Applying for a pre-mba program. Should I add the school I am going to on my CV?

Hi there,

Yes, you should definitely list your upcoming MBA program on your CV, as it helps strengthen your profile—especially since you’re transitioning from a non-target undergrad to a semi-target MBA. You can format it like this:

[Your MBA Program] (Starting September 2025)
    •    Expected graduation: [Year]

This signals to Bain that you’ll soon be part of a more recognized program, which can improve your chances.

As for your CV, even if it’s not fully optimized for consulting yet, I’d recommend making some quick improvements before applying. Bain’s pre-MBA programs are competitive, and having a structured, results-oriented CV will help. A few quick tweaks:
    •    Use a consulting-friendly format (clear sections, strong action verbs, and quantifiable impact).
    •    Highlight leadership, problem-solving, and analytical experience—even from non-traditional roles.
    •    If you have any business, strategy, or analytical experience (from work, side projects, or extracurriculars), make it stand out.

If you need help optimizing your CV, it might be worth getting feedback before submitting. Hope this helps—good luck with your application!

Best,

Evelina

Yep definitely - I would add the name of your MBA programme with (Incoming) to the education section of your CV.

I would also start optimising your CV for consulting now, while your MBA career service will help with this, it should help your Pre-MBA application and set you up well for when you start recruiting on the MBA!

Will

Hey there ?

Yes, definitely list the MBA program you’re going to on your CV — especially since you're applying for a pre-MBA program, Bain will expect to see that! Just make sure to write it as:

[School Name], MBA Candidate, Class of 2026 (Incoming)

As for your CV not being optimized for consulting: it’s still worth applying! Pre-MBA programs are designed exactly for this transition. However, a quick CV polish to highlight leadership, impact, and analytical thinking could really boost your chances — even small tweaks can make a big difference.

Let me know if you want help giving it a consulting-friendly spin ✨

Best,
Alessa ?

Yes, that makes complete sense!

Hello there,

Good question - Yes! :) 

CV screening is the gateway for consulting, it should be simple but most candidates fail in it. Happy to support you with crafting a strong resume that will ready for MBB evaluation!

Send me a DM if you want to learn more or get references from other candidates.

Best,

Mari

Hi there,

1) In the meantime, can I apply for the pre MBA program with my CV that is not optimised for consulting? 

I would spend the time to actually optimize it before submitting the CV.

2) Also, should I list my school that I will be attending on my Cv? 

Yes, as long as you clearly indicate that you will join in the future, that’s totally fine, given that the brand name is stronger than your undergrad.

Good luck!

Francesco

Yes!!

Apply with your current CV, there is not perfect Consulting CV.

But here is a link of different CV templates:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/cv-templates/view/11

I like template 1 and 3.

AND Yes, add your school that you're going to be attending with your future year of attendance 

Good luck!

Yes, you should list your upcoming MBA program on your CV, clearly stating the school name and expected start date (e.g., INSEAD (MBA, Class of 2026)). Even if your CV isn’t fully optimized for consulting, apply now—Bain’s pre-MBA programs are designed for high-potential admits like you. You can always refine the CV later if needed.

Hi there,

Yes, you should apply and list the school you will be attending HOWEVER make sure that you optimize the CV for consulting before applying, even if you feel like the experiences are not relevant for consulting - there are always ways to make them come out in the best possible light (as you mention this is not done yet).

All the best,

Florina

Hi there, 

Given that you are applying for the pre MBA program, yes you should do both: (1) list the school of your MBA program, (2) optimize your CV for consulting regardless. 

Best,

Emily