Goldman Sachs internship more selective than becoming an astronaut

Goldman Sachs, one of the most prominent investment banks in the finance industry, has experienced an unprecedented level of competition for its summer internships in recent years. As of 2025, the firm reported an astonishing 0.7% acceptance rate, with only 2,600 candidates selected from an impressive pool of 360,000 applicants. This sharp increase in applications can be attributed to multiple factors, including the growing reputation of the firm and the economic climate, encouraging a larger number of university students and recent graduates to pursue coveted positions within the finance sector. Under CEO David Solomon’s leadership, the applicant pool has expanded by over 300% since he took office in 2018, further intensifying the competition for these roles. With the number of applicants rising by 15% compared to the previous year alone, Goldman Sachs is now facing a situation where the odds are increasingly stacked against prospective interns, making the process more rigorous and selective than ever before. It is noteworthy that the firm has already commenced the selection process for its 2026 internship class, indicating that students in their sophomore year are actively being evaluated for application. This early selection cycle exemplifies the aggressive recruitment strategy employed by Goldman Sachs as it continues to identify and attract the best talent in the finance sector. The intense competition faced by interns at Goldman Sachs aligns with a broader trend observed in other top financial institutions. For instance, JPMorgan reported a similar acceptance rate for its 2024 internship, with only 4,000 of the over 490,000 applicants making the cut. Another example is Citadel, a prominent hedge fund, which accepted a mere 0.4% of applicants for its 2025 summer internship program. This trend has drawn comparisons to the rigorous selection process for NASA astronauts, where candidates face daunting odds in their quest to join the ranks of space explorers. In 2020, NASA received over 12,000 applications for astronaut positions, selecting only 10. This creates an acceptance rate of .083% — showcasing an incredibly competitive environment in both realms. The high stakes for prospective interns at Goldman Sachs not only reflect the difficulties inherent in the finance industry but also highlight the significant number of talented applicants pursuing careers in finance. With these developments, it is essential for students and graduates to equip themselves with relevant skills, networks, and experiences to stand out in this highly competitive environment.