I have completed my master's at LSE, earning an overall pass grade. However, my undergraduate degree was obtained from one of the top colleges in India with high grades. Given the pass grade in my master's, could this potentially impact my application for consulting? I would appreciate your genuine opinion on this matter.
Importance of transcripts
Overview of answers
Hi there,
Q: Given the pass grade in my master's, could this potentially impact my application for consulting?
Your grades are going to impact the application, but are not the only relevant factor. They will also consider:
- The rest of the CV (school brand name, work experience, leadership experiences, extracurriculars)
- The cover letter (if required)
- If you have referrals
Getting a referral is probably the best way to compensate for any issue with the GPA. You can find more information on networking and referrals below:
▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation
Good luck!
Francesco
Hi!
No. It shouldn't be a liability as long as you're presenting it in the right way in your CV.
At the end of the day, recruiters see what you show them.
If you emphasize things that are not good, then this is the story that you're creating. And the other way around.
So instead of bolding the ‘pass’ word and writing between the brackets ‘not a distinction’ :), I would instead think about whether you got a distinction in any course, or whether there was at least one thing that you were good at during your degree. Then I would lead with that as a bullet point.
Not all firms and offices ask for transcripts. Some don't even care. So don't let this hold you behind.
Good luck!
Cristian
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Hi there,
It matters a great deal what school you went to and what grades you obtained. There are some expectations e.g. nobody will ever ask you for your grade from an MBA where only the school matters. You can offset this to some degree with great work experience and extracurricular activities, but not completely.
If you want people to know what a create candidate you are, you have to network, network, network, to take the focus away from your resume and move it do you directly.
Hope this helps a bit. If you want to discuss anything in particular, please let me know.
Best of luck!
Moritz
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Hi there, yes grades matter and ideally you can demonstrate a consistent top performance or at least a positive trajectory. Obviously prestige and competitiveness of the institutions matter as well. Happy to look at your CV and grades to give you a personal perspective. Send me a DM. Warm regards, Freddy
Hi there,
Yes! In essence, all grades across all degrees matter! (The degree to which changes, no pun intended).
If they request grades from your master's, then it will be taken into account. On your resume, you can always choose to display or not display a grade.
Hi there,
Prestige of the institution matters to get recruiters first attention's. Outstanding grades are mandatory, specially for recent graduate profiles.
Best,
Alberto
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In a CV you need some indicators of excellent. You don't need EVERYTHING to be excellent, but you need at least a few. If you have a passing grade that is fine. In itself is not a problem, as long as you have other stuff to support your case.