[PC]

Hey guys, I have an offer with a Big 4 firm to start full time next Fall and they’ve asked me to put up my fall semester transcript when it’s available.

Well, I just found out I got a C+ in an accounting course and overall I’m probably looking at a 3.2-3.3 GPA for the semester, which would bring me down from a 3.8 to a 3.7 ish.

My question is, should I be worried about them rescinding their offer? I know I slacked off big time this semester and that’s my fault but how likely is it that they rescind their offer because of a bad semester?

FWIW, I did have a bad semester last fall (3.2 for the semester) and they saw that when I posted my transcript as a summer intern (albeit I didn’t get a C+ in an accounting class).

[FearTheBeard]

@Peter.

Are you serious? Your GPA is going down from a 3.8 to a 3.7 ish? No way, rookie! Here's what they'll say once they see that 3.7 ish: “We can't have underachievers here. Offer rescinded. Boo ya!”

You're aware that most public accounting goons were average students, right? I know several people at Big 4 firms who barely had 3.1 GPAs. Sorry to be harsh, but once you start a job, no one gives a damn what your GPA is, as long as you kiss ass and get all your work done.

[Chantel]

I haven't interviewed for a Big 4, but I don't think GPA is a determining factor. Everyone I've talked to is happy with an average GPA (mine is 3.3). The only places I know that really care are the ones in small towns like where I'm from that the entry-level candidate pool is Huge! They tend to choose those with a 4.0.

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - 75
FAR - 90
REG - 87

AUD - 73 twice, third time's a charm!

F - F ('12), 90 (Dec '15)
A - F ('12), 73 (Feb '16), ? (July '16)
R - 87 (May '16)
B -

[Anonymous]

i was thinking the opposite of Chantel. If i recall right from the job fairs and talking to recruiters a few years back, the big 4 and alot of accounting firms are very serious about GPA….the one example i recall is a classmate talking to deloitte and they told him they wouldnt even consider anything below a 3.3 i believe. that is their initial way to screen applicants since they have so many people wanting a big 4 job. not sure why, but to each their own

but back to the OP, i dont think you will have any issues with them taking back the job offer. you still have an excellent GPA

[mrwills12]

After they spent all the time and money recruiting/interviewing you I would not be too worried.

FAR - 88 (Jul 2012)
AUD - 85 (Oct 2012)
BEC - 82 (Nov 2012)
REG - 92 (Jan 2013) DONE!

Using Becker Self Study 2012

[Anonymous]

If you have an offer already I wouldn't be worried about the one bad class. It might be different if you were still interviewing and they were using the semester as a deciding factor, but I think you're good.

[surfer4life949]

I guess it depends. Yes, they do use GPA as a screening factor, but I believe once you have that first interview they don't even take a second look at your GPA. From then on it's 100% personality and if you can be a warm body in the room.

B-85 OCT 2012
A-84 NOV 2012
R-90 JAN 2013
F-89 AUG 2012
Ethics-92 (3rd try)

I am DONE BABY!!!
Used Roger 2012 + Wiley + NINJA Notes

[acamp]

I bet you never hear anything from it, like surfer said, GPA is good initial screening, but you're good at this point. That said, of all the classes to slack on I probably wouldnt have chosen accounting lol

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[TheBsEr]

At my school most big 4s did not consider anyone under 3.3 – 3.4 GPAs. But yours is very high and I wouldn't be worried about it at all unless you failed a course or something. Accounting firms usually place a higher weight on your personality than your grades a lot of times.

AUD - 91
FAR - 90
REG - 87
BEC - 91
Ethics - 98

[Mayo]

@OP, I wouldn't stress about that. Your GPA is fine.

As for the low GPA thing, it depends on the school. I think a recruit from Cornell or UT could probably squeak by with a 3.3 or 3.4 if personality, leadership positions, and extracurriculars were all in place. Otherwise, GPA does matter. Then again, sometimes you just get lucky and impress a partner. Recruiting is funny that way.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[PC]

Thanks for the responses guys. Looks like my GPA will actually be closer to a 3.0 for the semester.

The reason I asked was because I figured after you got the offer, recruiters would be looking at GPA semester by semester. I thought that's why they asked me to put up my fall semester grades

[TalentedCPA]

How did it work out for you? What GPA did you end up with and was your offer revoked?

[cool_kid]

I know someone who recently got an offer from a big 4 and they told him that it's contingent on a “competitive gpa”. Anyone have any idea what that would be?

[Author]

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