Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 446,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

How does the Consulting Q&A work?

Anyone can ask a question
Anyone can write an answer
Upvotes let answers rise to the top
What would you like to ask or discuss?

Long application process

application process
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Dec 25, 2023) 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 Dec 25, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, This isn't too abnormal! There was overhiring a year ago, pipelines have slowed this year, AND we're at end of year. I would reach out in mid-Jan. Remember, you should never pin all your hopes and dreams on on ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
233
Views
99
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

BCG Application mistake

Application application process BCG
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 23, 2024) is from:
Andreas
Expert
BCG Principal, First/Final Round Interviewer, Post-MBA offers from All Big 3, Experience working for Booz and Accenture
Andreas
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 23, 2024
BCG Principal, First/Final Round Interviewer, Post-MBA offers from All Big 3, Experience working for Booz and Accenture
My guidance would depend on the office location, i.e. how important is Arabic to your application.  For example, if you applied to an office in the US, I wouldn't consider your Arabic language skills very central to you ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
169
Views
70
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Bain's application process

Application application process Bain & Company
Most recent answer on Feb 26, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 16, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 16, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there! Sorry to hear about this complication.  Basically, the way it works in practice is that your first option office is the one that receives your application, and they decide whether to accept it or not.  There a ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
597
Views
80
Total Upvotes
on Feb 26, 2024 on Feb 26, 2024
Last Activity

How to mention consulting on your resume

application process CV MBB Resume switch
Most recent answer on Feb 15, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 23, 2023) is from:
Victoria Christine
Expert
1st&2nd session 33% off|Incoming BCG Consultant ME|President of the Consulting Club|Esade MBA|Offers from McKinsey & BCG
Victoria Christine
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 23, 2023
1st&2nd session 33% off|Incoming BCG Consultant ME|President of the Consulting Club|Esade MBA|Offers from McKinsey & BCG
Hello A, When mentioning your current MBB experience on your CV, it's important to highlight your achievements and contributions without -as you already mentioned- disclosing any confidential or sensitive information. H ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
688
Views
69
Total Upvotes
on Feb 15, 2024 on Feb 15, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey - Strong referral one month after the application

Application application process business analyst MBB McKinsey Referral
Most recent answer on Jan 15, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 12, 2024) is from:
Brad
Expert
Expert coach | Head of recruiting for Bain | 8+ years interviewing | Free intro call
Brad
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 12, 2024
Expert coach | Head of recruiting for Bain | 8+ years interviewing | Free intro call
Hi there,   Exciting times!   You’ve ask a couple of good questions. Let me try to answer them together.   At some point, the firm needs to take N number of applicants and distil them down to Y number of interviewees. T ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
283
Views
91
Total Upvotes
on Jan 15, 2024 on Jan 15, 2024
Last Activity

BCG Application Process - Online Tests

application process BCG
Most recent answer on Dec 31, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 22, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 22, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Q: Are all experienced hires expected to take just 1 of the below tests or a combination?  BCG uses different tests depending on the office and role. In most cases, you will have to do the BCG Online Case (num ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
236
Views
36
Total Upvotes
on Dec 31, 2023 on Dec 31, 2023
Last Activity

Can you apply for more than one position at McKinsey using the same PSG results?

application process case interview practice with consultants McKinsey
Most recent answer on Dec 30, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 26, 2023) is from:
Alberto
Expert
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Alberto
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 26, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Hi there, To your questions: Q1: If you applied for for more than one position at the McKinsey portal (you can actually apply to as much as you want), and you got two of these applications status “ in process” that tech ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
251
Views
81
Total Upvotes
on Dec 30, 2023 on Dec 30, 2023
Last Activity

Benefits of Referral

analytical test application process CV screening interview process management consulting MBB referrals
Most recent answer on Dec 30, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 10, 2023) is from:
Frederic
Expert
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience
Frederic
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 10, 2023
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience
Importance of referrals really differs my geography, but in general you can see the following advantages: Expedited Process: In some cases, a strong referral can fast-track your application, bypassing certain stages of ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
35.3 k
Views
18
Total Upvotes
on Dec 30, 2023 on Dec 30, 2023
Last Activity

Does McKinsey shut down over Christmas?

Application application process Application timing Applied junior associate McKinsey
Most recent answer on Dec 18, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 16, 2023) 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 Dec 16, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi Hannah, Short answer, yes :) That said, YOU should not “shut down” over Christmas. Make sure you're using this time to case prep! Also, please, for the sake of your sanity, stop refreshing your emails :P And, please ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
383
Views
91
Total Upvotes
on Dec 18, 2023 on Dec 18, 2023
Last Activity

Application ban disappeared after 6 months

application process BCG online case CV screening MBB
Most recent answer on Dec 16, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 08, 2023) 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 Dec 08, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, That's great! Definitely check with your referrer. The nice thing is this gets them to talk to the recruiters about you and your name becomes more familiar. A few things: Double check the resume is optimal - I ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
280
Views
81
Total Upvotes
on Dec 16, 2023 on Dec 16, 2023
Last Activity

Application process

application process
Most recent answer on Dec 01, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 01, 2023) 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 Dec 01, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Honestly, just don't. Network with them to find out when roles are open for you. Then, apply once they are.
9
Answers
468
Views
30
Total Upvotes
on Dec 01, 2023 on Dec 01, 2023
Last Activity

Getting into MBB Consulting after graduation with boutique internships

application process case interviews CV screening MBB work experience
Most recent answer on Dec 01, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 01, 2023) 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 Dec 01, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Heres some reading to help: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-get-a-consulting-internship-tips-and-tricks
5
Answers
376
Views
15
Total Upvotes
on Dec 01, 2023 on Dec 01, 2023
Last Activity

Asked to have another interview round after the "Decision Round". Is this normal?

application process Case Interview Decision Round MBB
Most recent answer on Nov 30, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 30, 2023) is from:
Alberto
Expert
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Alberto
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 30, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
You can check how the recruiting process works from an internal MBB perspective here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/mbb-hiring-hacks-behind-the-curtain-secrets Best, Alberto — Check out my latest case based on ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
3.2 k
Views
10
Total Upvotes
on Nov 30, 2023 on Nov 30, 2023
Last Activity

Format of German Tabular CV Question

Application application process CV CV screening German germany Lebenslauf MBB
Most recent answer on Nov 10, 2023
Anonymous gave the best answer on Oct 08, 2018
Hi Anonymous, I am German, have worked in consulting in Germany and have seen my share of CVs, so I hope I can help. So first of all: None of the three examples are total no-gos. I would consider No 2 best / sa ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
116.1 k
Views
24
Total Upvotes
on Nov 10, 2023 on Nov 10, 2023
Last Activity

PhD in Geology

Advice application process
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 13, 2022) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 13, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Q: Is it possible to work as a consultant with a phd in geology? Sure. The fact they invited you at McKinsey already confirms your profile fits, otherwise you would have not passed the screening. There are two ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
769
Views
55
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

Women in Consulting-Germany (MBB, 2nd Tier)

application process careers fair europe germany interview process management consulting MBB recent graduate Roland Berger Women in Consulting
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
Anonymous gave the best answer on Sep 18, 2018
Hi Anonymous, first of all a disclaimer: I am a man, so I definitely have blind spots here and there and maybe see things for better than they really are. But I'll do my best to give an objective answer. All your ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
3.5 k
Views
13
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

From Tier 2 to Top Tier Consulting Firm

Application application process Bain Bain & Company BCG career progression Case Interview Change Career Change Firm Change Firms Change Job Experienced Hire Interview Lateral Hire MBB McKinsey MMB Oliver Wyman Roland Berger strategy& switch Top tier
Most recent answer on Oct 28, 2023
Anonymous gave the best answer on Sep 06, 2017
Hello, I have known several people who joined a BCG Paris after having work for a few years in other consulting firms (either top 20 or boutique/specialized) Evaluation criteria during cases interviews will remain rou ... (read entire answer)
12
Answers
27.8 k
Views
31
Total Upvotes
on Oct 28, 2023 on Oct 28, 2023
Last Activity

McKinsey Application Process Not Heard Back and the Impact of Current PhD Pursuits

application process McKinsey
Most recent answer on Oct 27, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 26, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 26, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Sorry to hear you haven't yet received a response.  It seems to be happening more and more often these days. But I wouldn't read too much into it. First of all, in almost all cases they give you a response regardless of ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
492
Views
62
Total Upvotes
on Oct 27, 2023 on Oct 27, 2023
Last Activity

Haven’t heard back from McKinsey screening stage

application process McKinsey Mckinsey London online screening
Most recent answer on Oct 25, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 25, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 25, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
I wouldn't be too worried about it. Sometimes it takes a while.  I have a couple of candidates now interviewing for London who have applied this cycle and have already heard back with an invitation to the test.  Even so ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
578
Views
52
Total Upvotes
on Oct 25, 2023 on Oct 25, 2023
Last Activity

Need advice for Application Strategies and Cover Letter

application process Application timing Cover letter
Most recent answer on Oct 09, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 07, 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 07, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hello, Here are my answers to your key questions: You will be applying through the experienced hire route (meaning not needed to follow campus recruitment cycles), but for an entry level position I would submit a custom ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
443
Views
25
Total Upvotes
on Oct 09, 2023 on Oct 09, 2023
Last Activity
1 - 20 of 195 results

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 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