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Bain ACI deadlines

Is there any advantage to applying to the earlier deadline for Bain's ACI program? BCG states that their earlier deadline is preferred for summer interns, but Bain does not list a preference on their website. Wondering whether this means there is no preference or that they are not explicitly stating it.

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Top answer
Dennis
Coach
on Jun 26, 2024
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi there,

any company usually has a finite number of internship positions and if they already fill them with high quality candidates during the early deadline process, then there will be fewer or no spots left for the second part. So in general, you want to be earlier rather than later in the recruiting process.

However, I'm not sure as to where you stand with your application documents and interview preparation. If you feel like you need additional time to make it work from your end, you might have to apply later. But if you can manage to meet the earlier deadline, I would go for that. If you can secure a referral, it might be worth taking extra time for that and use the later deadline as your application will get a boost. I hope this gives you an overview of what the relevant levers are that play a role in the outcome for your situation so you can factor them in accordingly.

Good luck

on Jun 26, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Is there any advantage to applying to the earlier deadline for Bain's ACI program? 

This might depend on the company/region. In general, I would recommend applying when you feel your application material is ready and ideally you have secured a referral.

In case you have everything ready and have the option, I would apply earlier (in some cases it implies more slots available). 

Good luck!

Francesco

on Jun 26, 2024
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

In general, yes, as a rule of thumb, it's better to go for earlier deadlines. 

That is assuming that you can get your application to the best possible version it could be. 

The reality is that many firms already start sorting through application as they receive them and start interviewing people. In some situations, they might choose to not review later application if they already have a full funnel. 

Sharing with you a guide you might find useful for your application process:

Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Florian
Coach
on Jun 26, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

I talked to a recruiter of an MBB over this kind of topic: Even if recruiters/HR say there is no advantage in applying or interviewing later (in the year or during an application window), it can actually make a difference. 

So my advice would be:

Apply when you are about 80% ready and do not push it out for longer if there is no good reason.

Cheers,

Florian

Pedro
Coach
on Jun 26, 2024
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

Well… officially there's no advantage. In practice, they keep filling their vacancies and when they start getting close to completion they may become more demanding, particularly in the current recruiting environment.

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