Hi Ellen,

You have already submitted your application, correct?

So, careful in worrying about things you cannot control! Right now, your focus should be on 1) case prep and 2) Networking with and applying to dozens of other jobs

1) My understanding so far is that if your top office choice rejects you, then the application goes to the second, third, etc. If that is the case, and the Canadian deadlines are later, then will my application not even get looked at until August and I will miss the opportunity to be considered for the US location? 

This is generally correct. To be honest, I'm not 100% sure how this works but I would imagine you would be ok. That said, when selecting a 3rd office you're already making your odds lower for that office than for the first 2.

2) I applied for McKinsey Insight (did not get in) and did the Solve game back in March. Do those results carry through or will I potentially be invited to play again? And if I have not heard back by now to play, does that mean I did not pass the initial screen?

You will likely not be asked to take the test again. If you have heard nothing, then there is no news. Meaning, you have neither passed nor not passed (i.e. you are in a quantum state)

3) Is it best to direct questions to recruiters at my top choice office, or to reach out to the lead campus recruiters at my school? 

It doesn't hurt! Try first with your campus recruiters as they are likely to be most receptive. Try to speak to them in person or via phone ideally

Fingers crossed for you!

Hi Ellen!

Interesting profile! Let me take your questions one by one:

1) My understanding so far is that if your top office choice rejects you, then the application goes to the second, third, etc. If that is the case, and the Canadian deadlines are later, then will my application not even get looked at until August and I will miss the opportunity to be considered for the US location? 

The whole ‘top offices preference’ field is a bit misleading in applications. It's more of an antiquated process that no longer works the way it was meant to. The way it happens in 95% of cases is that the first office considers your application and either goes for it or rejects it. Only in very few cases will they pass it on to the next office if for some reason they are unable to process applications anymore. 

2) I applied for McKinsey Insight (did not get in) and did the Solve game back in March. Do those results carry through or will I potentially be invited to play again? And if I have not heard back by now to play, does that mean I did not pass the initial screen?

Most likely you'll be asked to do the test again. If you haven't heard back from them in more than two weeks, reach out with a short and polite email to the recruiter and ask for an update on your application. Also, apply broadly to other firms as well to diversify your risk around the application process. Here's a guide on how to do this:

• Maximising your chances of getting a consulting job during an economic downturn

3) Is it best to direct questions to recruiters at my top choice office, or to reach out to the lead campus recruiters at my school? 

Do both. Not all will answer anyway and it's not like they'll know about each other. At this point, it's important to collect as much information as possible. You can also leverage these chats to get referrals. This guide explains how to do it in detail:

• Your Guide to Consulting Coffee Chats

Best of luck with the process!
Cristian

Hi there, 

think the other coaches already covered in depth. My main advice would be to check directly with campus recruiter, as for on-campus recruiting efforts, they are owning the process and other recruiters are often not concerned / sufficiently plugged in, even if it's their office.

If you don't hear back or get sufficient clarity, of course can try the local office recruiter in a second step.

Regards, Andi