MBB too aspirational for a very LOW GPA? :(

Hi,

Agreed there is not an automatic cutoff, but low GPA doesn't help - the more "distanced" you are from it the less impact it will have (to Vlad's point, it is still looked at).

In my opinion, there's no harm in trying, but make sure you really highlight your other achievements.

Additionally, acquiring additional work experience and getting an MBA does increase your chances (not to mention, reduces focus on undergrad GPA). Also, getting an MBA generally puts you in the situation of being able to apply for a Consultant role over an Associate role, which is certainly a big jump.

I'm in the Australian office and can attest to better chances here due to high growth (though very high standards still apply, over course). Please feel free to reach out if you'd like more region-specific advice!

Best,

Ian

Hi,

There is no automatic cutoff, moreover, Australia is the fastest growing office. Do the following:

1. Don't include your GPA
2. Apply via a referral (More on that here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/what-is-a-referral-really-1103)
3. Have a good explanation about a low GPA if they ask

As simple as that. You have chances to get into any MBB

Best of luck!

Hi, 

If you are not a fresh graduate GPA wouldn't matter at all. If you are; maybe better to work few years in different companies then apply...

Competitiveness does depend on office location to an extent, but MBB is MBB, and they have standards. I disagree w/ Anonymous2 that "GPA won't matter at all" if you are highly experienced. I was an experienced hire, 6 or 7 years out of MBA (15 years out of my first degree), and GPA was still looked at.

Do you have absolutely zero chances? No, I wouldn't go that far - but obviously, low GPA is not good. You'd need highly specific expertise / compelling trajectory / pretty amazing background to make up for that.

Note: MBB isn't the end all be all. Many amazing companies or work opportunities exist out there. Don't let their expectations define your path. Good luck

Edit 7/15/2020: One more thing: if you pursue and advanced degree and do well there (as in, really well with very solid GPA), that will absolutely take some of the sting away from your first degree's grades. It did for me. Good luck; I still say you may want to look at other options vs. just MBB tho

Dear A,

1. Yes, it's automatically cut-off

2. I would recommend you to apply with referral

3. Agree with Vlad here

Best,

André

Hi Anonymous,

In principle your profile sounds not too bad .. except GPA ;-)

Usually there is no clear cut-off .. you would probably also hire that Harvard alumni having built several start-ups while being engaged in social activites .. so GPA is just one metric, but it's the overall picture.

However, what might be an issue is a direct application without any referral. Even in case of referral they might question your GPA pre-interview, but as long as the recruiter gets a valid reason to make his check, it should be fine. So go for a referral, that's the only reasonable way for you to go!

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert