When it comes to breaking into the competitive world of investment banking, preparation and organization can make or break your success. With countless banks opening applications and deadlines spread across months, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or miss out on opportunities. Enter the Investment Banking Summer 2026 Application Tracker, a must-have tool for aspiring investment bankers navigating their path to securing an internship.
This blog will explain what an application tracker is, how it can help you stay organized, and why it’s an essential tool for landing a coveted investment banking internship. We’ll also provide tips on setting up and customizing your own tracker so you make the most of the 2026 recruitment season.
Why You Need an Application Tracker for Investment Banking Internships
The process of applying for summer investment banking internships is notoriously competitive. For the Summer 2026 recruiting cycle, you’ll be facing applications for firms like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and J.P. Morgan—each with unique deadlines, requirements, and interview timelines. Here’s why an application tracker is your best friend in this process:
1. Stay Organized and Meet Deadlines
Investment banks open applications as early as 18 months before the internship start date, and they often review resumes on a rolling basis. This means every day could count. An application tracker allows you to map out every bank’s key dates so you never miss a deadline.
2. Monitor Your Progress
Applying for multiple roles across firms can quickly become chaotic. A good tracker will help you monitor where you stand in your recruitment process for each firm—whether you’ve submitted your application, completed a hireVue interview, or made it to the assessment center stage.
3. Save Time
Instead of scrambling to find emails or remembering whether you applied for a position, your tracker will clearly display every detail in one central location. This gives you more time to focus on tailoring your resume, cover letters, and preparing for interviews.
4. Reflect and Improve
An organized tracker lets you analyze your submissions and performance. Tracking outcomes—such as the feedback you received after interviews—will help you identify trends and improve for future applications.
What Should an Investment Banking Application Tracker Include?
A well-organized application tracker will include essential sections to help you keep tabs on everything related to your internship applications. Here are key elements to include in your tracker:
1. Company Name
Keep track of all the banks you’re applying to, from elite boutique firms like Lazard and Evercore to bulge bracket giants like Citi and Deutsche Bank.
2. Application Status
Include statuses like “Not Started,” “Submitted,” “Under Review,” or “Interviewing.” This simplifies knowing where you stand with each role.
3. Deadlines
Clearly mark application deadlines, networking deadlines (like coffee chats), and interview timelines. Use a color-coding system to highlight approaching deadlines.
4. Required Materials
What does each firm require? Some may ask for just your resume, while others want a resume, cover letter, and a completed application form.
5. Progress Updates
Track milestones such as whether your resume is polished, if you’ve submitted the application, and whether you’ve received feedback.
6. Interview Notes
For interview preparation, jot down details about who interviewed you, the questions asked, and any feedback you received. This is especially handy if you’re advancing through multiple rounds at different firms.
7. Outcome
Keep a column for the eventual result: accepted, rejected, offered, or waitlisted. This helps you reflect at the end of the application cycle.
8. Contact Information
Include details for key contacts, such as recruiters or alumni who could support you.
How to Set Up Your Application Tracker
Setting up an application tracker is simple and can be done using spreadsheet tools like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building an effective tracker tailored to your investment banking goals.
Step 1: Open a Spreadsheet Tool
You can use any spreadsheet platform, but Google Sheets is particularly useful since it’s cloud-based and accessible from anywhere.
Step 2: Add Columns for Key Data
Create columns for every essential piece of information you’ll track, such as “Firm Name,” “Application Status,” “Deadline,” and “Outcome.”
Step 3: Use Filters for Easy Sorting
Set up filters so you can sort your tracker by deadline, application status, or company name with just a click.
Step 4: Color-Code Your Progress
Color coding can make your tracker visually appealing and easy to scan. For example:
- Green for submitted applications
- Yellow for in-progress tasks
- Red for overdue deadlines
Step 5: Automate Reminders
If using Google Sheets, integrate Google Calendar to set automated reminders for application deadlines or interviews.
Step 6: Update Regularly
Make it a habit to update your tracker at the end of each day to ensure your data is current and accurate.
Pro-Tips for Success in Investment Banking Applications
While your tracker will keep you organized, these additional tips will help you boost your chances of landing an internship spot.
1. Network Early and Often
Applications are just one piece of the puzzle. Attend networking events, reach out to alumni, and build connections with recruiters to increase your visibility.
2. Perfect Your Resume and Cover Letters
Customize your resume and cover letters for each application. Highlight skills like financial modeling, deal experience, and teamwork.
3. Ace Your Interviews
Prepare for behavioral questions (e.g., “Why investment banking?”) as well as technical ones (e.g., “Walk me through a DCF model.”). Practice with peers or mentors to sharpen your answers.
4. Stay Resilient
Rejections are part of the process in such a competitive field. Use them as learning opportunities and keep improving for the next application.
Invest in Your Future with a Tracker
An investment banking summer 2026 application tracker isn’t just about keeping things organized—it’s about giving yourself a competitive edge. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of securing a coveted internship that can pave the way for a successful career in finance.
Use the tips outlined here to create your very own tracker, or download premade templates available online to get started quickly.
Good luck, future bankers! Stay focused, stay motivated, and keep chasing your dreams.
