Do I Stand a Chance of Being Shortlisted When Applying to MBBs?

Question

Hello,

I have a low undergraduate GPA (awarded in 2019), but I have two master's degrees in economics and business analytics from targeted schools with GPAs of 4.0 and 3.9, respectively. I also have three and a half years of experience, including one and a half years at a startup consulting firm and two years with an international organization in economic research analysis and advisory support. I am planning to apply to management consulting roles at MBBs. Given my low undergraduate GPA (below average), do you think my high master's GPAs will provide a competitive advantage and compensate for my undergraduate GPA? Do I have a chance of being shortlisted for a first-round interview?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Q: Do I have a chance of being shortlisted for a first-round interview?

Given the most recent GPA performance, I believe you could have a chance. The exact probability depends on:

The rest of the application material (CV and Cover)
Whether you have a referral or not
When you apply (this year is not great in terms of hiring)

You can find more information on #1 and #2 (the main points under your control) below:

▶ How to Get a Consulting Interview Invitation

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 2

Hi there,

It's not ideal but the specifics depend on the office, geography, and time that passed since you graduated/the experience you have collected since then.

I would focus on networking and scoring a referral + making sure to show your experience on the resume in the best possible light (potentially through a professional review).

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 3

After a point your undergrad GPA matters less than other factors. The 4 year point seems like it should matter less . At this point you should take advantage of networking to get a referral and invite to interview

Answer 4

At this point the undergraduate GPA is less relevant, both because you have new professional and academic achievements that provide a more recent picture on your real potential.

Answer 5

Typically, in depth screening is completed by the ACs / Consultants at the office that you are looking to apply to on... (read entire answer)

Typically, in depth screening is completed by the ACs / Consultants at the office that you are looking to apply to once you have made it past the initial filters. HR will assist... (read entire answer)

Answer 6

Let me take a crack at this (in English) since no-one has addressed this. Top consultancies typically want the best... (read entire answer)

Let me take a crack at this (in English) since no-one has addressed this. Top consultancies typically want the best people regardless of their background. Yes, some roles are... (read entire answer)

Answer 7

This is a great, great question... that I suspect no-one can systematically answer :) Unless you have spent significa... (read entire answer)

This is a great, great question... that I suspect no-one can systematically answer :) Unless you have spent significant time working for or with all three, how can you truly com... (read entire answer)