Chance of Advancing to Each Round

Hi WSO- I’m curious to know the chances of automatically getting a consulting internship. I would love to hear the chances of moving to each round (I.e How many applicants get an interview, how many move on to round 2, up until an internship is offered). How many student are at each round, how many serious applicants are there when internships open etc. Thanks!

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about the chances of advancing through each round for a consulting internship:

  1. Initial Application Screening:

    • The vast majority of applicants are cut during the initial screening round, similar to the process in investment banking. This is where most applicants are eliminated.
  2. First Round Interviews:

    • For firms like BCG, the first round interview often includes an online case problem-solving exercise. The number of candidates advancing from this round is significantly reduced.
  3. Final Round Interviews:

    • For McKinsey and BCG, there are about 20 candidates going into the final round for sophomore diversity internships. The exact percentage of those who land the internship isn't specified, but it is a competitive process.
  4. Offer Stage:

    • Less than 1% of applicants secure a top consulting job, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation.

Key Points to Consider: - Networking: Building connections and having a strong "why this office" or "why this firm" narrative can lend credence and substance during the interview process. - Interview Preparation: Focus on both behavioral and case interviews. Do not neglect the behavioral component in pursuit of case perfection.

For more detailed insights, you can refer to the WSO Consulting Case Interview Guide, which is crowdsourced and perfected by countless professionals.

If you need further details, you might find additional information in the WSO forums or by exploring the WSO Academy and other resources available on Wall Street Oasis.

Sources: Consulting Recruiting 2023, , , Advanced Professional Degree McKinsey Application Process, Case study interview for MBB consulting - 24 of my best tips on how to get in

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Similique error veritatis eos nihil. Ipsam et aspernatur est quos. Veniam iste eum vitae minima est. Inventore enim totam sed optio fugiat et. Molestiae ut odit cum atque. Inventore earum suscipit blanditiis voluptatem similique nemo corporis. Velit accusamus nesciunt dolor illo eligendi omnis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Consulting

  • Boston Consulting Group 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Consulting

  • Cornerstone Research 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.4%
  • McKinsey and Co 97.9%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.5%
  • Boston Consulting Group 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $361
  • Principal (30) $294
  • Director/MD (58) $274
  • Vice President (53) $247
  • Engagement Manager (113) $232
  • Manager (171) $173
  • 2nd Year Associate (185) $142
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (116) $135
  • Senior Consultant (354) $132
  • Consultant (642) $122
  • 1st Year Associate (577) $121
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (164) $121
  • NA (16) $114
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (391) $104
  • Associate Consultant (176) $101
  • 1st Year Analyst (1163) $90
  • Intern/Summer Associate (208) $83
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (634) $68
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”