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Anonymous A

on Jul 20, 2025

DACH

MBB Online Application Portal, upload Highschool Grades/Transcripts

Hi everyone! I have the following question, I am currently looking to transition into a job in consulting as an experienced professional. I graduated from highschool in 2010( IB Diploma). When uploading my resume via the online application portal I was also asked to upload my highschool grades. Unfortunatley I didnt get the best grade on my IB and am afraid if I enter it the pre-screen software will immediately cast me out. Can someone please advise me on what the best step forward is? For example, could I just enter in words that I passed or completed the IB program without giving a numerical grade, or will that also trigger the system to cast my application out? I appreciate any help and guidance surrounding this specific matter. Thanks

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Top answer

Salman

Coach

on Jul 20, 2025

Ex-McKinsey (Dubai) | 4+ YoE | Jr. Engagement Manager in Private Capital + Public Sector | Interviewer-led MBB coaching

If you’re applying as an experienced hire, your high school grades shouldn’t matter unless your undergrad and professional track record are weak. That said, the system may still ask for them as shown by your attempt, especially in DACH.

Just upload the transcript as-is. If you're a strong candidate today, they won't reject you over grades from 15 years ago. Focus on positioning your recent experience and getting a referral if possible, this'll matter far more than your IB score.

2 comments

Anonymous A

on Jul 20, 2025

Hi Salman, thank you for your response. I read somewhere that they mostly care about your math grades from highschool, however in my case I have a university degree in physics from a german technical university. Regarding my degree I have what is considered a good GPA for physics, but compared to other degrees one might say it's average. I hope they understand that having a super high GPA in physics also requires having an IQ of like 150+. My main concern is that the pre-screen algorithm will automatically stop my application from being reviewed by a human if they see my IB grade was not great, or does the algorithm not work like that? Based on my work experience and university degree I should be a great candidate for the role. In my case should I try getting my old high school grades to send along with my IB to prove that I had normal/good grades in school, it was just around my IB exams that I had a lot going on which impacted my final score. Also my extended essay(part of IB) was graded excellent. Should I mention in my motivational letter why my IB was low? And are you saying its better I be fully transparent and drop the actual score into the grades box of the online application, or should I type something more vague like, completed/passed and submit the diploma with no grades on it and see if they even ask for it considering how long ago it is? Or would that raise bigger flags in their system? Thanks again for any insights regarding this matter

Salman

Coach

on Jul 20, 2025

Ex-McKinsey (Dubai) | 4+ YoE | Jr. Engagement Manager in Private Capital + Public Sector | Interviewer-led MBB coaching

Thanks for the added context. To be candid, you're overanalyzing this a bit.

At the experienced hire level, firms care much more about your recent academic and professional track record than a high school score from over a decade ago. Upload the transcript as-is and let the rest of your profile speak for itself.

Focus your energy on strengthening your CV, motivation letter (no need to over-excuse why you did less than acceptable back in high school), and case prep. Those are what will actually move the needle.

Kevin

Coach

on Jul 20, 2025

Hi there,

While grades do matter (especially in DACH), it should not necessarily be a deal breaker (for experienced hires in particular).

I would always advise you to be honest and transparent and enter all grades as requested.

Focus on positively standing out with the rest of your application instead of trying to hide something. You will reap the benefits and have a good conscience along the way.

Kind regards

Kevin

2 comments

Anonymous A

on Jul 20, 2025

Hi Kevin, thanks for your reply. What I am worried about, is the pre screening software system immediately eliminating my application from ever being viewed by a human due to the IB grade being lower than their system allows. Is that possible or does the algorithm not filter like that? Beyond the IB grade, I think my profile fits very well to what they are looking for based on my work experience. If I do share my IB grade, should I mention it in my motivational letter, why it was low? Should I go through the effort of trying to get my regular high school grades to send those along with my IB? The best part of my IB was the extended essay, where I received a A(excellent), but the exams weren't great. Should I highlight that? I dont know if I should just enter the grade and not say anything unless they ask me, or better to comment on it immediately, within the motivational letter for example? Also they say on the portal that a motivational letter isnt needed, but than later say, you can upload one if you want. Would you always recommend doing this? And would having a written reference from a former boss also be good way to balance the IB grade, or is it enough if my Uni and CV look well? Thank you so much, if you are able to share guidance on any of these questions!

Kevin

Coach

on Jul 20, 2025

Hi again,

I understand your questions and concerns. While I cannot share specifics on algorithms or the system, I will try to answer to as many points as possible.

1. If you can get additional, good grades to demonstrate your academic Achievements, that is definitely a good idea.
2. If you decide to mention it in your motivational letter, careful wording is of great importance. It should be a convincing overall storyline and not sound like an "excuse". I'm happy to review your CV / cover letter to ensure it is worded adequately (e.g., as "demonstrating resilience in overcoming obstacles", if applicable in your case - let's discuss).
3. Alternatively, you could decide not to make a big deal out of it and just list it as part of an overall convincing application - that would require evaluating your overall profile and application, to gage your chances.
4. Excellent references always improve your chances

Kind regards,
Kevin

Cristian

Coach

15 hrs ago

#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi there,

Put the results as they are.

They don't screen you out just because of some grades. And if you're applying as an experienced professional that component of the application doesn't matter that much anyway (it's rather a legacy section from graduate cohort applications).

Best,
Cristian

Mihir

Coach

12 hrs ago

McKinsey Associate Partner and interviewer | Bulletproof MBB prep

You're not likely to get screened out due to your high school grades with your level of experience. I would suggest that you include everything as it is.