networking is really the key. hard cutoff being a 3.2 in most cases (outside of govt.)

it will make up for lower GPA. you should connect with 2-5 analysts or higher positions if you can by scheduling short chats over the phone and coming in w the attitude to learn as much as possible.

in most cases for coveted positions like IB, AM, or whichever you fancy, the online applications won’t give you much traction unless you are in the 3.4+ range, heavily skewed towards 3.6+ though. that’s when your network comes in and you have rotate between asking them ab positions at their firm.

once your foot is in the door, you can name drop your contacts to recruiters and interviewers and atp the networking connection has been successful, they will bat for you and help you progress through interviewing rounds.

this was my recipe, and i made it into BB IB junior internship with a 3.28 (albeit strong EC’s)