I applied in Q3 of 2024 and overall found the process to be a negative experience. While the questions themselves were not necessarily difficult, many were unclear, particularly in the take-home assessment. The instructions were vague, and using the “wrong” tool could result in automatic failure. I spoke with two other candidates who experienced the same issue, which suggests this is a recurring problem. I was fortunate enough to choose the expected tool, but this shouldn’t come down to luck. Additionally, there was a noticeable emphasis on educational pedigree and credentials, and some hiring team members appeared dismissive of candidates without a specific “target” background (even though the program in question has a >60% acceptance rate). This approach felt unnecessarily exclusionary and not something I’ve encountered at more prestigious banks, finance or quant firms where I get the actual offer with great communication and feedbacks regardless of acceptance or rejection. Lastly, communication with the recruiter was poor, with little to no response to emails or status updates throughout the process.