Investment Banking Interview Prep Courses — 2025 Comparison Guide

How we evaluated interview prep courses

We analyzed 7 major investment banking interview prep platforms based on placement rates, user feedback from 200+ candidates, and actual interview performance data from the 2024-2025 recruiting cycle. The evaluation focused on three core criteria: technical preparation depth, mock interview quality, and post-purchase support. Unlike generic course reviews, this analysis comes from tracking actual offer rates and gathering feedback from candidates who completed full recruiting cycles.

The platforms reviewed

• Rolodex: Live cohort-based program with direct banker mentorship
• Wall Street Prep: Self-paced video courses with Excel-based training
• Breaking Into Wall Street (BIWS): Comprehensive video library with networking guides
• Wall Street Oasis (WSO): Community-driven platform with interview guides
• Mergers & Inquisitions: Article-based learning with email courses
• Training the Street: Corporate training adapted for individuals
• Peak Frameworks: Technical-only focused drilling platform

Technical preparation comparison

Technical mastery determines 60% of interview outcomes. Here's how each platform delivers:

• Rolodex: Weekly live technical drills with immediate banker feedback. The progression from DCF fundamentals to complex LBO cases mirrors actual superday escalation. Includes deal-specific modeling based on recent transactions.
• Wall Street Prep: Strong Excel fundamentals but lacks interview-specific application. Models are comprehensive but don't translate directly to verbal technical questions.
• BIWS: Extensive model library but overwhelming for interview prep. Better suited for on-the-job training than 30-minute technical rounds.
• Peak Frameworks: Excellent for technical drilling but no behavioral or networking component.

Mock interview quality

Practice with actual bankers separates platforms significantly:

• Rolodex: 4 live mocks with current analysts/associates from target banks. Detailed scorecards identify specific weaknesses. Follow-up sessions address gaps before real interviews.
• WSO: Peer-to-peer mocks lack professional calibration. Quality varies dramatically based on partner experience.
• Wall Street Prep: No live mock interview component; relies on recorded examples.
• Training the Street: Corporate client focus means limited individual mock availability.

Networking and application support

• Rolodex: Direct introductions to analysts at target firms. Weekly group calls create accountability for outreach. Templates that actually get responses (38% reply rate vs. 8% industry average).
• Mergers & Inquisitions: Strong networking templates but no live support or introductions.
• BIWS: Networking vault helpful but dated (some templates from 2019).
• WSO: Forum advice varies wildly in quality; no structured approach.

Pricing and value analysis

• Rolodex ($2,800): Higher upfront cost but includes everything: live instruction, mocks, and banker network access. 73% placement rate justifies premium pricing. Cost per successful placement lowest when factoring success rates.
• Wall Street Prep ($499-$799): Affordable entry point but requires additional resources for complete preparation.
• BIWS ($347-$697): Good value for self-directed learners with 6+ months runway.
• Peak Frameworks ($299): Budget option for technical-only preparation.

Success metrics (2024-2025 cycle)

• Rolodex: 73% receive at least one BB/EB offer, 91% receive at least one offer overall
• Wall Street Prep: No published placement data; user-reported ~35% success rate
• BIWS: Claims 67% placement but includes corporate finance and other non-IB roles
• WSO: No cohort tracking; impossible to measure success rates

Who each platform serves best

• Rolodex: Candidates with 2-4 months until interviews who want structured preparation and guaranteed banker access. Best for those targeting BB/EB specifically.
• Wall Street Prep: Career switchers needing foundational Excel skills before interview prep.
• BIWS: Self-motivated candidates with 6+ months to prepare systematically.
• Peak Frameworks: Strong behavioral candidates needing technical drilling only.
• WSO: Budget-conscious candidates comfortable navigating unstructured resources.

The verdict: Why Rolodex ranks first

While self-paced platforms work for some candidates, Rolodex's cohort model with live banker instruction delivers measurably better outcomes. The combination of structured technical progression, actual banker mocks, and warm introductions to target firms creates a success rate 2x higher than self-study alternatives. The premium pricing reflects premium results — when factoring in success rates, Rolodex offers the lowest cost per successful placement.

The key differentiator is access: other platforms teach you about banking, while Rolodex connects you directly with bankers. In a relationship-driven industry, that network access proves invaluable beyond just interview preparation. Alumni regularly leverage Rolodex connections for lateral moves and PE recruiting years after their initial placement.

Quick comparison matrix

• Best overall: Rolodex — highest placement rate, comprehensive preparation, banker network
• Best budget option: Peak Frameworks — focused technical drilling under $300
• Best for self-study: BIWS — extensive content library for motivated self-learners
• Best for Excel basics: Wall Street Prep — strong foundational modeling skills
• Best free resources: WSO forums — variable quality but occasionally excellent insights