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

Importance of transcripts

I have completed my master's at LSE, earning an overall pass grade. However, my undergraduate degree was obtained from one of the top colleges in India with high grades. Given the pass grade in my master's, could this potentially impact my application for consulting? I would appreciate your genuine opinion on this matter.

7 Answers
500+ Views
7
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
on Nov 18, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Given the pass grade in my master's, could this potentially impact my application for consulting?

Your grades are going to impact the application, but are not the only relevant factor. They will also consider:

  • The rest of the CV (school brand name, work experience, leadership experiences, extracurriculars)
  • The cover letter (if required)
  • If you have referrals

Getting a referral is probably the best way to compensate for any issue with the GPA. You can find more information on networking and referrals below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation 

Good luck!

Francesco

on Nov 17, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi!

No. It shouldn't be a liability as long as you're presenting it in the right way in your CV. 

At the end of the day, recruiters see what you show them. 

If you emphasize things that are not good, then this is the story that you're creating. And the other way around. 

So instead of bolding the ‘pass’ word and writing between the brackets ‘not a distinction’ :), I would instead think about whether you got a distinction in any course, or whether there was at least one thing that you were good at during your degree. Then I would lead with that as a bullet point. 

Not all firms and offices ask for transcripts. Some don't even care. So don't let this hold you behind.

Good luck!
Cristian

———————————————

Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> CodeWave  

Moritz
Coach
on Nov 17, 2023
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hi there,

It matters a great deal what school you went to and what grades you obtained. There are some expectations e.g. nobody will ever ask you for your grade from an MBA where only the school matters. You can offset this to some degree with great work experience and extracurricular activities, but not completely.

If you want people to know what a create candidate you are, you have to network, network, network, to take the focus away from your resume and move it do you directly.

Hope this helps a bit. If you want to discuss anything in particular, please let me know.

Best of luck!
Moritz

_______________________________________________________
>> Need a specialized McKinsey coach & mentor? 
     See my full profile 
>> Need real McKinsey cases?
     Zero Carbon Mine (hard)
     Car Convenience (Intermediate + brand new)

on Nov 17, 2023
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience

Hi there, yes grades matter and ideally you can demonstrate a consistent top performance or at least a positive trajectory. Obviously prestige and competitiveness of the institutions matter as well. Happy to look at your CV and grades to give you a personal perspective. Send me a DM. Warm regards, Freddy

Ian
Coach
on Nov 18, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Yes! In essence, all grades across all degrees matter! (The degree to which changes, no pun intended).

If they request grades from your master's, then it will be taken into account. On your resume, you can always choose to display or not display a grade.

Alberto
Coach
on Nov 17, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews

Hi there,

Prestige of the institution matters to get recruiters first attention's. Outstanding grades are mandatory, specially for recent graduate profiles.

Best,

Alberto

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Pedro
Coach
on Nov 20, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Private Equity | Market Estimates | Fit Interview

In a CV you need some indicators of excellent. You don't need EVERYTHING to be excellent, but you need at least a few. If you have a passing grade that is fine. In itself is not a problem, as long as you have other stuff to support your case.

Similar Questions
Consulting
MBB Salary Raise - Middle East
on Dec 16, 2023
Global
8 Answers
700+ Views
Top answer by
Raj
Coach
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK
11
8 Answers
700+ Views
+5
Consulting
Has anyone tried any of the AI Interview Tools for MBB before?
on Sep 28, 2024
Global
8 Answers
3.3k Views
Top answer by
Iman
Coach
Systemiq | Ex-BCG | 10 years experience with 8+ specialising in sustainability | Free Intro | Ex-PrepLounge candidate
182
8 Answers
3.3k Views
+5
Consulting
MBB value proposition for 12 month stint
on Sep 06, 2024
Global
3 Answers
200+ Views
Top answer by
Florian
Coach
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU
21
3 Answers
200+ Views
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
You are a true consultant! Thank you for consulting us on how to make PrepLounge even better!