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

Does consulting firms look into your transcript during application?

Hi there,

I'm wondering if firms will require a transcript during your application process? My GPA looks fine but I have withdraw from several classes last semester due to a serious family issue. I wonder if they would care about the “W”s on the transcript? If they don't check my transcript during the application, will that cause me trouble during the background-check process? Thanks very much!!

Jackie

8
8.6k
91
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Andi
Coach
edited on Apr 05, 2022
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires

Hi there, 

First of all, sincerely hope your family issue is getting better / has been resolved!

Regarding your question, I'm with the other coaches on this one - this will not be any issue in your application. As long as you can demonstrate the overall academic excellence that consulting firms expect (~ top 10-20%, subject to school), you're safe on that front.

I've seen on occasion in the DACH region that recruiters would sometimes look specifically into the quant grades during screening (there's a actually a study that shows correlation of strong quant with career success in MBB) , however, in most other regions even that does not happen.

Finally, yes, transcripts may be looked at during the background check. However this is more to validate that what you told on the resume is true. No need to worry about the ‘W’s - even if they were to double-check you have a valid reason. 

Hope this helps. All the best!

Regards, Andi

Florian
Coach
on Apr 04, 2022
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

This is a non-issue if your GPA is in the top 5-20%, depending on the university and degree.

All the best,

Florian

Deleted user
on Apr 04, 2022

Short answer is no, they won't go into the details of your transcripts during the application process and even after. Even if they do, you do seem to have a valid reason so it should not be an issue at all

Good luck!

4
on Apr 04, 2022
Empathic coach, former McKinsey Engagement Manager |Secure offers from top consulting firms

Dear Jackie,

this should be no problem at all. What matters is your overall performance, your story, your fit, these courses should be fine, of course have an answer ready in case anyone ever asks you but it should not be a problem.

Best regards,

Charlotte

on Apr 04, 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi Jackie, 

I've never heard of a firm doing this. Ever. 

The reality is that everybody has something better to do than checking transcripts. I wouldn't worry about it. Worry about the prep instead. That is within your control. 

Moritz
Coach
on Apr 04, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hi there,

This is not going to be an issue. Their interest in you is not conditional to specific course work.

Just make sure you don't purposefully misrepresent anything or straight up lie. Everything else, such as your specific situation, can be reasonably explained at any stage and that's fine.

Hope this helps a bit to calm the nerves. Best of luck!

Udayan
Coach
on Apr 07, 2022
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

No - as long as your GPA is accurate as per your resume they will not care about the classes your withdrew from and the reasoning behind it.

Background checks are done via a 3rd party. They are most interested in knowing whether you attended the University, what your major was, what your overall GPA is and when you will graduate. The rest they don't care about.

Best,

Udayan

Ian
Coach
on Apr 05, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

You're totally fine here! Nothing to worry about it!

Now, it *might* come up in the background check but even then it shouldn't be a problem.

Similar Questions
Consulting
MBB in Dubai
on Apr 23, 2024
Global
6
2.6k
Top answer by
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
52
6 Answers
2.6k Views
+3
Consulting
BCG Application status
on Nov 26, 2024
Global
5
3.4k
Top answer by
Achal
Coach
How to Break Into MBB 101: Mastering the Interview (Ex-McKinsey EM with 5+ years of consulting interviewing experience)
132
5 Answers
3.4k Views
+2
Consulting
McKinsey background check
on May 31, 2024
Global
10
2.3k
Top answer by
Ex-McKinsey |5y consulting experience | Specialization in Psychology | Proven holistic mentor
64
10 Answers
2.3k Views
+7
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.