Hi,
I will be applying for full time roles this fall to the top consulting firms (MBB + Tier 2). In my first semester of a two year Master's program I got a C in a course. In the second semester I worked and got all As which pulled my GPA up and above 3.6.
Will the C in my transcript cause an automatic ding? Is the system wired to remove applicants with Cs?
I have been networking and always been too afraid to ask. Just wanted your opinion on this.
Hi Anonymous,
Top consulting firms look for different elements in every candidate before making a decision to invite to interviews. For a fresh graduate, grades are important but they are not the only ones. With your overall GPA of 3.6/4.0, you are definitely in the range of brilliant students that the firms will consider for the interviews.
Now, as you move further in your degree, I would recommend you to maintain (or improve) your GPA and to work on other elements that will make you standout as an MBB & Trier 2 candidate (fit, case cracking, etc.)
I will be happy to take the discussion further with you. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact me.
All the best :)
Mehdi
Hello,
Not at all, most of the times they don't ask for the transcipt of your single courses. Only overall GPAis taken into consideration, and has to be above a threshold value (depending on the country and company).
3.6 is already a good result, try to give your best and don't worry too much about that unlucky course :)
Best,
Luca
Hi,
You should be ok. They'll most likely just look at your overall GPA (especially when deciding whether or not to interview you).
If they make an offer, they'll do a background check and may ask for your transcript...in which case the C won't lead them to rescinding your offer.
In summary: Don't worry!
Hi there,
the C won’t likely be relevant, but ideally you should target a GPA of 3.7+ for MBB, I would work to slightly increase your current GPA to reach that threshold if possible. Also, if you manage to receive a good referral, that can compensate for a non-ideal GPA.
Best,
Francesco
Hi Anonymous,
In short: the overall GPA is relevant, the C as a singular occurance not.
And: the grades are just one data point among many!
Hope this helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!
Robert
Hi,
First of all, they will look at the overall GPA, not individual subjects, so your C does not really matter that much if the other grades are ok
Secondly, GPA is just one criterion, but there are many others, so you should work hard on them
Best
Dear A,
Agree with other experts that C grade for a course doesn't really matter, as long as your GPA is ok and your are from target school.
But the other thing is that GPA is the only one among many other criteria. So if you want to be invited for interview for sure, I would recommend you to apply through referrals.
If you need any further help, feel free to reach out.
Best,
André
Nothing to worry, only overall GPA is looked into for recruiting.
The C is anecdotical.
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
Hi;
please find below a thread on GPA :
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-fix-low-gpa-6531
Best
Hi Anonymous,
I do not think this will be an issue at all as long as you are at a target school. Just try to maintain or increase your GPA if possible.
-A
Hi, I confirm do not to worry about a single exam. Only the GPA and the school matters for the academical background assessment during CV screenings
Best,
Antonello
Hi,
I think it depends a bit on the location, but when I interviewed for McK, nobody ever asked for my transcript or my grades. They were more interested in my past experiences, extracurricular activites, professional and personal achievements etc.
Plus even if they do ask for your grades, 3.6 is a pretty good GPA, I don't think you have a reason to explain yourself! There is definitely no rule to filter out people who received 1-2 bad grades!
Best,
Réka
No it won't you'll be fine - do you go to a target school?
