2023 ADC/APD Summer Programs/Full-Time Applications Thread

Noticed that we don't have a similar thread like previous years for ADC/APD application this year so figured I'd set up one so that so people could ask questions or share updates as they prepare for recruiting season. 

Below are relevant firms and ongoing programs.

Summer Programs:

Other firms of interest include:

  • Health Advances
  • IQVIA
  • Putnam
  • Clarion
  • CRA

Feel free to add in additional firms that are recruiting for PhD but not on this list.

Comments (108)

18d 
monkey3man, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Only applied to Bain Advantage and BCG Bridge for those types of programs. McK insight is not taking JD's, so did apply to their main summer associate listing.

Heard back with a workshop invite for Bain next week after a few calls

  • Prospect in Consulting
22d 

Received the link too! Does everyone get to receive the game invitation?

20d 
mon29ik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

No, I thought they send it to applicant, but looks not..

mon29ik
  • Prospect in Consulting
21d 

Has anyone received any info from Bain ADvantage yet? 

21d 
tuf24799, what's your opinion? Comment below:

The day I hear back from Bain ADvantage I will let you all know. That is my only entrance into consulting so if I get rejected you will likely never hear from me again. 

  • Prospect in Consulting
20d 

I think even if you don't get into Bain ADvantage, you can still try for FT recruiting! and GOOD LUCK!

20d 
mon29ik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I got the Coffee chat and Case Interview Workshop invitation from Bain ADvantage. Nothing from BCG and McK. I thought McK would send the game link for everyone, but still waiting for it.

mon29ik
20d 
CS_282, what's your opinion? Comment below:

which office did you receive the case workshop ?

20d 
tjslrlik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

It's not office specific this year. There are couple or time slots you can choose in multiple offices. Email says pick your first prefer office unless you are not available.

  • Prospect in Consulting
19d 

Have you completed the game /applied for Mck in the past 12 months? If yes, then they won't let you complete the game again I think.

  • Prospect in Consulting
17d 

Anyone interviewed with Connect to ClearView? Wondering when I should be expecting the result after interview. 

17d 
anr13, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I interviewed with them last Thursday. Haven't heard anything since.

  • Prospect in Consulting
16d 

Same here, interviewed last week and haven't heard back yet. 

17d 
ndnddnns, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I have 2 questions about the MBB bridge programs for those with some insider insights:
1) For McKinsey insight, if you screw up on the game (did not finish on time, did not meet objectives), does it mean it is over for you even if you have an amazing resume? How much is it weighted and how does the game impact FT recruitment? If I mess up the game, should I even bother to apply full time if I do not get insight?

2) If you not did get invited to Bain workshop, does it mean automatic rejection from their ADvantage program. I submited my app close to deadline. 

Thanks! 

15d 
mechem23, what's your opinion? Comment below:

These are just my opinions:

1) From last year's results, the game is a crucial part of the evaluation or, effectively, round 2 (round 1 being your resume). Most offerees I know did not do too badly in the games.

2) Again, last year a few people got AD/FT interviews without the workshop invitation. Some people who got into the workshop ended up getting no interviews. But in most cases, the workshop could guarantee at least an FT interview last year.

15d 
RY-B, what's your opinion? Comment below:

The McKinsey games were really quite difficult and they actually have right and wrong answers so I can see how they use it for weeding people. For the second Redrock (I think that was the name?? Please correct me if I am wrong) Lab game, I finished only 7 of the 10 cases. Does anyone know if not finishing all the cases is an automatic fail? 

The Pymetrics games, on the other hand, aren't difficult and there's no right or wrong answer...as far as I can tell. So I have no clue how they use the test to determine a candidate's potential. 

15d 
tjslrlik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I cant just agree with your 1) as the invitation for the game was sent out to all Insight applicants as I know. It cannot be used as 1R screener like FT.

15d 
monkey3man, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Bridge to BCG invite out for me.

15d 
l4b, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Congrats! Which city did you apply to/were you placed in?

15d 
ndnddnns, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Have not heard back yet. Does it mean a rejection from Bridge to BCG? 
edit: rejected :(, generic email. Any one got another type of email?

15d 
monkey3man, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Application indicated you were considered for the event closest to you for environmental reasons lol. The DC one was the event that sent the invite.

DC is not my first office choice. Don't want to be too identifiable in combo with my above comments with my primary office choice since I cannot comment anonymously yet.(not enough silver bananas)

15d 
tjslrlik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

+1 rejection BCG, Midwest area

15d 
rotation12, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Congrats to OP!

Also here with a bridge rejection! Do we think this is a sign not to apply for the regular recruitment cycle? Has anyone heard of applicants getting a rejection and still getting an interview later? I know things are looking very difficult in terms of hiring right now

15d 
mechem23, what's your opinion? Comment below:

There are plenty of examples from previous years that got rejected by the summer programs but still got an offer. I know BCG took in a lot of ADCs in FT recruitment last year.

  • 2
15d 
tjslrlik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Anyone have idea when Mck Insight will be sent out? It will start Mar31, but still nothing..

15d 
RS243, what's your opinion? Comment below:

website says we should hear back in mid march, so I'd expect to hear back in the next few days.. 

15d 
gvnvvxj894, what's your opinion? Comment below:
[Comment removed by mod team]
15d 
pwucky22, what's your opinion? Comment below:

LEK invites out 

15d 
tjslrlik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

My status in the website is still Application received. Do you have change in your status or just invitation go first?

Edited: rejection. Didn't get email yet, but confirmed in LEK website

14d 
excaliburorz, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Just received the rejection letter 🥲

14d 
mali2ggg-., what's your opinion? Comment below:

Anyone aware if recruiting is more difficult this year in particular? For both summer and FT positions 

14d 
sam2222, what's your opinion? Comment below:
mali2ggg-.

Anyone aware if recruiting is more difficult this year in particular? For both summer and FT positions 

Based on anecdotal evidence, yes. The MBBs are definitely slowing hiring this year. They over-hired to keep up with the boom of the past few year's demand (low interest rates, etc.), and with the current turndown, they are overstaffed and looking to trim. Hopefully it bottoms out in the next 12 months and hiring picks up again after.

  • Prospect in Consulting
14d 

Do you know which region that is? 

14d 
anonnona, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Someone I know in northeast got an invite.

14d 
anonnona, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Also heard about someone getting insight invite. 

  • Prospect in Consulting
14d 

I heard from previous years that someone did not get insight but still got an invitation for first round interview. Wondering if this year there will be some chance like this. 

14d 
mon29ik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

All firms say these kinds of program are separated with FT applications. So, the rejection shouldn't affect your 1st round if you're good enough to pass the screening.

mon29ik
14d 
mali2ggg-., what's your opinion? Comment below:

Does insight invites and rejects come out at the same time?

14d 
anonnona, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Looking through last year's thread, it seems they were staggered :(

14d 
lincoln1427, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Yes I did, just today (9am PT)

Most Helpful
14d 
lincoln1427, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Here's my application record so far:

  • McKinsey Insight: successful – notified 3/16 morning, West Coast;
    • Solved the ecosystem game, completely screwed up Redrock study, 5-7 of the 10 Redrock case questions correct (I think)
  • Bridge to BCG: rejected 3/15, generic email
  • Bain ADvantage: rejected 3/24, generic email, no invitation to case workshop etc.
  • Link to LEK: rejected 3/15 via the online portal, no email came through
  • Clarion PROPEL: invited for interview 3/24.
  • 4
13d 
mali2ggg-., what's your opinion? Comment below:

I wouldn't give up on Bain ADvantage yet, no one I know heard anything so far

13d 
lincoln1427, what's your opinion? Comment below:

A couple of people have been invited and completed the case workshop already, so I'm trying to be realistic here (nothing for me)

13d 
CS_282, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Any update on Mckinsey Insight or BainAdvantage today?

  • Prospect in Consulting
13d 

I am now hoping I can get the official rejection from Insight and ADvantage soon

13d 
rotation12, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Agree! Official rejections would help the stress 😅

  • 3
13d 
mon29ik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Looking last year's thread, ADvantage will be sent out next week. The case workshop is till today. Guess Bain make final decision after all of workshops.

mon29ik
10d 
qweasd1357, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Still have yet to hear anything from Bridge to BCG. No invite or rejection or WL. Anyone else in the same boat?

10d 
lincoln1427, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I received McKinsey Insight invite last week, and today an Associate with APD background got in touch with her to schedule a virtual coffee chat.

9d 
mon29ik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

My Inbox is still silence. Any update ADvantage, Insight (beside Westcoast)?

mon29ik
9d 
rotation12, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I think someone mentioned they had heard NE insight had gone out, too

9d 
ndnddnns, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Received an insight rejection today, anyone know if this is a generic rejection or there is still hope for FT position, totally bombed the game. 
Thank you for taking the time to apply for our McKinsey Insight 2023 program. While we are very impressed with your application, we are unable to extend an invitation to this particular event. We often have to make difficult choices between many high caliber applicants for limited spots.  If you remain excited to explore opportunities with McKinsey, we hope that we may continue to get to know each other. We encourage you to consider applying for a full-time Associate opportunity as we believe your background could be a strong fit. These applications are open on April 1st, 2023 and will be due mid-June 2023. Since you already have a profile in our system, this should be a quick process! Applications submitted prior to this date will not be considered.  Please also consider filling out our interest form, Connect with McKinsey. This program is a great way to learn more about McKinsey and stay in the know on our upcoming opportunities, including invitations to events.  

9d 
RY-B, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Got the same email...seems pretty generic to me. But I still think the FT position is worth applying to. 

9d 
mon29ik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Got same one. Is this different than 'Keep in Touch program last year' or just generic rejection?

mon29ik
9d 
Juhuatai1, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I got an even more generic one, but then again I didn't even get the game invite. 

9d 
mon29ik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Can you share what you got in your email? I also didn't get the game invite since I applied last year and rejected with the following email.

Not sure if they simply changed their rejection form or I got a one-step forward.

Thank you for expressing interest in McKinsey & Company's advanced degree summer programs, which include Insight and/or Diversity Connect. While we appreciate the time you took to submit an application, we unfortunately are unable to invite you to the program(s). We strive to meet applicants from a variety of schools and disciplines, which means we are not able to accommodate everyone. We will not be able to provide individual feedback on this decision. 

If you remain interested in our career opportunities, our full-time Associate application deadline is June 15, 2022.  Interviews for selected applicants will take place in late August/early September for opportunities with 2023 start dates (or 2024 start dates for MDs).  

Thank you again for your interest in McKinsey & Company.  

mon29ik
  • 2
9d 
ndnddnns, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Yes I did, didnt bother putting it in

9d 
mon29ik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Here I share my application record so far:

  • McKinsey Insight: rejected 3/21, Noted Connect with McKinsey
  • BCG Bridge: rejected 3/15, generic rejection 
  • Bain ADvantage: 3/23, invited to interview. 3/9-10, Coffee chat and Case Workshop invitation email. 
  • Link to LEK: rejected 3/15 via the online portal, no email yet
  • Connect to ClearView: rejected 3/8, generic rejection 
mon29ik
9d 
Aero123, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Got the following email from McK insight:

"Thank you for your application and for expressing interest in engaging with our recruiting team about career opportunities with McKinsey & Company.

After careful consideration of your application, we have concluded that we cannot proceed with your candidacy for the McKinsey Insight 2023 event at this time. A decision such as this is always difficult to make, as it requires us to choose from a group of highly qualified and accomplished individuals, such as yourself.

We encourage you to consider upcoming opportunities to stay connected which include, but are not limited to:

Current Job Opportunities

Connect with us on Real Life at McKinsey

Follow our Careers Blog or McKinsey's featured insights.

Despite this decision, we would like to keep your information on file for possible opportunities with us in the future. If you are not interested, please feel free to let us know.

We regret the disappointing news, but wish you continued success with your career endeavors. Thank you again for your interest in our firm!"

Seems pretty generic to me, but how generic is that sentence where it says they'll keep my information on file for possible opportunities.

9d 
rotation12, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I also got this email, too. It seems different from the one that specifically mentions applying so not sure if that is bad lol

  • Prospect in Consulting
9d 

Accepted for McKinsey Insight last week, and Associates have reached out to participants scheduling virtual one-on-one chats. In the chat, they stress that Insight is non-evaluative and Insight participants will still have to apply in April separately. They once again confirmed my office preferences, since individual offices have already expressed interest in specific candidates. Selected candidates will also be invited to optional case preparation workshops in April, as well as early round interviews before the June application deadline.

8d 
qweasd1357, what's your opinion? Comment below:

no invite to Bridge to BCG but did offer first round interviews

  • Prospect in Consulting
8d 

Is your first round also in May?

7d 
mon29ik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Got Bain ADvantage interview email. Two 40 min interview will take place week of Arp.11th.

mon29ik
  • 2
6d 
mon29ik, what's your opinion? Comment below:

One information in the email I missed was,

"You'll receive details on how to schedule your interview by Tuesday, March 28th."

I guess the official result will be sent Mar. 28th. If you don't hear back anything by end of today, I think the chance is very low.

mon29ik
6d 
paperuser, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Has anyone else heard from Bain ADvantage?

6d 
monkey3man, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Did case prep workshop. Heard nothing this week. Know of a few people who have heard back though, but only yeses and heard back yesterday.

Looking at the past years threads, many people did not share when they got their rejection at this stage, but I saw a comment about receiving the rejection 2 weeks after the case prep workshop, while others were posting the interview invites the week after the workshop. So it is quite possible rejected candidates may have to wait longer. Doesn't leave me with a good feeling.

Edit: Speak of the devil, just got this email for rejection. If anyone got a different one, let me know, I'm curious if there are tiered responses

Hello Name,

Thank you for your interest in our the ADvantage - 2023 Position; we appreciate you considering Bain & Company and taking the time to apply to Bain.

As a firm, we regret to inform you that we are unable to invite you to interview at this time. The volume of applicants has been extremely high, and in order to make the program experience as rewarding as possible, we have to limit the number of participants invited to this year's programs.


We understand this is disappointing news, and hope that you will consider reapplying for full-time employment with Bain & Company.

Name, we appreciate your interest in Bain & Company, and wish you every success in the future.

Warmest regards,

The Recruitment Team

Bain & Company

  • 2
6d 
l4b, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I'm in the same situation-case workshop, coffee chat, now silence. Unclear whether any further interview invites will go out. 

6d 
tuf24799, what's your opinion? Comment below:

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  • Prospect in Consulting
5d 

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4d 
bzns_oriented, what's your opinion? Comment below:

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  • Prospect in Consulting
2d 

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