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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.

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Compensating bad grades (MBB)

grades
Most recent answer on Oct 08, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 16, 2021) is from:
Ken
Expert
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach
Ken
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jan 16, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach
For MBB entry level roles, compensating for bad grades is difficult as it's usually the first hygiene factor (incl. school) for a CV to be considered. It is worth noting that the bar for consideration is not necessarily ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
1.8 k
Views
106
Total Upvotes
on Oct 08, 2023 on Oct 08, 2023
Last Activity

Pass Grade only for Medicine

BACHELOR GRADES grades MASTER GRADES MBB Medicine transcript
Question edited on Jun 28, 2023
The best answer (on Jun 07, 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 Jun 07, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, 1) Compared to undergraduate degrees, it is more difficult or easier to get into MBB with MD qualification? If you are applying for the same position, the bar from their side will be the same. If not done alre ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
521
Views
78
Total Upvotes
on Jun 28, 2023 on Jun 28, 2023
Last Activity

Transcript check

getting interview grades graduate program transcript
Most recent answer on Jun 06, 2023
The best answer (on Jun 06, 2023) is from:
Emily
Expert
300+ coached cases | Former McKinsey interviewer + recruiting lead| End-to-end prep in 2 weeks
Emily
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jun 06, 2023
300+ coached cases | Former McKinsey interviewer + recruiting lead| End-to-end prep in 2 weeks
First, there's no need to apologize for asking questions; this forum is here to help with just that! Here's a structured response to your query: Importance of GPA: Yes, GPA does matter for consulting firms, especially t ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
455
Views
56
Total Upvotes
on Jun 06, 2023 on Jun 06, 2023
Last Activity

90%+ grade in masters at top 5 target European school - does it make a difference for job application?

consulting grades masters MBB
Most recent answer on Sep 26, 2022
Anonymous gave the best answer on Sep 25, 2022
Hi there, first of all - congratulations to your outstanding universit performance. As a former consulting captain for major business university, my perspective on your questions: Grades do matter- put them in your CV a ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
684
Views
37
Total Upvotes
on Sep 26, 2022 on Sep 26, 2022
Last Activity

A-Level grades not great and non-target university

grades high school grades Non target target university
Most recent answer on Aug 19, 2022
The best answer (on Aug 17, 2022) is from:
Emily
Expert
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad
Emily
Expert
 gave the best answer on Aug 17, 2022
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad
Without a doubt it’s harder, but not impossible. I was at a non-target school, two years post graduate and applied off cycle - it’s possible. The firms are looking for people who excel in what they do - you need to be a ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.1 k
Views
58
Total Upvotes
on Aug 19, 2022 on Aug 19, 2022
Last Activity

MBA Grades Question

grades harvard HBS MBA
Most recent answer on Aug 07, 2022
The best answer (on Aug 07, 2022) 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 Aug 07, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Q: Given the fact that Harvard Business School does not have a grade non-disclosure policy, could low grades have a negative impact on future hiring at MBB? Most candidates just put Dean’s List for MBAs when t ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
1.3 k
Views
43
Total Upvotes
on Aug 07, 2022 on Aug 07, 2022
Last Activity

Study Abroad Grades

grades
Most recent answer on Jun 01, 2022
The best answer (on May 31, 2022) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on May 31, 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  Yes, it's totally ok to add predicted grades as long as you can explain the methodology by which you did it and it's a reasonable one. You might be overestimating the extent to which they care about grades an ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
588
Views
37
Total Upvotes
on Jun 01, 2022 on Jun 01, 2022
Last Activity

Swiss grades - MBB

grades
Most recent answer on Jan 19, 2021
The best answer (on Jan 16, 2021) is from:
Clara
Expert
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Clara
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jan 16, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello! As a general rule of thumb -not only Switzerland, but all offices-, grade do matter, but are not a deal breaker. What do I mean with this? The higher your grades are, overall, the better. And it does cou ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.7 k
Views
54
Total Upvotes
on Jan 19, 2021 on Jan 19, 2021
Last Activity

Importance of Grades for Full-Time Recruiting

college consulting full-time grades MBB recruiting university
Most recent answer on Dec 09, 2020
The best answer (on May 09, 2017) is from:
Deniz
Expert
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 400+ Trainees | Free 15-min Consultation Call
Deniz
Expert
 gave the best answer on May 09, 2017
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 400+ Trainees | Free 15-min Consultation Call
Hi, Let me jump in here, and speak based on my experience with BCG. Top tier consulting firms typically evaluate the following in order to invite a candidate for an interview: 1. University brand name (e.g. ~t ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
8.3 k
Views
20
Total Upvotes
on Dec 09, 2020 on Dec 09, 2020
Last Activity

University Grades

grades
Most recent answer on Dec 06, 2020
The best answer (on Jan 31, 2019) 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 31, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Anonymous, in general, a GPA below 3.7 makes it more difficult to be considered unless compensated by strong achievements. However, different companies have different criteria according to the country and brand nam ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.8 k
Views
2
Total Upvotes
on Dec 06, 2020 on Dec 06, 2020
Last Activity

Invited to McKinsey and BCG with average grades

BCG grades McKinsey
Most recent answer on Dec 06, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Sep 16, 2020
Hi A, Your concerns are a bit exaggerated. I have to agree with my colleagues - you have already got an invitation so grades are not going to matter that much. You have to concentrate on preparing for the interviews ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
7.0 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Dec 06, 2020 on Dec 06, 2020
Last Activity

My grades are not excellent, can I still get into MBB?

BCG consulting grades McKinsey
Most recent answer on Nov 24, 2020
The best answer (on Jan 21, 2020) is from:
Clara
Expert
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Clara
Expert
 gave the best answer on Jan 21, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello! The HR team who reviews CVs does a "holistic" overview of them. What does this mean? That is not only looking at grades, but the whole picture. If your records are not great but you were a professional sport ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
4.0 k
Views
8
Total Upvotes
on Nov 24, 2020 on Nov 24, 2020
Last Activity

I'm just starting my MS at a target school and want to apply to MBB. The applications ask for GPA which I don't have

Bain Boston Consulting Group consulting firms GPA grades Master MBB McKinsey transcript
Most recent answer on Oct 30, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Aug 16, 2020
Dear A, I think that you shoutl still apply and put an expected level of your GPA. If there will be some further issues you can right to the recruiting team. Wish you all the best, André
5
Answers
1.1 k
Views
15
Total Upvotes
on Oct 30, 2020 on Oct 30, 2020
Last Activity

Grades after headhunter invitation to MBB?

Bain BCG BCG Bain McKinsey BCG McKinsey and Bain Experienced Experienced Hire grades MASTER GRADES MBB McKinsey
Most recent answer on Jul 16, 2020
The best answer (on Nov 28, 2019) is from:
Antonello
Expert
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Antonello
Expert
 gave the best answer on Nov 28, 2019
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Hi, I have supported tenths of experienced hired in interview preparation. MBB do not care about grades for these positions, but consider only the last working experiences. Therefore, I always recommend displaying grade ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
2.4 k
Views
6
Total Upvotes
on Jul 16, 2020 on Jul 16, 2020
Last Activity

GPAs on Resume Y/N?

europe GPA grades Resume
Most recent answer on Jul 10, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Apr 26, 2019
If it is good (maybe 3.5+) then you can put. If it is not, I do not see any reason to emphasize it. Cheers Serhat
5
Answers
2.3 k
Views
4
Total Upvotes
on Jul 10, 2020 on Jul 10, 2020
Last Activity

Grades for MBB

grades MASTER GRADES MBB
Most recent answer on Jun 16, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Jun 10, 2020
Hi Anonymous, Top consulting firms look for different elements in every candidate before making a decision to invite to interviews. For a fresh graduate, grades are important but they are not the only ones. With your ... (read entire answer)
13
Answers
2.7 k
Views
59
Total Upvotes
on Jun 16, 2020 on Jun 16, 2020
Last Activity
16 results
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