Can I apply for MBB with low GPA?

Hi there, 

This is an interesting question - very relevant for many other candidates as well, thanks for sharing!

Generally speaking, while resumes are assessed holistically, academic excellence is a core pillar of the screening criteria and hence is expected across all 3 companies. In other words, average grades can often be a deal breaker.

Now the good news is, there is still hope and I encourage you to apply - there is nothing to lose.

On occasion, Bain and especially BCG can be slightly more lenient / forgiving on this dimension, if the profile is very strong otherwise. For McK I have seen less of that flexibility tbh - it's more of a non-negotiable to my knowledge.

That said, you will have 2 main options here…

1. Referral: One way to play this is through effective networking. If you manage to secure a referral from someone higher up (at least PL / EM level), your chances of getting to interview stage will significantly increase. Unless you already have a strong pre-existing connection, this can still a bit of a long shot though, as competition for roles is high & Vietnam offices are quite small across the firms. 

2. Join as CTA: A (very popular and suitable) alternative could be to join an MBB firm in a Case Team Assistant (CTA) type of role to get a foot in the door for a permanent position. 

• CTA this is a temporary role hired ad hoc for specific project needs (duration anywhere from 2-6 months typically), quite comparable to a regular internship in terms of job scope
• Difference, however is that you don't have to go through formal recruiting - the consultants / manager on the project will do the screening & conduct 1-2 light interviews (no fully-fledged cases typically) - all manageable.
• Strong performers in the CTA role then frequently get a chance in the interview process for permanent roles (I did refer good candidates myself quite a few times - it really works)
• Once you secure that interview through referral, grades don't matter anymore - it becomes a matter of preparation. Thus, it is often the best way in for folks with sub-par academics, other gaps in their CV
• This role is actually very very common in SEA, including Vietnam, so might be worth considering!

Finally, I used to work for BCG in SEA and used to do recruiting there - if you'd like to share with me your CV via PM, I am happy to take a deeper look, see which of above options will make sense in your case and advise how you can tackle it. Let me know!

Hope this helps.

Regards, Andi

Hi, 

You should certainly try your chances and apply to MBB firms! There's no loss in going through the application process and you'll definitely learn a lot from it regardless of the outcome. 

Personally, when I was an interviewer in BCG Southeast Asia, GPA was only one of many criteria I looked at to determine fit with the firm. There are many other proof points which you can use to differentiate yourself and show why it makes sense for you to be in MBB (e.g. your rich leadership, start-up, and extra-curricular experiences). I've had colleagues from all walks from life - artists, doctors, engineers, civil servants, etc. Play to your strengths and brand yourself accordingly!

That said, I also encourage you to network with folks from Vietnam/SEA office of MBB firms so they understand the gravity of your experience to increase your chances of securing an interview. I used to work for BCG SEA… I'd be happy to look into your resume and see how we can improve your chances

Hello, 

thanks a lot for the question. :) 

First of all congratulations for your big achievements! GPA does not tell the full story.

I strongly suggest you to apply for a MBB for 3 main reasons: 

• Other criteria relevant apart from grades → grades are an important criteria used for CV screening but they are not the only ones. Other features are really valuable such as entrepreneurship, curiosity, proactivity. All elements very clear in your profile. Just one note: between MBB, only McKinsey still seems to use grade as first entry barrier. 
• Incredible story to tell → You can leverage your story explaining the reasons why you choose to do what you did. Focus on your main ambitions, motivations and achievements
• Feedback is essential → In case of negative feedback, focus on two main steps: 
  • Look for specific suggestions to improve your profile (e.g., in terms of work experience) 
  • Apply for positions in other strategic consulting firms. There are not only the MBB on the market. You can get a very valuable experience there.

Do not hesitate to reach out me in case of further questions! I am currently offering a free coaching session.  

Good luck!

Matteo

Hi there,

Here's my question for you: What is the cost/risk/harm in applying?

You should apply. Furthermore, I think your profile sounds promising.

In order to maximize your odds you should do the following:

1) Make your resume as good as possible

2) Make your cover letter as good as possible

3) Network extensively

Hey there,

It might be very difficult.

In theory and practice, you need

• strong GPA from a reputable university
• excellent internship experiences
• experience abroad
• extracurriculars

Particular spikes can somewhat outweigh weaknesses in one dimension, however, with a low GPA it might be tricky.

Two suggestions:

1. Start networking, trying to get strong referrals.
2. Reach out to HR of MBB and ask for their input on your resume (a life hack that is often not considered). They are usually happy to provide feedback and tell you what to improve

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there, 

Yes, you can. 

It's rather important how you structure your CV in a way that makes you fit the part, bringing to light your some of the professional experiences you mentioned, while keeping in the shadow some of the things you're less proud of. Btw, you have no obligation of mentioning your GPA in your CV, so feel free to avoid and instead focus on your other experiences.