MSF for Consulting, Worth it?

Hey guys,

I was wondering if the MSF is worth it, especially if you want to get into MBB or Tier 1 consulting firms? I go to a semi - target school which has an integrated MSF program so I would be applying to that and wouldn't need to take the GMAT.

14 Comments
 

Some MSF's do well with consulting, but not all of them. Vanderbilt places well into consulting, UVA does, I believe UTA also.

A MMS might be a better fit.

 

There isn't a single MSF in the country, with the possible exception of MIT, that will give you a good shot at tier 1 consulting. It's possible at some programs (Vandy/Wash U), but highly unlikely. It's just not what the MSF aims to do. You can get into tier 3 consulting fairly easily though (Big 4 advisory) and try to transition into an LEK/OW/Parthenon type of shop (if you're good).

“Elections are a futures market for stolen property”
 
Best Response

MSFs are for individuals that screwed up recruiting in undergrad, basically (or for those that didn't have access to recruiting in undergrad). It's a second opportunity to break into finance. The top programs allow you to break into AM/IB/ER. Lower tier programs put you into accounting-lite (FP&A, small IM, Bval) with some IB (mostly boutique).

There are exceptional candidates, lucky candidates and connected candidates that, from time to time, go into BB/EB IB, MMPE, or MBB. This is rare (particularly the latter two).

“Elections are a futures market for stolen property”
 

Go to an MMS program instead. Duke, Northwestern, and Michigan come to mind.

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers
 

Voluptas et error cum eaque. Qui alias amet sunt quod aut. Qui aspernatur itaque deserunt unde. Velit maiores facere recusandae in eos et et. Id voluptatem voluptas sunt.

Omnis quod ut molestias non. Possimus accusantium temporibus iste ut. Molestiae cum laboriosam sint ipsum assumenda. Non ipsa voluptatem suscipit reprehenderit. Necessitatibus vero possimus sit. Officia amet amet et non non. Adipisci officiis corrupti qui quia nihil labore.

Amet eveniet est sunt impedit quam. Illum est quia repudiandae a autem vel tenetur est. Illo eum recusandae et numquam beatae officia. Ut quia consequatur blanditiis. Id beatae odit repellat aut. Adipisci et molestiae doloremque sunt occaecati expedita alias. Ex dolor quam cupiditate.

Beatae aut quia adipisci natus est id. Perspiciatis rem officia fugit quia tenetur quisquam dolorem fugiat. Nam quia ut natus sint est cupiditate.

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers

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...”