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

Is it important to have good academics in order to start a career at MBB post to your Undergraduate degree?

3
1.9k
8
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
on Jul 30, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Aniket,

in general, if you don’t have a strong GPA it is more difficult to be considered for interviews, unless compensated by strong achievements. However, there may be different criteria according to the company and country you are applying to. In Italy, for example, McKinsey tends to accept candidates with full mark at graduation only, while BCG and Bain are less strict.

If you don’t have a strong GPA, you can also compensate it with a referral, you can find some suggestions for that at the link below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

Deleted user
on Jul 29, 2019

Hi,

In my personal experience, unfortunately it is.

Unless you have a stunning career after your degree for, I would say, 5+ years. But it has to be really brilliant.

A colleague of mine, Associate experience hire, 6+ years of work in Accenture, was considered for interview only because she had a strong recommendation from inside. However, the HR people turned up their noses for her undergraduate degree mark not being the maximum achievable, also when she had a master degree with the highest mark.

5
on Nov 06, 2019
Hi Giulia, My marks are very average in terms of academics. What can I do to get an offer from McKinsey? I will be graduating in next session. I still have one year to go.
Deleted user
Coach
on Nov 06, 2019
Hi Aniket, either you wait and develop a huge expertise in a field (but we are talking about 10+ years) or, more in short-term, you find a strong internal referral that can “force” HR people to pass you in the CV screening. If you send your CV without the highest marks, the chances that you pass the CV screening are very very low, unfortunately
Deniz
Coach
on Jul 30, 2019
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 600+ Trainees | 900K+ YouTube Views

Hi,

As mentioned by other experts, grades have an important role and generally seen a hygiene factor. Just to give you an idea, most colleagues of mine at BCG had 3.70+ GPA score.

Nevertheless, if your GPA is a little lower than this, you may stand a chance if you have an outstanding professional (e.g. internship at a global consulting / IB company) or extra-curricular (e.g. exec role in a respected student society) experience.

Best,

Deniz

Similar Questions
Consulting
BCG Knowledge DIRECTOR SALARY
on May 31, 2024
Global
6
3.5k
Top answer by
Florian
Coach
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU
80
6 Answers
3.5k Views
+3
Consulting
When can I expect to hear back from BCG Final/Decision Round for North America Intern
on Jun 27, 2024
Global
6
5.7k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
250
6 Answers
5.7k Views
+3
Consulting
BCG First Round Behavioral
on Mar 24, 2025
Global
6
3.3k
Top answer by
Lorenzo
Coach
IESE MBA | Bain&Co | OC&C | Private Equity | Consumer Goods
70
6 Answers
3.3k Views
+3
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.