Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Difference in % success rate at different stages of the process?

Hi there, is there a difference between MBB firms as well as tier 2 firms regarding the % success rate for eacht stage? E.g., the % that do not get invited at all, % getting kicked out in the first round, % getting kicked out in the second round?

8
14.2k
140
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Apr 02, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Honestly, this really depends on time of year, actual year (i.e. 2020 was rough), office/country, role, etc.

Not only are there too many variable to make sense of this, it's a sort of pointless exercise isn't it? Regardless of the answer, you're going to try your hardest right?!?

That said, my view is as follows:

It's around 20-30% for each round, but with essentially improved chances each further round (perhaps counter-intuitively).

So, screening obviously knocks out a lot of people (agree, probably 90%+). 1st round knocks out those with no IQ / EQ / Preparation. Then 2nd round is normally either a 1) They're so close, maybe maybe, let's check or 2) They're fantastic, let's just do due diligence.

Final round to offer is definitely the round with the highest success rate.

Here is a helpful Q&A for you: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/what-are-my-chances-8101

Deleted user
on Apr 02, 2021

These numbers are very difficult to collect, so you won't find really reliable data anywhere. Rough ball parks for success rates in the industry are:

  • Interview stage: 5-10%
  • 1st round: 10-25%
  • 2nd round: 33-50%

Again, these numbers are highly indicative and other people will disagree. I'd assume that T2 firms have similar ratio as MBB.

19
Franco
Coach
on Apr 03, 2021
Ex BCG Principal | INSEAD | 10 yrs in consulting | Interviewed >200 Career Switchers, MBAs, Undergrads in Europe and USA

Not sure about Tier2, but at MBB my best guess is

  • 5/10% get invited to the interviews
  • Of which, 20/30% are invited to the last round
  • Of which 50-70% land a job offer 
  • Of which 90-95% accept the offer and becomes a consultant
  • (of which 40-60% don't make it to the next career step and leave the company...)
Clara
Coach
on Apr 04, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Unfortunately, those numbers are the best kept secret in MBB and consulting in general. 

All you are going to get from people are stimations, and they really change from person to person. 

Hence, I would advise you not to think too much about it and focus on what you can do: get ready! :)

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Udayan
Coach
edited on Apr 03, 2021
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

Franco's numbers seem reasonable...I would say getting selected to interview is the absolute hardest (10% is on the high end. usually lower). Once you get to the 1st round it is on your to deliver during the interview. 20% - 30% success rate at 1st rounds is usual. Some factors that affect it are the role you are applying for, whether it is part of college recruiting or experienced hire, your past specializations etc.

Odds of success at the final round are at 33% or higher because by this time you have demonstrated your analytical skills and it is more about fit with the firm and the ability to be a thought partner to clients.

Best,

Udayan

on Apr 02, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, it depends on the period and on the geography. Usually, it's 20-33% for each round

Best,
Antonello

Deleted user
on Apr 02, 2021

My advice would be to not bother with all this..the headline is- Its tough & competitive.

But if you prepare well, focus on giving your best, there is a place for you. Thats just how it works. There are options both ways- for candidates & for companies and companies are in war for talent. So if you are smart about your prep, you will get it, and if not find your way in second attempt. 

Just enjoy the process, have multiple options going, keep improving & focus on giving your best.

10
on Apr 03, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

The rumored number of applicants getting offers from MBB is 1%. The other numbers can only be estimates. It also depends on the particular period (in some periods getting offers is more difficult due to lack of demand).

Tier 2 firms have normally fewer applicants but may also have fewer slots available - so it is not necessarily easier to get an offer there.

A 20% to 30% passing rate in each interview round is reasonable for most firms.

Best,

Francesco

Similar Questions
Consulting
How do referrals work at MBB Middle East?
on May 16, 2025
Global
10
400+
Top answer by
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
21
10 Answers
400+ Views
+7
Consulting
Greetings. When is the most suitable time for a fresh graduate to apply for MBB or the Big 4?
on May 15, 2025
Global
7
100+
Top answer by
Mariana
Coach
You CAN make it! | xMckinsey | 1.5h session | +200 sessions |Free 20-Minute Call
9
7 Answers
100+ Views
+4
Consulting
Bain Application
on Aug 23, 2024
Global
5
1.5k
Top answer by
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
34
5 Answers
1.5k Views
+2
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.