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

Process length

How long does it usually takes from application to offer if you apply in January? 

8
800+
6
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Dennis
Coach
on Jan 08, 2023
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

When companies are actively processing their applications, you can assume 2-3 months. But that varies by geography as well since there may be specific application/recruiting windows to consider. If you submit your application outside of those, you might be sidelined for a while (or not considered at all). 

Just make sure you are well enough prepared for the case interviews by the time you submit your application because the first round interview stage could happen quickly.

Deleted user
on Jan 06, 2023

It took me around 4 months from application to offer stage at BCG LON. It was fairly long due to a substantial 1+ month gap between passing the assessment and going for a first round interview.

8
on Jan 06, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: How long does it usually takes from application to offer if you apply in January? 

This is really dependent on the company / geography / seniority you have.

Most of the time you can expect a range between 1 and 6 months. Some companies have several steps (eg tests) while others don't, which impacts the difference. Additionally, some companies have now decreased hiring in some regions (eg McKinsey) and postponed scheduled interviews.

If you can share the company and region, that could help to define a more clear range with previous data points.

Best,

Francesco

Anonymous A
on Jan 07, 2023
Thank you so much Francesco for your detailed response. I am interested in applying to Doha, Riyadh and Dubai
Ian
Coach
on Jan 07, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

It depends on so many factors. That said, you can expect it to happen as quickly as in a few weeks or as long as half a year. It just depends.

Your job is to be flexible and adaptable and patient.

Your job is to apply to dozens of firms/roles because any single application has low odds.

Hagen
Coach
on Jan 07, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • It is difficult to give a specific timeline for how long it takes strategy consulting companies to move from application to offer, as it can vary greatly depending on the company, geography, and the specific role that you are applying for. Some companies may have a shorter application process that is completed within a few weeks, while others may have a longer process that takes several months to complete.
  • In general, it is common for consulting firms to have a rather lengthy and competitive application process, which may include multiple rounds of interviews and assessments. If you apply in January, it is possible that you may not receive an offer until later in the year, depending on the specific timeline of the company's hiring process.
  • It is important to be patient and stay positive throughout the process, as it can take time to find the right fit for both the company and the candidate. It is also a good idea to reach out to the company to inquire about the status of your application and to express your continued interest in the role.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Florian
Coach
on Jan 07, 2023
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

A rough timeline:

  1. 1-2 weeks to hear back after screening
  2. 1-2 weeks to finish any aptitude tests and games from home
  3. 1-2 weeks to hear back and get an interview invitation
  4. 1-3 weeks for Round 1 interviews
  5. 1-2 weeks for Round 2 interviews (sometimes combined with Round 1).

At the quickest, you are looking at a good month, more likely around 2 months.

The periods are averages. In certain cases, it might be quicker (unlikely) or longer (more common).

Cheers,

Florian

Rushabh
Coach
on Jan 06, 2023
Limited Availability | BCG Expert | Middle East Expert | 100+ Mocks Delivered | IESE & NYU MBA | Ex-KPMG Dxb Consultant

Hello,

Significantly differs per company and per region, but here's a ballpark estimate:

Application to online assessment → 2-3 weeks

Online assessment to Round 1 → 1 week

Round 1 to Round 2 → 0-2 weeks

Thus about 4-6 weeks in total.

Hope this helps!

Rushabh

Moritz
Coach
on Jan 09, 2023
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hi there,

The range is really big and depends on various factors besides season e.g., location, candidate demand, interviewer availability, current talent pipeline, role & practice you're applying for, etc.

In 90% of the cases, the process takes between 1 and 4 months. In the remaining 10% you have cases that are abnormally quick or long.

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

Similar Questions
Consulting
Just did the Mckinsey Solve Game (January 2025) - got some questions/insights
on Apr 24, 2025
Global
5
4.3k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
43
5 Answers
4.3k Views
+2
Consulting
Guidance for prep for McKinsey interview in 1 week
9 hrs ago
Europe
9
3.3k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
77
9 Answers
3.3k Views
+6
Consulting
Recent Casebook 21-23
on May 29, 2024
Global
6
3.1k
Top answer by
Yousef
Coach
I make it easy for you to master case interviews! (ex-McKinsey |Stanford University | Imperial College London | ex-P&G)
80
6 Answers
3.1k 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.