Hey there,

1. In general the GPA always plays a big role among other things (work experience, time abroad, extracurricular activities) and

2. You always have to provide the information during the application, HOWEVER, if you can demonstrate tangible impact and results in your career, which is very valuable for MBB, then it becomes less of an issue.

MBBs at the end of the day are opportunistic. If they see that you have the potential to benefit their clients and their business, grades take a back seat. In order to compensate, highlight all achievements and success stories on your resume and in the cover letter with a focus on stories that are relevant for consulting firms.

Cheers,

Florian

1. It is typically quite important, but this depends on the market. E.g. in Germany many firms even ask for high school grades, even for experienced hires with 10 years of work experience.
2. Yes, tehy will ask for this info when you apply. You can compensate for a lower GPA with two things:
   • A great GMAT (if you're applying from an MBA)
   • Referrals - this is the main avenue for you to explore. Network to the firms and offices that you're applying to, to get a referral. Securring this would provide you with a strong advantage that could balance a less than ideal GPA if needed.

1. Very important - but also depends on your kind of experience. Coming from another high-intensity client-facing role such as top law firms or IB? Obv different than having some very operational role in some unknown firm. It would help if you could elaborate on your kind of experience and GPA, undergrad etc.

2. Not much - get the best referrals possible, Partners ideally, invitation will not be a problem then. But obv very hard to obtain partner referrals.

(editiert)

Hi there,

1. It does depend on the position and your amount of other experience (i.e. if you are going in entry level and only have a undergrad degree and an internship, of course your GPA matters than if you're going in as a consultant or project lead and have 2 companies/roles under your belt). In general, a GPA can also be a "table stakes" item where you need to meet a minimum threshold to be considered.

2. As Francesco has mention, networking is always the #1 way to get aorund most issues

good luck!

1. in the case of 5+ years of working experience + referral it has a limited impact
2. yes, if you have to fill the official application form

Best,
Antonello