whats the secret to comming up with a legit "why this firm answer"

1) You've heard great things about the firm from everyone you've spoken to 2) The people you've met from the firm have been welcoming and sound like the genuinely enjoy working there 3) You like the training program they offer 4) You like the geographic span and the opportunity to work anywhere in the world

A mix of those would be suitable I'd imagine.

You already answered your own question. Mention the reasons you listed above.

bump

I would imagine the following answers (or mix of answers) would work: 1) Good deal flow / biggest deal exposure - provide great learning experience 2) You like the firm culture from speaking with people... 3) Everyone you've met and spoken with seems to enjoy working there and being proud of their firm 4) Meritocracy 5) Specific industry/product group you are interested and its expertise

I think things to stay away from are: prestige, money, "bulge bracket", exit opps, etc.

But I know firms love to ask this question, especially Goldman - "Why Goldman?" so if anyone has a good answer for that, please share.

I would play up the team at GS; team culture and working with individuals of similarly high caliber, etc.

GS also is very big on how "humble" they are.. I'd love to hear more comments about "why GS"