PrepLounge Logo
Sign up for free
Case Practice
Your PrepPlan Case Partner Premium Prep
Coaching
Coaches Coaching Packages Coaching Cockpit
Resources
Content
Case Interview Basics Case Library Tests & Guides Video Tutorials
New
 Consulting Blog
Tools
Mental Math Tool Stress Questions Case Interview Exercises Structuring Drills Logical Reasoning Drills Numerical Reasoning Drills Brainteaser
Consultancies
Employers Career Events Consulting Jobs
Consulting Q&A

Consulting Q&A – Ask Questions about Your Career

In this overview, you will find all the questions asked so far by the PrepLounge community. Anyone can ask questions and write answers. Our coaches are also happy to share their expertise. If you like an answer, give it an upvote so that it rises to the top. Here you can also find our guidelines and FAQs for the Consulting Q&A.

How does the Consulting Q&A work?

Anyone can ask a question
Anyone can write an answer
Upvotes let answers rise to the top
Ask the community a question
Sort by
Last Activity
Newest question
Newest answer
Answer upvotes
Most views
Most relevant
Limit Selection
Answered
Reset Apply filter
Your Tag Subscriptions
Reset Apply filter

Bain Manager Referral + MIsc. Qs

application strength Application timing GPA Referral
Question edited on Apr 10, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 07, 2024) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
 gave the best answer on Apr 07, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Jesse, 1) Does a referral tag just the current application or also any future ones? A referral is valid for the single application to which it refers only.  2) And what's the typical interview invite rate for referre ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
107
Views
71
Total Upvotes
on Apr 10, 2024 on Apr 10, 2024
Last Activity

Breaking into consulting with 2.8 GPA from no 1 engineering school in the country.

GMAT GPA GRE indonesia Jakarta MBB target university
Question edited on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 30, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Mar 30, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Thanks for sharing the full context. This is helpful. First of all, GPA on its own means nothing. Recruiters know this. This is why it's better to not only mention your GPA but also (estimate) your position within the c ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
141
Views
81
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

Can GPA 8.09 get passed screening round in Consulting Fellowship Program McKinsey?

GPA Screening
Most recent answer on Mar 15, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 14, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Mar 14, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
To be fair, the criteria do differ from office to office and program to program.  Typically, no, the GPA would not be a make it or break it criteria and some offices don't even look at it specifically.  But I do know th ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
113
Views
31
Total Upvotes
on Mar 15, 2024 on Mar 15, 2024
Last Activity

GPA Doubt

GPA
Most recent answer on Mar 05, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 01, 2024) is from:
Hagen
Expert
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hagen
Expert
 gave the best answer on Feb 01, 2024
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question: First of all, it's true that consulting firms tend to favor higher GPAs, which generally serve as an indicator of a candidate’s analytical and academic p ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
261
Views
56
Total Upvotes
on Mar 05, 2024 on Mar 05, 2024
Last Activity

Bain and Co. Written Interview

Bain & Company GPA Online Tests
Most recent answer on Jan 08, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 06, 2024) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jan 06, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi James, First, good luck! I recommend the following: Remember that most casing tips apply here (i.e. be very clear+focused on the objective, ruthlessly cut out information that doesn't help you meet this objective/que ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
287
Views
55
Total Upvotes
on Jan 08, 2024 on Jan 08, 2024
Last Activity

Impact of Mid uni gap year impact on application

Application GPA Resume Transcripts
Most recent answer on Nov 06, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 06, 2023) is from:
Raj
Expert
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK
Raj
Expert
 gave the best answer on Nov 06, 2023
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK
Thank you for sharing your situation. I understand that taking a gap year and experiencing personal challenges during the COVID period can raise concerns about how it may impact your job prospects. While I cannot speak ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
325
Views
52
Total Upvotes
on Nov 06, 2023 on Nov 06, 2023
Last Activity

Experienced Hire with Low GPA?

GPA recruiting
Most recent answer on Oct 18, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 26, 2020) is from:
Gaurav
Expert
#1 Career Coach for Aspiring, Practicing & Ex-Consultants|The Only 360° Coach - Ex-Mckinsey, Certified Coach & Recruiter
Gaurav
Expert
 gave the best answer on Dec 26, 2020
#1 Career Coach for Aspiring, Practicing & Ex-Consultants|The Only 360° Coach - Ex-Mckinsey, Certified Coach & Recruiter
Hello there! The best option for you is to find a good referral to secure the interview invite. After that only your performance will be what matters. I would recommend you to omit GPA from your CV and prepare a goo ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
2.9 k
Views
84
Total Upvotes
on Oct 18, 2023 on Oct 18, 2023
Last Activity

MBB GPA for experienced hires

Experienced Hire GPA MBB selection process
Most recent answer on Oct 18, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 18, 2023) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Benjamin
Expert
 gave the best answer on Oct 18, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, Once you start working, your college and college GPA tends to matter less. Your work experience starts to matter more As an undergrad, your GPA was one of the the defining aspects of your application because you did ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
6.2 k
Views
11
Total Upvotes
on Oct 18, 2023 on Oct 18, 2023
Last Activity

Undergraduate GPA will hauny me ?

GPA
Most recent answer on Oct 02, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 30, 2023) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Benjamin
Expert
 gave the best answer on Sep 30, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, Are your grades important as part of the CV? Yes Typically, the most recent accomplishment/grade will weigh the most, because this reflects who you are ‘today’ better than something many years ago Grades are a good ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
323
Views
3
Total Upvotes
on Oct 02, 2023 on Oct 02, 2023
Last Activity

Rounding gpa

GPA
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 30, 2023) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Benjamin
Expert
 gave the best answer on Sep 30, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, For GPA, the higher the better. Rounding to 1 decimal place is not unreasonable, but I would only do that if the rounding does not change the degree award (e.g. if you were a magna and rounding made you a summa) All ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
323
Views
11
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

Expected GPA ?

GPA
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 14, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Sep 14, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there! Yes, you can, but make sure that you add something like ‘est.' in brackets after the GPA. This way you can always explain it.  Also, even better than putting your GPA is to mention what is your positioning wit ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
393
Views
51
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

GPA Worries

BCG GPA MBB Non target
Most recent answer on May 24, 2023
The best answer (on May 19, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
 gave the best answer on May 19, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Sorry to hear about the rejection - this still shows you have the potential to get an MBB offer with a new attempt though. In terms of your question: Q: How big is GPA in this equation? Any advice? A 3.5 GPA m ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
622
Views
55
Total Upvotes
on May 24, 2023 on May 24, 2023
Last Activity

Low Undergrad GPA but decent Masters GPA

GPA MBB
Most recent answer on May 22, 2023
The best answer (on Apr 22, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Apr 22, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  It doesn't have to affect your chances.  The whole key is how you present your academic performance in your CV. Get some expert support on this because it's critical. The whole point would be to focus more on ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
571
Views
116
Total Upvotes
on May 22, 2023 on May 22, 2023
Last Activity

MBB background check GPA difference

background check Bain BCG GPA MBB McKinsey transcript
Most recent answer on Feb 28, 2023
The best answer (on Feb 26, 2023) is from:
Andi
Expert
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Andi
Expert
 gave the best answer on Feb 26, 2023
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Hi there, congratulations!Should not be an issue here - background checks are not an exact maths and GPA calculation methodology is often more nuanced and school-specific.  Would not worry too much about it.All the best ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
1.0 k
Views
103
Total Upvotes
on Feb 28, 2023 on Feb 28, 2023
Last Activity

Low GPA, what to do?

BCG McKinsey and Bain GPA
Most recent answer on Feb 14, 2023
The best answer (on Feb 10, 2023) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Benjamin
Expert
 gave the best answer on Feb 10, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hello, Sorry to hear about your difficult situation. A few thoughts based on screening/hiring experienced hires when I was at BCG and also based on my own experience switching from T2 to MBB: “Reversing” a low GPA GPA i ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
984
Views
71
Total Upvotes
on Feb 14, 2023 on Feb 14, 2023
Last Activity

Chance me for MBB, given my GPA & other credentials?

apply GPA MBB
Most recent answer on Jan 02, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 02, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jan 02, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, 1) Will I get cut-off from first round resume selections for getting literally 0.01 less than 3.7?  The GPA is just one of the elements considered during the screening and in any case you can compensate for ev ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.1 k
Views
80
Total Upvotes
on Jan 02, 2023 on Jan 02, 2023
Last Activity

Question about transcripts

BCG GPA Middle East Transcripts
Most recent answer on Dec 20, 2022
The best answer (on Dec 13, 2022) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Dec 13, 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  I would go for option 1 and apply at the start of the year (not now).  Be careful though not to overemphasise it in your cover letter so it doesn't sound dodgy or as if you have something to hide. You might b ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
581
Views
68
Total Upvotes
on Dec 20, 2022 on Dec 20, 2022
Last Activity

What engineering GPA at a public European university (1-10 scale) is needed at MBB?

GPA
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2022
Anonymous gave the best answer on Oct 28, 2022
#1: Local recruiter knows how to interpret you grades, if you apply in the country where you went to university.#2: Always add GDA in format “XX (top Y% of cohort)” to avoid misinterpretation.#3: GPA in top 10-20% of co ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
763
Views
32
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2022 on Oct 31, 2022
Last Activity

Does background check include the information provided in the employment screening form?

background check GPA
Most recent answer on Oct 24, 2022
The best answer (on Oct 19, 2022) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Oct 19, 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  I don't imagine this would be a problem. If they have any questions about it, be open about how you chose to round the number. Don't worry about it more than necessary.  Best, Cristian
3
Answers
534
Views
25
Total Upvotes
on Oct 24, 2022 on Oct 24, 2022
Last Activity

Academic Transcript - include only most recent or all degrees?

consulting GPA Transcripts
Most recent answer on Oct 23, 2022
The best answer (on Oct 02, 2022) is from:
Dennis
Expert
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
Dennis
Expert
 gave the best answer on Oct 02, 2022
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
You should be consistent on your resume - either list all GPAs or none. However, since most consulting firms use the GPA as one of the key criteria for applicants (at least for recent graduates), they’ll likely come bac ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
791
Views
39
Total Upvotes
on Oct 23, 2022 on Oct 23, 2022
Last Activity
1 - 20 of 50 results
Cookie and Privacy Settings
This website uses cookies to enable essential functions like the user login and sessions. ... (Read more) We also use cookies and third-party tools to improve your surfing experience on preplounge.com. You can choose to activate only essential cookies or all cookies. You can always change your preference in the cookie and privacy settings. This link can also be found in the footer of the site. If you need more information, please visit our privacy policy.
Data processing in the USA: By clicking on "I accept", you also consent, in accordance with article 49 paragraph 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR, to your data being processed in the USA. The USA is not considered to have adequate data protection legislation. If you need more information please view the individual settings.
I accept
Manage settings individually
Questions or Feedback?
Select category
  • Select category
  • Case Interview Preparation
  • Coaching
  • Technical Problems
  • Other
Your name
Your email address
Cancel
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely