For the 150 i earned 3 undergrad degrees, Acct, Mang, and BA. I had an undergrad scholarship, thats why I didn't go Masters. Masters is obviously better.

I was extremely involved on campus and held various officer positions in student Gov and Lambda Chi Alpha including President of both.

My GPA: 3.15ish

I was pretty involved in service activities too. Mainly through Lambda Chi Alpha.

I worked my way through school, and after a while in the service industry, I was lucky enough to get a few "internships". 2 seasons in tax, 6 months at a consulting place while working in the school's AP dept at the same time, then 1 year in audit.

Also I think the Interview is a big deal.  I know several people in Beta Alpha Psi(Accounting Honors Fraternity), with 4.0, masters, not get offers. I think it was because they were didn't let thier personality show during the interview.

Notice the "I"s. I know this isn't the only set-up to get an offer. My strentgths were in the Leadership and experience side(which I think I over-did).  Yours might be different.

I'm not the interviewer though. I couldn't really tell you exactly why they chose me, but I'm very glad and proud they did.

I would have to agree with Workingonit since my background is similar to his. In my honest opinion, don't get too worked up on your GPA. I believe 3.0 is the magic number. The higher the GPA, the more likely it is that the recruiter will funnel your resume through for an interview. A high GPA will NOT guarantee you a job, only the first round interview. To get a first round interview (assuming your GPA is at least a 3.0), I would recommend that you find out who the campus recruiter for your school is and find out when these firms throw social events. Even if you're not in an accounting organization or fraternity, which I find as a waste of money, you could always ask the recruiter if you could attend one of these functions and they will more than likely oblige. At least it worked for me. The main purpose is to get in face time with the recruiters of your school so that they could put a face to a name. So that when they sift and scour through the mounting stack of resumes, your name would pop up since you've been an impression on them.

"I find as a waste of money": I find this rather insulting. However, I guess it would depend on your experience with these organizations in the past. Hopefully, you have had some direct experience with these organizations, otherwise you may be making unfounded assumptions.

For me personally, the organizations helped alot. They helped develop my character, time management and "people skills" :-) , and they also helped me find and value service opportunities. Everyone, and every organization is different though.  You should find the one that complements you the best.

Now as far as the firm sponsored socials... Sure you might get lucky and talk to someone who might put in a good word for you, but most of the people there have no influence on the hiring decision.  Also keep in mind that every kiss a** there will be trying to talk to the recruiters. Although they keep a smile on their face, they are smart, and I'm sure they see through it.  I never really talked to my recruiters until the 1st interview and I recieved offers. Again, everyone is different, and that doesn't mean you shouldn't.

Just relax(but stay professional) and take everything in. Talk to whoever, just to talk, not to get the job.   The good part about the socials is that you can get a feel for the company "culture". You'll see how everyone interacts with one another. This could really help you out in choosing the company that fits you best. I think thats the best part of the socials.

Good Luck!