and competetive due to curving. i'd say a 3.8 in econ equals a 3.2 at wharton.</p>
<p>like i said above both GPAs will get you interviews...which is all that GPA is good for. Once you get an interview it's all up to you.</p>
<p>hmmmmm... how would being a part of the wharton alumni network effect one's career? lifetime advantages? would there be a decreased need to get an MBA later on?</p>
<p>I think a higher GPA is always better, especially if you can put "graduated (Summa, Magna) Cum Laude" on your resume... many employers know what that means and it just looks good.</p>
<p>"I think a higher GPA is always better, especially if you can put "graduated (Summa, Magna) Cum Laude" on your resume... many employers know what that means and it just looks good."</p>
<p>Not necessarily...a 4.0 from Crapsville U is probably not as well regarded as a 3.0 from Ivy U. However, when comparing 2 divisions of a school (wharton vs. SAS) i would say these GPAs are comparable with the SAS one probably looking better on your resume. In the end though you'll be able to get the same interviews with either GPA...after that point GPA doesnt matter.</p>
<p>Can you apply to both degrees in one application year?</p>
<p>
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Not necessarily...a 4.0 from Crapsville U is probably not as well regarded as a 3.0 from Ivy U.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Not everybody goes to Ivy U. and not everybody is an elitist with the mentality that only Ivy's mean anything. Getting a 4.0 is an accomplishment almost anywhere (almost, because there are the fly by night tech schools that give all paying customers an "A" regardless), because it means you gave it your all and accepted nothing less than a top grade under your circumstances. GPA does just get you an interview, but you may as well not eliminate yourself from interviews with a poor GPA.</p>
<p>Banking is an elitist industry where the school you go to matter more than GPA does. Its a cycle as ivy league grad employees go to their respective unis or lobby to have them recruit and this continues.
A simple browse through a bank's website which lists employee background will prove this. One such place is Blackstone. Go their their corporate advisory group's website (not the PE group which has different functions).</p>
<p>Elwilson> No you apply to one school only.</p>
<p>"GPA does just get you an interview, but you may as well not eliminate yourself from interviews with a poor GPA."</p>
<p>Obviously...but a 3.0 GPA is not a poor GPA and in many industries like PE, banking, consulting,etc. a 3.0 from Elitist U will definitely get more looks tha 4.0 from Average U.</p>
<p>Because getting there surely counts for +0.6 GPA points?</p>
<p>So, bern700, is BYU an elitist U? or Average?</p>
<p>BYU doesn't count as a real school, likewise with Howard</p>
<p>in general, BYU is a great school. In the eyes of elitist industries,(mentioned above) however, it's considered average. Very few schools in the banking, consulting, PE, hedge fund world are "targeted" think ivy,gtown,duke,mit,chicago, etc. These schools consistently send hundreds of students (example: penn sends 400+ students) into these industries per year while an average school will send less than <30...</p>
<p>Penn is also located closer to the area where these big banks are located. If more of the big banks had large corporate offices in Utah, then the tables may be turned. I think location plays a role... not enough students from schools well outside the locale of a big IBank want to move there and work, because more important aspects of their lives (like family, friends) are not located in that area. Just something to consider as you puff up the elitist attitude.</p>