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Reapplying to MBB?

I was wondering if you recruit summer before senior year of college to MBB and are unsuccessful if you could also recruit the following year? so after graduation you would work somewhere for a year and then come to MBB but because of the recruiting cycle you would have to apply during your first job.

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Top answer
Mattijs
Coach
on Mar 05, 2025
Free 15m intro call | First session -50% | Bain Consultant | Hiring team | 250+ successful candidates

Hi,

It's possible;  the ban period is typically 12 months. Be aware you will need to show significant improvement on your CV (if you did not get an interview) or your interview/fit (if you failed the interview rounds). 

Mattijs  

Florian
Coach
on Mar 05, 2025
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Yes, it's possible, but keep in mind that MBB typically enforces at least a 12-month ban period before reapplying so timing matters.

If you reapply, you’d need to show significant improvements on your resume - whether through stronger work experience, new skills, or additional leadership roles. I’d strongly recommend getting a referral for your second attempt, as it can make a difference in screening. 

All the best,

Florian

on Mar 05, 2025
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: I was wondering if you recruit summer before senior year of college to MBB and are unsuccessful if you could also recruit the following year? 

Yes, so far that the ban period has ended, you can apply again.

You can find some tips below on how to maximize your chances:

How to Get a Consulting Interview Invitation

Good luck!

Francesco

Mariana
Coach
on Mar 05, 2025
You CAN make it! | xMckinsey | 1.5h session | +200 sessions |Free 15-Minute Call

Hi there,

Yes you can and that represents a great opportunity for you to prepare more for the case interview (considering the 12m ban period) and to actively engage in projects and activities that will generate good behavioral stories and CV enhancements. 
Make sure to address the reasons that prevented you to receive an offer and go for it.

Good luck!

Best,

Mari

Thabang
Coach
on Mar 06, 2025
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | McKinsey Top Coach & Interviewer | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)

Hey there, 

Yes it is possible. Ban periods are usually 12 months, so trying the following year is completely possible. 

In the case of McKinsey, depending on how close you were to getting the offer, you can sometimes have 6 months ban period. 

So it's always good to confirm eligibility of you reapplication with the recruiters!

All the best! :-) 

Alessa
Coach
on Mar 06, 2025
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free

Hey there 🙂, yes, you can definitely reapply to MBB after an unsuccessful attempt during your summer before senior year. However, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

1️⃣ Reapplication Timeline

  • If you apply before senior year and don’t get an offer, you can usually reapply after a year (some offices have a 12–18 month waiting period).
  • This means you’d likely apply during your first job after graduation for a full-time Associate/Business Analyst role.

2️⃣ How to Strengthen Your Application for Reapplication

  • Gain strong experience in a consulting-relevant role (strategy, finance, analytics, or even a boutique consulting firm).
  • Network actively with MBB consultants and recruiters to express interest and show growth.
  • Improve case interview and behavioral responses based on what might have gone wrong the first time.

3️⃣ Does Reapplying Hurt Your Chances?

  • Not at all! MBB firms regularly hire reapplicants who show significant improvement.
  • Some candidates get offers after working 1-2 years elsewhere and then successfully making the switch.

If you’re set on MBB, use the extra time to build a stronger profile, gain relevant experience, and reapply with a much stronger case performance!

Hope that helps! Best, Alessa 😇

on Mar 06, 2025
Ex-BCG Principal & Senior Recruiter in Germany | 300+ real recruiting interviews at BCG | Free 15min intro call

Hi there, 

reapplying is possible but Consulting firms usually want to see some professional / personal advancement before considering your application again. Such an advancement should usually take 12-24 months and could be working in a new job, completing a Master degree or an MBA etc. 

Hence, sometimes it makes sense not to apply to all of them at once but rather keep one of them open for later ;) 

Best, 
Sebastian

Hagen
Coach
edited on Mar 10, 2025
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about the (presumed) rejection!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

  • Yes, it is possible to reapply after an unsuccessful attempt in your junior summer, as long as you adhere to the 12-18 month ban period. If you want to know for sure if you can already reapply, I would advise you to contact the recruiter and ask.

You can find more on this topic here: How to deal with a rejection from a consulting company.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

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