How to go from being cut at McKinsey BA intern 1st round to being hired full time at MBB?

So, I recently got cut from 1st round interview for BA intern at McKinsey in the US (I think my school is a target since we send about 10 every year to McKinsey and there are info sessions). It was a little unfortunate that I made a math error and when my interviewer gave me another chance, I missed it again, showing that I could be a bit unorganized. In fact, the feedback I got from the rejection call from that very interviewer is that I could be more organized with how I write down the math.

Otherwise, I feel like I aced everything else (all that MECE and structuring and tailoring my answers to the specific case).

Has anyone ever gone from being cut 1st round for MBB internship to getting a full-time offer? Or if anyone has gone through a similar experience, I would just like to know what mental process you went through and how you prepared to ace the full-time interviews.

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Class of '26 Oct 2026 Cohort

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“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it. André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me. One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it. A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage. The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing. Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting. I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans. Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”

Class of '27 Apr 2026 Cohort

4.78/5

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“Ashley’s industry expertise and depth of knowledge in product strategy are immediately clear. In every session, she breaks down complex management frameworks into easily digestible insights. Her communication style is direct, clear, and empathetic. Rather than giving vague or generic career advice, she provides highly actionable takeaways—including specific templates for stakeholder communications, prioritization frameworks, and real-world examples from her own leadership background that I was able to implement directly into my team's workflow the very next day. Furthermore, her kind, patient, and approachable demeanor made it extremely comfortable to discuss tough workplace scenarios and honest skill gaps without fear of judgment.”

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3 Comments

dontsmashme

CO

8y

Best Response

Chin up buddy! Nail a good summer internship and try again :) Practice again over the summer. I'm in the same situation. Ping me again next April and let's run through cases.

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Authored by: Certified Consulting Professional - 1st Year AnalystCertified Consulting Pro

chdg145

PE

8y

I didn't even get a first round interview for MBB internships my Junior year from a target school that sends a similar number to MBB every year. But now I'm a senior and just signed my full-time offer.

It's totally possible to get a full-time offer. For now, focus on keeping your grades up, and continue to be a leader in your clubs/activities. Try to land another good internship. It doesn't have to be in consulting, but preferably a F500 company that almost anyone has heard of, and make sure you have strong impact over the summer.

Come back in the Fall ready to try again!

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Authored by: Certified Private Equity Professional - 1st Year AssociateCertified Private Equity Pro

tds2006

ER

8y

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Authored by: Certified Equity Research Professional - Vice PresidentCertified Equity Research Pro

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How to go from being cut at McKinsey BA intern 1st round to being hired full time at MBB?

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