Honest opinion needed - Chances of making it to the MBB being an MBA from non-elite B school

Hey there, 

Given that you have now received an invitation for interviews, the ball is effectively in your court! Your background (i.e. having MBA from non-elite B school) doesn't matter anymore! Now, the only thing that matters is how you prepare, and you should take the opportunity put all favour on your side. 

My honest opinion, 100% you can pass the interviews with the right practice, guidance and preparation. This is what I'd advise you to focus on

Even with English your second language, interviewers will be looking at your problem solving ability and ensuring your PEI (for McKinsey) and Fit (for Bain) experience is compatible with their requirements

Please feel free to DM me if you'd like to discuss more about strategies, preparation, mindset. I'll be happy also to share many testimonials of candidates like you that have done it!

All the best

Hi,

Getting into MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) with an MBA from a non-elite school is challenging but not impossible. Here are some key factors that can influence your chances:

1. Networking

• Alumni Connections: Leverage your school's alumni network. Connect with alumni who work at MBB firms and seek their advice and referrals1.
• Networking Events: Attend industry events, conferences, and career fairs to meet professionals from MBB firms.

2. Performance and Experience

• Relevant Work Experience: Highlight your prior working experience and skills you gained during that period.
• Extracurricular Activities: Engage in activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

3. Tailored Applications

• Customized Resumes and Cover Letters: Tailor your application materials to highlight your fit for MBB roles, focus on your working experience and extracurricular activities.
• Case Studies and Practice Interviews: Prepare thoroughly for case interviews and practice with peers or mentors.

4. Persistence and Resilience

• Multiple Applications: Apply to multiple firms (including tier 2 firms) and roles to increase your chances.
• Feedback and Improvement: Seek feedback from interviews and continuously improve your approach.

While it's true that MBB firms often target elite schools, many successful candidates come from non-target schools by leveraging strong networks, relevant experience, and tailored applications. Keep a positive mindset and focus on showcasing your unique strengths and potential.

Good luck with your preparations.

Mattijs

Hey!

You absolutely have a chance. MBB values impactful work, leadership, and problem-solving skills over pedigree alone. Your experience in driving growth, managing teams, and working directly with C-suite executives is highly relevant. Focus on showcasing your achievements clearly, preparing for case interviews rigorously, and highlighting your unique perspective as a strength. Fluency in English is sufficient if you can communicate your ideas effectively. Your non-traditional background can make you stand out—lean into your story with confidence.

Good luck, Alessa

Hi there,

First off, congratulations on securing interview invites from McKinsey and Bain! That’s already a huge achievement, especially given their rigorous screening process. It shows that your profile, experience, and application were strong enough to stand out, even without coming from a “target school” or a well-known firm.

Now, about your concerns:

1. Your Background:
   Your experience at a startup, being the first hire, and working directly with the C-suite is extremely valuable. MBB firms love candidates who demonstrate leadership, impact, and adaptability—things you’ve clearly done. The fact that you contributed to 90% of the firm’s revenue and built the team is tangible proof of your ability to drive results.
2. Non-Target School:
   While MBB often hires from elite schools, it’s not a dealbreaker if you aren’t from one. What matters now is how you perform in the interviews. Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, structured thinking, and ability to communicate clearly—these are the real differentiators.
3. English as a Second Language:
   Fluency is more than enough. MBB interviews focus on clarity of thought, logic, and structured communication, not on sounding like a native speaker. Practice mock interviews with feedback to polish your delivery and gain confidence.
4. Realistic Chances:
   Your chances are as good as anyone else’s who has made it this far. Remember, McKinsey and Bain have already seen something they like in you. The key is now to prepare rigorously for the case and fit interviews. MBB firms value diversity of thought and experience, and your unique background could be a strength.

Actionable Tips:

• Fit Questions: Prepare stories that highlight leadership, problem-solving, and impact. Use the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep them structured.
• Case Interviews: Practice structuring problems, doing mental math, and communicating clearly. Mock interviews will be your best friend.
• Mindset: Go into the process knowing you bring something valuable to the table. Confidence in your unique story can make all the difference.

You’ve already proven yourself by getting the invite—now it’s just about sealing the deal. Best of luck, and feel free to reach out if you have more specific questions about prep!

Your chances of making it from an elite school are already small.

So, what's the difference between 5% and 3%?

Now, you're telling me you have an interview invite from both McKinsey and Bain?

That means your odds are now 100% IF you're a perfect candidate.

Which means? Your chances are in your hands.

If they've invitred you to interview already then you literally have already been vetted/validated by them...you are on the same playing field as anyone else with an interview.

Go crush it now! Put everything into it....study hard every week, run through lots of cases with many peers, get a top tier coach, etc.

========================================

I do think you'll appreciate this article though (on what canddiates usually do wrong):

The Most Common Pitfalls in Case Interview Preparation

And the do's and dont's:
 

Dos and Don'ts in a Case Interview
 

And further reading here:

How to Shift Your Mindset to Ace the Case
 

Candidate-Led Cases: What to Expect With Example Cases

Congrats on landing the interviews! I was in a very similar situation when I applied (non-target school, not an MBA, undergrad grades were just okay, and my CV had a strong name-brand consulting firm on it but nothing like MBB or Tier 2 firms). Once you're in the door, it all comes down to your ability to perform. Let's chat about maximizing your chances of crushing the interviews (and fighting the nerves you must be feeling). 

Hi there!

Since you have got the invitation, your chances are exactly the same as anyone else in the same stage of the process, don’t worry and don’t think little of your experience - if they have invited you is because you have something they value! Believe me, that is not something that happens everyday. 
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3 advices for you to succeed:

1. Elaborate a study plan to tackle the case and personal experience interview. If you have zero experience with the process, I would say that one month, studying at least 1h daily Mo-Fri and 5h from Sat-Sunday and the help of a coach may do the job. That is a generic timeframe based on what I have seen, to be sure about that, I would recommend the evaluation of a coach.

2. Make sure to understand what caught their attention regarding your résumé so you can prepare for the personal experience interview with stories regarding these points of interest.

3. If you have little time to prepare, ask to postpone the interview. Be honest, say that you deeply appreciate the chance, that you want to make the most of it and need more time. That won’t hurt your chances and the worst thing they can say is no (and there will be a reason behind if they do).

Best of luck in your preparation!

Feel free to send me a DM if you need professional support.

Best,

Mari

Hey there, 

Congrats on getting an interview! Reading through your question, I almost felt you are describing me, but with an MBA degree. I would be highly doubtful (as I was) when submitting the application. But once you secure an interview, none of those matters. Most interviewers don't even look at resume prior to the interview, or during the decision making process. 

As an experienced hire, we have the advantage of first-hand working experience, more mature composure in terms of client or leadership handling. But the challenging part is to get to fit into each firm's culture and working style (which lots of time means changing our current workstyle to match). 

During the interview process, beyond casing, what helped me most was the personal experience part. The working experience really sets you apart, would highly suggest to dig deep into that area to find your true strength and tell the story in an impactful way. Which I am happy to share more advice separately. 

To summarize, none of those concerns matter after you secured an interview. From now on, all that matter is skills, capabilities and cultural fit that you demonstrate in your interviews, which is totally in your control. 

Cheers,

Han