GPA Doubt

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, it's true that consulting firms tend to favor higher GPAs, which generally serve as an indicator of a candidate’s analytical and academic prowess. In your case, however, it's important to highlight the context of your GPA. If you choose to include it on your resume, make sure to clarify that a 2.95 GPA placed you within the top 20% of your class. This can provide the necessary perspective to the recruiters.
• Moreover, regarding the rounding up of your GPA, I would advise you to maintain integrity in your application. Rounding up to 3.0 could be seen as misleading, and maintaining trust is paramount in the application process. Instead, focus on your strong work experience and leadership roles, as these are also highly valued by consulting firms.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

your graduation is already years in the past so the weighting of your GPA is less compared to candidates applying fresh out of school. The more important aspect for your application will be your work experience over the last years. Here you need to demonstrate relevance for MBB.

1. As for your GPA, I would either put your actual GPA (2.95) in conjunction with the comment “top 20% of the class" or only that comment without the numerical GPA 
    
2. I would not round up to 3.0 as that might cause some issues once you have to provide copies of your transcripts

Best of luck

Hi there,

MBB recruiters do not care so much for GPA as they care for the relative comparison to your cohort. They usually have a good read on how to interpret grades from all the different universities in their area.

That means in some universities you would be rejected with a 3.7 due to grade inflation whereas in others with your GPA you are fine.

In short, you should be fine! All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

Definitely do not put GPA. 2.95 would raise flags/questions.

Rather, if you want to put “top 20% of class” you can put that.

Remember, a resume is all about highlighting good things and “hiding" or de-emphasizing bad :)

Very good targeted question!

In short, yes, put the positioning within the cohort, not the actual GPA (unless specifically asked to mention the GPA).

In most situations, the GPA is irrelevant anyway because it doesn't give the recruiter a sense of your relative performance. So as long as you know your positioning within the cohort, always go for that one. 

And don't do any rounding.

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

1) Should I omit my GPA in my resume since it does not seem high enough for MBB or simply put it by emphasizing the top 20% ? 

I would omit it. 2.95 would not look good even if you add you are in the top 20%.

2) If I decide to put it, is it OK to round it to 3.0/4.0 to have better first impression?

I would simply omit and avoid rounding.

Best,

Francesco

You graduated a long time ago. You don't need to put GPA, but putting Top 20% of class is positive and increase your chances (and is actually what they want to know… whether you were on top of class or not).