Question on where to apply

Hi!

Is there a reason you would prefer to be in the UK and not Germany? If there is a personal or other reason, that changes things. However, if you look at it from a purely professional point of view, I would always choose the office where you have most chances of being accepted. For example, I was accepted at BCG Madrid but ended-up spending most of my career at BCG Miami.

There are two phases to take into account:
1/ Prior to the interview: There is always a risk (although small) of being rejected before an interview. I have seen some excellent candidates being rejected at this stage and never understood the reason. If your CV makes you look perfect for Germany, I would not take the risk of putting all your eggs in one basket 
2/ During the interviews: How comfortable are you with the UK market and/or language? Will you be able to perform as well as someone who lived and studied in the UK? If so, you have nothing to worry about. Otherwise, you are taking a small risk. 

One more thing: don't forget there are 3 x MBB firms. You could decide to apply to the UK for McKinsey and then apply to Germany for BCG and Bain for example.

Best of luck with the process! Let me know if I can help further.

Hi there,

Q: Would you advise me to apply to London or to Germany for better chances?

Do you have a network to leverage in both countries? If so, in terms of better chances I would pick Germany for the following reasons:

1. Likely less competition
2. No issues with demonstrating a connection with the country
3. Most likely more chances to be referred (assuming you studied there and can leverage your school network)

Additionally, even if you prefer the UK, you might move to the UK after a few years of work experience in Germany. 

This doesn’t mean you might not be successful if you apply in the UK though.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

Where have you networked best? Where do you have a referral and/or where has shown most interest in you?

Second, where do you want to be?

Finally: Remember that you should be able to select 2 offices, so, really, we're deciding which one to put first.

Hi there,

To focus on the key question: The London office of all MBBs is usually the most competitive in Europe, so I would argue your chances are better in Germany.

If that is the only factor to consider, I'd go for Germany!

All the best,

Florian

Hi there!

If you have a settlement status, then you should have similar chances for London or Germany. 

How about your education or professional experience? If it leans towards one location or the other, that will also influence your situation. 

Best,
Cristian

In General, chances will be better in Germany (you are there, and there's less competition vs. London… a lot more international candidates apply to London, by far)