Non-target student with full-time offers to 2/3 MBB's. Ask me anything!

No, I completely understand that. I didn't put that to boast or anything, rather just give a backbone to my suggestions. I oftentimes see posts that are completely false on the consulting forum, and I'd rather convey that I'm giving reasonable advice.

Thanks a lot! A lot of my phone calls started off with networking emails. Within those, I would directly state the fact that my goal was to break into management consulting. They're not naive to your intentions so you might as well state them upfront. As for case practice, I've actually never asked for interview assistance on the first call. My networking calls are more to convey myself as a put-together individual who is eager about the said company. Usually if the call goes well, I'll get an email back asking if I would like to conduct a mock case. My advice would be to really know why you're interested in consulting and prepare intelligent/interesting questions! This is important - most of these consultants get solicited dozens of times per month and asking basic questions isn't going to set yourself apart.

Thanks! I'm not 100% sure from their side, but I can speak from my own experiences.

For BCG, I just had to send my resume and office preferences to my referrer. I assume he just directly submitted them to HR (he specifically told me not to self-apply). For the other 2 companies, I still had to submit an online application and my referrers just dropped quick referral notes to HR. For McKinsey, I know for a fact that your main referrer's name is attached to your resume.

1. The book I used the most was Case in Point, but honestly I didn't spend more than an hour or two with it. I think it's a misconception that you're supposed to memorize all the verbiage and frameworks. They're just meant to give you a basic foundation that you then build off of yourself. The best way to practice would be in-person with an experienced interviewer. If that's not possible, even practicing out loud with a friend is extremely helpful. Knowing how to tackle a problem is only half the battle - you really need to get good at conveying your points in a structured and concise manner. Finally, when you don't have an interview partner, I would practice how you would approach business situations by brainstorming on a piece of paper. This could literally be thinking up "what would be the reasons why a 'bike shop' (insert any type of company) is losing profits." In total, I probably did around 25 live cases and 50 framework setups.

2. I think the best way to cold-call is to start with a networking email. The email formats are standardized for all 3 companies, so it is fairly easy to reach out (a quick google search will lead to them). I usually only got numbers if I got them from someone else in the office who I had already previously talked with. To be honest, I don't think you can get around that question. If they're telling you to just apply online, then they probably aren't in the mind-set of wanting to pull for you. I usually only asked after very very very good phone conversations. They'll offer if they're impressed.

Major: Business (Honors Program) GPA: 3.9 Extracurriculars: pretty typical leadership positions in normal college clubs Work Experience: Fortune 100 Companies for 2 summer internships

Fortunately, I knew I wanted to do consulting fairly early on, so I knew I had to keep a stellar GPA in order to standout. I've had a pretty "put-together" college career, however I wouldn't say I had anything particularly special on my resume. I basically made sure I cleared the checkmarks and then left the rest to networking.

I'm coming in as a generalist role - so yes, I'd assume that I would get the opportunity to participate in pure strategy projects. However, I'm realistic too that a lot of projects also involve implementation, operations, etc.

My best advice is follow what you love or think you love. Join clubs that actually interest you. Don't just join finance club for the sake of being in finance club. I think it's a lot more impressive if you held a leadership position in surfing club and you can really convey your passion/impact within it. It'll pay off in the long run because you'll actually want to put the effort in. College goes by so quick and it shouldn't just all be catered towards achieving the best resume, so enjoy the moment and don't treat it like a stepping stone.

Be proactive with career fairs and info sessions. By no means were my internships considered "name-brand" F500 companies. Talk with employees and get to know the HR staff. Then at the end of the day, learn how to execute with behavioral interviews (assuming you're applying to companies without technicals, which was my case).

Learn the lingo fast and then practice live cases. Nothing is better practice than actually doing mock interviews. You can have Case in Point memorized word by word and that wouldn't be enough. Referring to one of my earlier posts, the technical portion is only half the game. You need to convey your thought process and execute in a structured manner in order to impress your interviewers. They need to know that if they were to put you in a room alone with senior management (which happens on the job), that you would have the skills and pose to deliver. I practiced 25 live interviews (1 hour sessions) and 50 case set ups (10 minutes each). I also spent a good amount of time (probably 15 hours total) practicing basic arithmetic, as I haven't taken a math class since high school!

What you've heard is true - summer internships are definitely more limited than full-time, so the bar is considered slightly higher. However, you're completely right. If you don't get it then you're already ahead of the game and will be in a great position for the following recruitment season!

1. A mix - but mostly professional. I try to personalize the questions, for example, what as been the most fulling project that you've been on?

2. The personal fit questions are fairly similar to any other industry company. The only exception would be McKinsey - you can learn about their unique PEI interview on their website. This is a much more in-depth behavioral question that requires you to elaborate much more than usual (15 min+ answer for one question).

I don't really think there is any constructiveness in giving you my own answer. If you're actually interested in consulting, you'll be able to come up with a good answer. There's not a "right" answer for this, they just want to make sure you're genuine and that you understand what the job entails.

1. I don't want to say to keep my anonymity, however I haven't actually decided yet. Deadlines aren't for another month and a half, so I'm just going to base it off interactions I have with professionals at both firms. They are both flying me out for celebration/offer weekends, so hopefully that will give me a better idea.

2. I haven't planned anything out yet. It could be 2 years then MBA, 2 years then industry, 2 years and staying. I'm just going to constantly reevaluate my situation and figure out which path with be best for my happiness and professional growth.

I think this is a huge misconception! This may have been the case a decade ago, but all the firms actually have a good amount of non-targets now. Once a few break in, those individuals pull hard for their respective alma maters. I would say during my super days, approx 25% of interviewers were from non-targets. Granted, you could really tell that these were standout individuals who were at the top of their classes.

Thanks a lot! And I definitely agree. I was reassured multiple times that ivy league kids had no advantage during the actual interview process. The hard part is just getting the firms to notice you in the first place, which is when networking comes into play.

I don't believe in possibility to receive the McKinsey offer from any school below top-50. Why wouldn't you give non-target applicants a chance? Because it is easier to sell MIT analyst than, let's say, Villanova analyst. It doesn't matter how smart both of the applicants are. Brand carries a lot of weight in client-facing business and clients want to know what they are paying for.

Maybe there are some employees from non-target schools but all of them have outstanding internships from BB banks, F500, PE, or VC firms.