MBB application + case preparation

Hi there,

Hope the suggestions below help;

1. Best Application Plan

Timeline
    •    Networking: Begin immediately to build relationships with MBB consultants via LinkedIn or events for referrals.
    •    Applications: Submit in early spring (March-April) to align with recruitment cycles and aim to complete interviews by June.
    •    Tailoring: Highlight your niche consulting experience, transferable skills, and growth since your last application.
    •    Target Offices: Apply to multiple offices based on geographical preference and market demand for your expertise.

Key Actions
    1.    Update CV and cover letter: Focus on quantifiable achievements and progression.
    2.    Leverage referrals: Secure internal endorsements to strengthen your application.
    3.    Submit strategically: Target offices with overlapping deadlines to maximize opportunities.

2. Preparation Plan

Phase 1: Diagnostic and Review (January-February)
    •    Identify past interview weaknesses and review core concepts like frameworks, market sizing, and math drills.

Phase 2: Intensive Practice (March-May)
    •    Cases: Complete 30-40 cases across various industries and types. Start with peers, then move to expert mock interviews.
    •    Fit Prep: Develop STAR-based impact stories aligned with MBB values.
    •    Drills: Focus on mental math and business judgment exercises.

Phase 3: Mock Interviews (May)
    •    Conduct 5-10 mock interviews to simulate real scenarios and refine based on feedback.

Continuous Actions
    •    Stay updated on industry trends and consulting news.
    •    Track progress using a spreadsheet to ensure balanced preparation.

Happy to help you with your case prep - feel free to DM me 

Best,
Evelina

Hi there,

It’s great that you’re planning ahead for your MBB reapplication and interviews. Let me address your two questions directly to help you structure your approach effectively.

1. What is the best application plan?

To align with your goal of completing interviews by June, it’s essential to work backward:

• Understand the timeline: Research the typical gap between submitting applications and the interview process. For MBB, it can take only 4–6 weeks from submission to the first round of interviews (depending on region/office). To target June interviews, aim to submit applications no later than mid-to-late April.
• Confirm timelines: Check Preplounge or official MBB career pages for region-specific timelines. You can also contact HR teams directly to confirm when applications should be submitted for June interviews.
• Perfect your application: Use the next few months to refine your CV, cover letter, and networking efforts. Highlight your experience at your current consulting firm and any relevant achievements since your previous application. Tailor your materials to each firm, emphasizing the growth and new skills you’ve developed since your last attempt.
   

2. What should my preparation plan be?

Given that two years have passed since your last attempt, it’s important to refresh the basics and identify areas where you’ve grown or need improvement. Here’s a very high-level plan based on some assumptions (i.e., available time):

Step 1: Assess Your Baseline (e.g., February)

• Identify gaps in your current skills (e.g., math, case structuring, PEI/personal fit). Reflect on what might have contributed to not passing last time, and prioritize areas that need the most work.
• Take a diagnostic case interview with a coach or experienced partner to evaluate your current level.

Step 2: Refresh the Basics (March)

• Spend 2–3 weeks reviewing core concepts: case frameworks, mental math, structuring, and communication.
• Practice few cases here on PrepLounge or live with peers/coaches to get into regular case interviews.
• Revisit the PEI/personal fit interview basics and reflect on new impactful stories from the past two years.

Step 3: Intensive Practice (April-May)

• Practice 2–3 cases per week, gradually increasing intensity to 4–5 closer to the interview dates. Focus on weak areas.
• Conduct mock interviews with peers or coaches, emphasizing case performance and PEI delivery. Get detailed feedback to adjust and improve.

Step 4: Final Review (May)

• Sharpen your skills through targeted drills.
• Simulate interview day conditions with back-to-back case and PEI practice sessions.

Final thoughts

With thoughtful planning and consistent effort, you’ll be well-positioned for success. Start early, refresh your fundamentals, and focus on building confidence in both case work and personal fit. 

Feel free to reach out if you’d like guidance on refining your plan or need support with specific aspects of your preparation—I’d be happy to help you strategise and build confidence for your MBB interviews!

Best of luck—I’m confident you’ll make great progress this time! 😊

Best wishes,
Johannes

Hey there! 

I would suggest the folowing - of course it depends on your experience, how fast you learn and how much time you have! 

• Application Plan:
  Apply 6–8 weeks before your desired interview timeline (April-May for June interviews). Use this time to network with MBB consultants, ideally securing referrals. Tailor your CV/cover letter to highlight achievements since your last application.
• Preparation Plan:
  Start practicing cases immediately, focusing on weak areas from your last interviews. Aim for 30–50 cases, balancing structure, math, and creativity. For fit/PEI, craft updated stories with measurable impact. Mix mock interviews with peers and professionals for well-rounded prep.

Alessa

Hi there!

Good thing that you’re reapplying! Your questions are a bit broad, so my answers may sound generic. Read them and DM if you have specific questions, I’ll be happy to help.

 1. Best Application Plan
Timing and approach matter a lot in MBB recruitment, especially if you're targeting summer interviews.

When to Apply: Since you're aiming to apply before the end of summer, I’d recommend submitting applications in late spring ideally June or early July. This allows you to be considered for interviews that will occur in late summer/fall. Depending on the office and your type of profile, referrals are important, so you should work on that starting in April, I would say. Since you’ve already passed the screenings before, consider reconnecting with any contacts you have from your previous application process. They might be able to provide insights into the recruitment process and refer you internally.
Focus on Impact: Highlight the specific value you’ve delivered in your current role and any experiences where you’ve taken on high-impact work. Even if you're not currently on a client project, talk about any strategy, problem-solving, or leadership experiences you've had in your current firm, especially how it aligns with MBB work.
Have a personal statement: Tailor your resume and cover letter, focusing not just on skills but also why you’re reapplying now and how your niche consulting experience has prepared you even more for the MBB environment (very important).

2. Preparation Plan
You’re already familiar with the basics of case prep, but you should master it to receive an offer. your goal should be to refine and enhance your performance to ensure you can confidently pass the interviews.

Case Preparation:

- Assessment: Hire a coach or find an advanced candidate that will assess your readiness by identifying weakness and strengths in both Case Interview, as well in Personal Experience Interview skills.

-Prepare your plan: Your plan should be based on the assessment: you should work first on your weaknesses, making sure you hit the baseline at least and mitigated what could cost you the offer. Since you didn’t pass the interview previously, identify what aspects of the case you struggled with. Was it the structure? The math? The communication? You should aim to build muscle memory around those aspects. That can be done by yourself or with the guidance of a coach. Since you’re reapplying, I would go with the second, honestly. 
- Aim for Advanced Case Practice: Start doing advanced practice cases that push you beyond the fundamentals. Find good partners (DM for tips on where to found them if needed). You should focus on integrating complex business scenarios, calculations, and structuring your answers in a clear and concise manner. Make sure you’re getting feedback from experienced peers or case coaches. They can help you identify small, overlooked mistakes that may have hurt your performance in the past.

Behavioral Interview Prep:
- Choose a good Framework: Ensure you’re prepared for behavioral questions using a method. Most people use STAR, but in my opinion PARADE is the best one.
- Story Bank: Build a bank of stories (ideally 8-10) across the different dimensions questions may fall. Test them with peers/coaches to ensure they’re conveying impact. 

Best of luck in your reapplication! 
 

Mari