University Grades

grades
New answer on Dec 06, 2020
5 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Jan 31, 2019

Hello all,

In regards with uni grades, is getting a first class honour / distinction a must to be considred for MBB firms?

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Francesco
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Content Creator
updated an answer on Jan 31, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 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 name of the university. In Italy, for example, McKinsey tends to accept candidates with full mark at graduation only, while BCG and Bain are less strict, while in France the university name is more important than grades.

If you don’t have a strong GPA, you can also compensate it with a referral, you can find some tips related to that at the link below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

(edited)

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Norah
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replied on Jan 31, 2019
I am here to get you an offer! | Ex MBB interviewer Expert in MBB and Tier 2, Deep knowledge of EU & Middle East regions

Hello there,

Thanks for the reach out.

For sure, getting a first class honour is not a must but rather a plus in order to get into MBB firms.

Also depends on the office you are applying to: I know that UK, Germany and US offices are much more selective when it comes to grades. France and Switzerland are rather flexible.
good luck for your interview application,

Norah

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Clara
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replied on Dec 06, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Honestly, grades don´t matter that much as long as in your CV you can demostrate important qualities: leadership, drive, impact, etc.

Cheers!

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Vlad
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replied on Jan 31, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

In short, it's not, but you can use it as one of your advantages. One of the many other advantages that you should have.

Best

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Sidi
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replied on Jan 31, 2019
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers

Hi!

This is very different from market to market. You have to demonstrate that you are one of the top performing individuals in your respective environment. In some markets (such as France), this means you basically need to study at one of the elite universities and once you graduate there it is enough to be considered and the grade is not important (talking about academic achievements only!). In other markets (such as Germany), the name of the university is far less important. As long as you can demonstrate that you belong to the top 3-5% of your university in terms of grades, you are fine (again, only considering the academic dimension).

Cheers, Sidi

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Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

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