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BCG application next admission cycle

I got rejected by BCG in October 2022 and have been told I can reapply next year in October 2023. I have a question. If I get accepted by December 2023, can I start in January 2024 since I am graduating this year in August?

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Deleted
Coach
on Feb 01, 2023
1st&2nd session 33% off|Incoming BCG Consultant ME|President of the Consulting Club|Esade MBA|Offers from McKinsey & BCG

Yes!

In most of the cases, they let you decide when you want to start. 

Usually it’s either January, March, June, September.

Have in mind that when you reapply, you’ll need to prove that during the past year, you did something that added value to your cv, and I would recommend that you add a paragraph in your cover letter talking about this.

Good luck and let us know if you need anything!

Pedro
Coach
on Feb 01, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

Yes, that is perfectly possible.

on Feb 02, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

Theoretically, yes, you could start so early. But most firms avoid setting starting dates for new joiners in periods when they have few projects (e.g., Dec-Jan or Jun-Aug). For the start of the year they usually enroll people in March. It's something you can discuss with them however and the bigger the office, the more flexible they are with these things. 

Best,

Cristian

on Feb 01, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hello,

Barring poor market conditions (similar to what are seeing now with less pipeline / delayed start dates), you can determine when you start. 

Depending on the office, HR might ask you to time your start date to align with the next batch of new hires, so you can attend regional trainings together. 

In the event you want to start at a true ‘off cycle’, that's also fine (this is what I did) but you may find that you have less ‘peers’ starting at the same time.

Most important is to work on your application and interview skills in the coming months. Getting the offer is the bigger battle :)

Lucie
Coach
on Feb 01, 2023
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader

Usually you can start straight or you can ask for the date to start, MBB is almost always flexible with the starting date. Also if you apply in Oct 2023 the process can take longer than just a 2-3 months hence you may ask for 6 month to wait and it shouldn't be a problem. 

Good luck!

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Moritz
Coach
on Feb 01, 2023
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hi there,

The rejection doesn't affect this. The question is whether or not you can start if Jan if you're hired in Dec, irrespective of your recruiting history with the firm.

The answer it, it depends. You can typically negotiate the starting date, ranging anywhere between ASAP and a few months from hiring. As for ASAP, you may be slowed down by the holiday period and the background check.

When I was hired in McKinsey in Chile, they had to run a background check for the 8 countries I lived in and the 4 degrees I'm holding from 4 different institutions. This took about 2 months.

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

Moritz

on Feb 02, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: If I get accepted by December 2023, can I start in January 2024 since I am graduating this year in August?

The starting period depends on the needs of the firm and how quickly they can complete the background check, but in theory this should be possible if it fits into that.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hagen
Coach
on Feb 02, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about the rejection by BCG last year!

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • If you are accepted by BCG in December 2023, you can start your role as a consultant in almost any month, given that strategy consulting companies are typically flexible with start dates. However, they may still prefer to have you start in a specific month of the quarter, usually the first month, as key trainings might only occur once a month.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Ian
Coach
edited on Feb 03, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

You should be able to!

Of course it's going to depend on the specific office and their needs/pipeline/policy. You generally get to say when you want to start, but they say when you will start.

Now remember, if you were already rejected once, something has to change.

Have a read here for some tips: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

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