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 referal for BCG also valid in reapply?

Last year I applied for BCG with a referral from one of my friends. However, after the first round, I got rejected based on the personal fit test results. The interviewer suggested that I should apply next year. I want to know if the referral of the first application is still valid for the second try or if I need a new referral. 

Thanks in advance

6
600+
8
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Margot
Coach
on Sep 24, 2023
Unlock Consulting Success with Ex-BCG, Accenture & Deloitte Strategist | Over 100 Cases Cracked on PrepLounge

Hello there!

It's advisable to seek a new referral. Typically, your chances of receiving a callback for an interview increase when:

  1. The seniority of your contact is higher; for example, a partner holds more influence than a first-year associate. Hence, considering getting referred by a partner, if possible. 
    2. Ideally, you should be recommended by someone with whom you have worked closely (e.g. you studied together and did a school project together) so that the person recommending you can mention the specific skills you would bring to the table and differentiate you from other applicants.
    3. The closer to the interviewer, the better: We listen to people that we trust or above us in the hierarchy, so if the person referring you has personal and/or professional ties to the person reviewing your application, the higher the chances to pass the screening. 

However, there is no magic formula, and your CV, cover letter, and grades should be on point. A good coach can help you polish your documents so that you avoid getting rejected in spite of a referral.  

I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck in the application process!

Best 

Margot

________________________________________________________

Feel free to reach out to schedule a coaching session here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/550677

Ian
Coach
on Sep 25, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

The referral is not still valid.

Please either have that person submit a referral again, or, ideally, get a higher level referral.

Additionally, while this is always an odds game and maybe nothing was wrong with your application, still reflect on if the resume was optimal (passes eye test, optimally laid out, strong experience bullet points etc.) as well if your overall application was optimal (right office selection, strong netwroking overall, strong cover letter, etc.)

Good luck!

on Sep 25, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there!

No, it's not. 

You'll need a new referral.

Basically, your application was turned down. Everything then associated with that application has been defined.

Now that one year has passed by you can start with everything fresh (referarl, test scores, etc.)

Sharing with you a guide that might help you put together an application strategy:


Best,
Cristian

———————————————

Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies  
 

Nikita
Coach
edited on Oct 05, 2023
MBB & Tier2 preparation | 100+ offers | 8 years coaching | 3000+ sessions

Hi,

You will need a new referral for a second application.

Regards, 

Nick

on Sep 30, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

I was an interviewer at BCG / part of the recruiting team. The referral is only valid for the current application. You'll need a new referral.

In the meantime, I hope you asked for feedback on your fit portion and have worked on it since. 

All the best!

on Sep 28, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: I want to know if the referral of the first application is still valid for the second try or if I need a new referral. 

If you are doing a new application the old referral won’t be valid as the application will be considered as a new one. Thus, I would recommend looking for a new referral.

You can find more on referrals below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

Good luck!

Francesco

Similar Questions
Consulting
BCG Knowledge DIRECTOR SALARY
on May 31, 2024
Global
6
3.4k
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
3.4k 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
3.2k
Top answer by
Lorenzo
Coach
IESE MBA | Bain&Co | OC&C | Private Equity | Consumer Goods
70
6 Answers
3.2k 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.