Hey there,

Unfortunate to hear. If you want to work at McKinsey, you should definitely re-apply. However, keep in mind that whenever you (re)-apply after a failed application (screening, aptitude test, or interviews) you need to make sure to show significant development in your resume since your rejection:

• New academic achievements (e.g., new degree, top of class GPA, other achievements,...)
• Experience abroad (career or university)
• New job experience (internships, working student, project assistant,...)
• New extracurriculars (leadership experience, NGOs, student clubs,....)

Referrals can help both

• shorten the ban period
• increase your chances for a new invitation to the interviews

Now, in your case, you already did this once so it might be difficult to make a positive case and argue for a 3rd invitation. Did you significantly change your profile over the last years?

I'd place a lot of weight on networking and referrals in your situation!

All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

If you are interested in joining McKinsey then absolutely! The fact that you made it to final round before suggests that you met the bar and capable of doing the job. I would prepare very tactically around the areas that let you down last time.

There's a recently elected partner at McKinsey who managed to get an offer on his fourth attempt. He failed for summer BA, BA (ended up working at a tier 2), summer associate and then finally got his offer when he applied during his second year of MBA. His personal advice to candidates was "joining McKinsey is about luck and timing... if it's meant to be, it will work out!".

Hi there,

It really depends on your goal and timeline to achieve it – just like in a case.

If McKinsey still represents the best way to reach your goal (whatever it is - partner position, credibility for fundraising for your own company, industry move, PE, etc) there is no reason to give up. I know people who have been rejected twice that have been invited for 3rd time, so you definitely have a chance.

Unless you are focused on McKinsey only, I would also apply to Bain and BCG – it is always risky to apply to one single company only.

Keep in mind that for most people MBB is a way to reach another goal. If you can go there directly, no reasons to join MBB. There are a lot of very successful people who never worked there.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

I have two philosophies (of far too many) that I live by:

1) Future Regret Minimization

2) The greatest accomplishments come from temporary defeat

In terms of #1 What will you regret more in the future? Having tried a 3rd time (and, for the sake of this exercise, failed)? Or, not having tried a 3rd time? Think 2, 3, 4, 5 years down the road. What will you regret?

In terms of #2, I can't tell you how many people I've met who are at their lowest of lowest, failure after failure after failure, who finally "hit it big". If you dream you can achieve.

All this said, may not hurt to do the following:

1) Hire a coach for 1 session. Ask them to tell you, completely and honestly, "can I make it? Do I have what it takes". (Note, tell them that no matter the answer, you won't be paying for more sessions...coaches here are great but it doesn't hurt to remove bais/partiality)

2) Apply to other companies too. The other MBBs are great as are the Tier 2s/3s. They'll also give you training that may ultimately lead to McK down the road

If this what you genuinly want, then yes. Otherwise there is plenty out there and you can be as successfull if not more by taking another route. McK is not the end all..:).

Hi there,

short answer: you shouldn't if you don't want it.

Have you been practicing after your 2nd try? The important thing when reapplying is to show an improvement - having studied would also have made you feel more comfortable and prepared for the next try.

If you don't know where to start - hire a professional coach:

1. It saves your time since it's more efficient than doing it on your own
2. it'll give you a clear idea where you should arrive and how you'll do it the best way possible
3. you will get valuable feedback which in that case is crucial

Otherwie, check Preplounge threads on how to reapply. Here are some for you:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/re-applying-to-mbb-after-round-1-internship-rejection-mba-9011

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/reapplication-8694

Hope it helps! Good luck and don't hesitate to write me if you need any further help.

Cheers,

GB

Do you want to? If yes, sure! Just make sure to be fully prepared the next time. Your profile is obviously attractive as they keep inviting you, and you have the skills for case prep (as you got to second round), but you should make sure to work with a coach or otherwise experienced interviewer to make sure your performance is consistant.

Hello!

I have indeed hear about cases like that.

I would try to see what is the opportunity cost -which is very dicfficult without knowing your circumpstances- and then decide.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara