jp_newgrad · 3 replies
i'm a 2025 grad with one solid internship and a few good projects. Stripe shows up as 'reach' on every tier list i see but i genuinely can't tell if that's 'don't bother' or 'worth the prep investment.' the take-home alone sounds like it would take a week to properly study for.
does anyone have actual data on new grad conversion rates there? or know what parts of the loop are different for new grads vs experienced hires? would really appreciate any signal here. already stressed enough.
it's a reach but a worthwhile one. prepping for stripe's loop makes you better at every other loop. the take-home discipline, the system design, the behavioral structure. all of it transfers. apply early so you have time to iterate if you get a rejection.
ok that actually reframes it. using it as a prep vehicle even if i don't land it. starting the application tonight.
i applied last fall as a new grad and got the take-home. didn't pass it honestly, my error handling was weak. but the exercise itself taught me more than like 3 weeks of leetcode. try it.