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:

• First of all, based on the information provided, it seems like you still have a good chance of getting invited to the interviews. Therefore, I would highly advise you not to worry too much about those rather insignificant factors and instead think about which city you would like to spend your weekends in. If you end up succeeding in the interviews but are located in a city where you do not feel at home and have no friends, you might still quit shortly after.
• Moreover, no one really knows the answer, besides the fact that there are compelling reasons for and against both options, as you have also outlined. Therefore, once again, consider which city you would like to spend your weekends in, and choose that/those office(s) as your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice.

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

Hi there,

I know you want control over this situation. And I can tell you're smart. I also love your thinking!

However, you cannot “game” this system. You can easily pick the wrong office but for the right reasons…

For example, NYC is historically one of the hardest. However, NYC has had an exodus. So, is there less applicant supply? Or, are people rushing back now? Or, are there fewer projects now because companies have left NYC.

We don't know!

Apply where your application makes sense. Apply where you have networking moment. Diversify your office selection when in doubt.

Remember, for most applications you can apply to multiple officews! Remember, networking can reveal/show where you should apply (and it changes by company!)

Hi there,

if you were to war-game this process, then you must also assume that others in your situation will try a similar approach. Given the overall hiring slowdown, even some “Harvard 4.0 GPA geniuses” might choose smaller offices to increase their chances given very limited spots and tight competition everywhere at those firms.

While I can understand where you are coming from, I don't think your strategy will move the needle because there are too many variables not under your control. 

Therefore, you should go with the office in the city you'd actually want to live in. You might also want to finetune your decision based on cost of living. Why pick a city where you have to give a significant portion of your take home pay to a landlord every month? Just food for thought.

Good luck

Let me add my 2 cents here. Consulting firms will also evaluate your reasons to joining a specific office. If they doubt that you have any relevant ties to the region and are unlikely to stay in the long run, they will set the bar higher… meaning that you cannot game the system as much as you would want to.