USC Consulting Prospective

I had close friends at USC MBA. It's really not a target for MBB. A few people a year might slip in. T2 is also insanely competitive.

The big 4 that recruit have beefed up #'s because most groups recruit outside of the strategy divisions. Deloitte, for example, places a bunch of folks - but not for generalist S&O roles. This is proven out in their employment report. MBB and T2 pay $147k base and up. The median for the 15% of USC headed to consulting is $138k. That means most of that 15% are at big 4, T3 firms or smaller boutiques. Still great jobs.

Don't screw up first quarter, it's pretty much the only GPA point you can use. Also, GMAT matters - a lot - from the USC tier of MBA's. You'll need a 740+ to realistically compete. Under 700 you won't get a look, and in between 700-740 you probably won't pass the resume screen unless you do something special to set yourself apart.

Recruiting will be primarily for local offices. Own it. If you're trying to go to NYC, you're shooting yourself in the foot out the gate. It's just that much harder.

Not trying to dissuade. Just know you need to be one of the best on campus to score a top consulting role. And make sure you apply through the spectrum of firms on campus. There's no place for ego in MBA recruiting; those that focus only on the best firms on campus are those that are usually shafted for an internship.