Guide
How to Run an Investment Banking Interview Study Group
The best IB study groups are small, scheduled and graded: three to six people, the same time every week, everyone answering the same questions and comparing grades side by side. Structure keeps the group going after the first few weeks.
Why most study groups fizzle out
Study groups usually start strong and fade by week three. The reasons are predictable: nobody owns the schedule, sessions turn into loose conversation, and there is no way to tell whose answer was actually right. People stop showing up when a session feels optional and unproductive.
A structure that lasts
1. Keep it small
Three to six people at a similar stage. Larger groups spend too much time waiting.
2. Put it on the calendar
Same day and time every week, with a calendar invite so it shows up next to class and work.
3. Pick a topic per session
DCF one week, LBO the next. Rotate who chooses.
4. Answer first, discuss second
Everyone answers each question on their own, then you compare. Discussing before answering lets the strongest person carry the room.
5. Grade consistently
Use the same standard for everyone so the conversation is about the concept, not about whose answer sounded better.
How study parties work in ApexIB
- Host a party and pick the topics, the number of questions and a time limit per question.
- Invite people with a code or a link through your phone's share sheet, or schedule it ahead with calendar invites for friends and email addresses.
- Everyone answers the same question at the same time, and each answer is graded by AI.
- Compare side by side after each question: every answer, every score and the model answer.
- Clubs can host parties for all their members, who get notified automatically.
Free accounts can join one study party a day. Pro can host one every 24 hours, and the Recruiting Pass includes unlimited hosting.
Mix in some competition
Between group sessions, 1v1 duels keep people practicing on their own schedule. The same five questions, a 90-second clock and a running rating make it easy to fit a quick round into a busy day.
Frequently asked questions
How many people should be in an IB study group?
Three to six. Smaller groups keep everyone answering instead of waiting, and it is easier to find a recurring time.
How often should an IB study group meet?
Once or twice a week at a fixed time, with individual practice in between.
What should we cover in each session?
One topic per session, such as DCF or LBO, with everyone answering the same questions before discussing them.
Can a club run study parties?
Yes. Club leaders can host parties for the whole club, and members are notified as soon as the party is created.
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