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

Planing ahead for application: GMAT, S&P500 experience...

Hello,

I have bad Abitur (German: 2.9), average Bachelor (German 2.3) and good Master grades (French 16.8)  in addition to work experience of 5 years (2-3years in SME, 1 year Accenture, 1.5 years Procter and Gamble (by the time I could reapply this will be 2.5 years)). This year I have been rejected by all MBBs and I am now trying to plan ahead what I can do to increase my chances for the future. For MBB: 

- is a great GMAT score (i.e. 720-740) relevant in an application? Could it help to "make up" for the GPA/Bachelor performance?

- will further S&P500 experience improve my chances? How long of an experience would be required?

- with that background, will I ever have chances at all?

3
3.4k
8
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
on Mar 18, 2018
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

based on my experience:

  1. Unless you get a super strong GMAT (760+) I don’t think it can leave a relevant impression justifying the effort; in general I would not concentrate my effort there for a new MBB application. On the other hand, a GMAT would be a necessary step for an MBA, which can then lead to reapply more easily for MBB (see point 3 below).
  2. I believe the best experience given your background would be a Tier 2 company for 1-2 years
  3. I would suggest three options, not necessarily mutually exclusive:
    • Apply first for a Tier 2 company, spend 1-2 years there, then reapply for MBB
    • Do an MBA first, then reapply for MBB
    • Find a strategy/business development role in a top brand, find a strong referral, then reapply for MBB

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Vlad
Coach
on Mar 18, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Since you had good master grades I guess grades are not the problem. Thus GMAT will not help you. Agree with Francesco - the effort is too big

Since you already had an experience with a major FMCG company, I think staying with Accenture will be more beneficial for you. I understand that you need to show some career progression to be reconsidered for MBB, so I suggest to leave Accenture only if you'll have a role with significantly higher responsibilities (Managing the department / experience abroad / role very valuable in a particular industry that may be later relevant for MBB)

Another option is MBA with a good university

Best!

Anonymous A
on Mar 18, 2018

Hello Vlad,

I am currently still at P&G, 1.5 years into the role. Will staying at P&G help to have more industry experience (FMCG is a big focus area for MBB in Switzerland) or do you suggest that I look for a 2nd tier role f.e.at Deloitte Monitor after my promotion (which should be due in the next 3-6 months)?

Thanks a lot for your support.

0
Similar Questions
Consulting
Is GRE / GMAT needed for MBB? I got into the MBA (esade) without one using their in-house test, but I am wondering if I should focus on it?
on Apr 15, 2025
Global
11
400+
Top answer by
Evelina
Coach
EY-Parthenon (6 years) l BCG offer holder l 97% success rate l 30% off first session l free 15' intro call l LBS
18
11 Answers
400+ Views
+8
Consulting
Invited for internship but rejected for fulltime
on May 09, 2024
Global
8
2.2k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
56
8 Answers
2.2k Views
+5
Consulting
Do consultants use AI for PowerPoint or excel or anywhere in the Process??
on Aug 24, 2024
Global
7
2.2k
Top answer by
Nilay
Coach
Former McKinsey Sr Engagement Manager | Trained McKinsey interviewer (100+ interviews, 500+ coaching sessions)
50
7 Answers
2.2k Views
+4
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.