How much do referrals really matter for MBB Internships?

Hello, I am an undergrad at a target school, I transferred this past spring and have not had luck joining consulting clubs as they only recruit in the fall, so I don't know many people in consulting or from my school doing MBB consulting. I am applying for junior internships at MBB firms out of CA like SF, LA, SD, or NYC and or TX offices like Dallas or Houston, as I am from both of those states and have friends and family in each.  I was wondering how much not having a referral will hurt when applying. Will I just be rejected without a referral?  I have done a few cases (5-10) and am ramping up casing in the coming weeks and have been working on PEI/behaviors. 

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