Advice for Lateralling to a Top BB Bank from a Lower-Tier MM?

This topic has probably been covered to varying degrees on this site in the past, but does anyone have solid advice for how to (eventually) lateral to a top BB? I'm currently an analyst at a lower-tier MM bank. It's been a good experience in many ways but disappointing in many others. I genuinely have a burning desire to work on the largest (public-to-public) M&A transactions, which is something I simply will never get exposure to at my current bank.

Last year, I went through a lateral process for one of the very top groups on Wall Street (one that is highly regarded and frequently discussed on this site). I made it to the final round but ultimately didn't get an offer. This was a very exciting but ultimately painful experience. I can't help but feel stuck and as if I missed the boat for a BB role. Is the only hope to go to a top business school and recruit again for an associate position at a top BB?

Any insight from someone who's been in a similar position and made it to a top BB would be greatly appreciated.

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