Many people assume that once they get into Ivey, their journey to landing a dream job in consulting, investment banking, or even private equity will be a breeze. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. For instance, investment banking recruitment timelines occur well before students are officially part of Ivey, with most recruiting taking place during their second year. This means that maintaining a strong GPA in first and second year is of utmost importance— more critical than the Ivey GPA itself. Once you secure a coveted internship, receiving a return offer typically depends more on your on-the-job performance than your grades. However, getting your foot in the door requires an impressive GPA.
Although consulting timelines are slightly later, first- and second-year GPAs are still vital. Consulting recruiters evaluate CGPAs, and by the time recruiting begins, students typically have only completed one or two semesters at Ivey. This means that the majority of the GPA used for evaluation will be based on first and second year, making these years the most critical in shaping your career prospects. These early years can ultimately make or break your chances of success.
When it comes to private equity, the pathway is quite different. Recruiting for private equity rarely occurs at the undergraduate level, as firms primarily target experienced investment banking analysts rather than fresh graduates. There is no standardized timeline for moving directly from undergraduate studies to private equity. Therefore, those aiming for private equity should focus on achieving a position in investment banking first, as it serves as a stepping stone to transitioning into private equity later in their careers.
Given these realities, mastering course concepts and optimizing your study techniques early on is crucial. Among all the strategies I’ve encountered, practice tests stand out as the most effective. If you want to excel in exams, simulate the testing environment by completing practice tests—and then do more. The more you practice, the better prepared you’ll be for the real thing. Research shows that the closer your preparation is to the actual task, the better you’ll perform. With problem-based subjects like math, this technique can virtually guarantee a near-perfect score.
For memorization-heavy courses, flashcards are your best friend. I highly recommend Quizlet for its robust features, particularly the “Learn” mode, which ensures mastery through repetition. Starting at least a week in advance is essential, as it allows you to use spaced repetition to deeply ingrain concepts and recall them effortlessly during exams.
Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of getting adequate sleep. Surprisingly, you learn more when you’re asleep than when you’re awake. After studying, sleep allows your brain to consolidate and reinforce what you’ve learned, ensuring the information sticks. To maximize retention, try to space your learning sessions around sleep—especially studying right before bed. This approach ensures that the material is reinforced while you rest, enhancing your understanding and recall.
Overall, maintaining a strong first- and second-year GPA is crucial for competitive careers like consulting, investment banking, and private equity. Use effective study techniques, such as practice tests for problem-solving courses and flashcards for memorization-heavy subjects, combined with disciplined preparation and consistent sleep, to maximize performance. Start early, stay focused, and remain consistent to excel in your chosen path.