MBB Target Schools: How To Stand Out vs. Peers in Recruiting
- Last Updated December, 2024
You’re psyched to find your college or business school is one of the MBB target schools. McKinsey, Bain, and BCG (MBB) consultants actively recruit from your campus, hosting events, sharing insights, and simplifying the path to securing an interview. First-round interviews are held on campus, making the process accessible and exciting.
Then, reality hits: dozens of your classmates are vying for the same limited interview slots and even more coveted offers. Standing out in this crowd requires more than good grades and ambition – it requires strategy.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to maximize your chances of securing an offer at an MBB firm. We’ll discuss:
- What the MBB target schools are
- What you should do before the recruiting process even starts
- How to be competitive in landing an interview
- How to be competitive in the interview
- Top 4 tips on how to manage the stressful consulting recruiting process
Let’s get started!
What Are the MBB Target Schools?
The MBB target schools are colleges and business schools where McKinsey, Bain, and BCG actively recruit. These schools provide MBB firms with a steady pipeline of talented, ambitious, and diverse candidates. While there is overlap, each consulting firm’s target school list is unique and may prioritize schools differently based on historical relationships, alumni presence, and regional considerations.
For undergraduates in the US, schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton are often top targets, while MBA programs such as Sloan, Kellogg, and Booth are key recruiting grounds for advanced degree hires. However, being at a target school isn’t a guaranteed path to a job offer. It’s a foot in the door, but you still need to prepare for a very competitive process.
Networking: Your Leg Up Before Recruiting Begins
Networking can significantly impact your chances of securing an MBB interview. You can start networking well before the recruiting season begins. Use LinkedIn to identify alumni in
consulting from MBB target schools and reach out for informational interviews to build connections early.
Building relationships with consultants, especially alumni from your school, can lead to referrals. A
strong referral can push your application to the top of the pile, although this is not guaranteed.
Also, networking helps you understand the firm’s culture, projects, and expectations. These insights will
sharpen your behavioral interview answers for “Why consulting?” and “Why this firm?”
If Your Application Needs a Boost
Applications from MBB target schools are reviewed by the firm’s recruiting team for that school, so you don’t need to worry about being overlooked. But remember, there are a limited number of interview slots. If you don’t have a stellar GPA (3.6 or higher) and stand-out work experience, networking can be particularly helpful.
Be Thoughtful In Your Ask For Alumni Time
Alumni from consulting target schools can get a number of networking requests each year, enough that responding can seem like a low priority to someone who already works long hours. To improve the chance that alumni will connect, limit your ask to 15-30 minutes of their time. You can still get great insight into what consulting and their firm are like with a few, well targeted questions. It also helps to reach out to alumni with which you have something in common – a club affiliation, major, or geographic background – to create that extra sense of connection.
Provide Value Back to Networking Contacts
You can create a deeper relationship with alumni who are involved in campus recruiting by sharing feedback on information sessions and insights on recruiting trends on campus. Are students more interested in tech than consulting this year? What might persuade more recruits to target the alumni’s firm? Are social impact and environmental projects more appealing than Fortune 500 work?
Consulting firms want to be the top choice of top students, so this insight will be appreciated.
Stealth Networking
It’s important to NOT STALK MBB consultants or recruiters. But if you happen to be studying or doing practice cases in buildings on campus where the recruiting team is likely to be, you could meet someone and form an initial impression without the added interview stress. Remember to keep these conversations to small talk.
Coffee Chats Matter!
Coffee chats and other consulting firm-sponsored informational events help you learn about the firm. In addition, your attendance doesn’t go unnoticed. Consultants and recruiters remember who shows up, asks thoughtful questions, and demonstrates genuine interest
How To Be Competitive in Landing an Interview
Standing out in the highly competitive application process, such as from McKinsey target schools, requires strategy, focus, and a clear understanding of what sets you apart. Attending a prestigious institution like Harvard Business School doesn’t guarantee a spot. MBB firms intentionally diversify their hiring to create teams with varied perspectives, experiences, and skill sets.
Here’s how to boost your chances:
List Experience Above School on Your Resume
In a pile of resumes that all come from the same school, the one that dives straight into their achievements will stand out. It doesn’t look exactly like every other resume. (One exception to this is if your school uses a standard resume format – some MBA programs do.
Craft a Narrative That Aligns With Consulting
A generic resume and cover letter won’t cut it. Craft a story that ties your academic, professional, and extracurricular experiences to consulting. For example, if you have experience in technology or healthcare, explain how it equips you to solve industry-specific challenges for clients. Your narrative should answer 2 questions: “Why consulting?” and “Why are you the best candidate?”
Tailor Your Application to the Specific Firm
Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Use each firm’s unique positioning to tailor your resume and cover letter. This level of personalization shows you’ve done your research and understand what makes each firm unique.
At target schools, many candidates are also exploring careers in investment banking, tech, or startups. If your interest in consulting feels half-hearted or vague, it can weaken your application because firms don’t like to make offers to recruits who won’t accept them. Make it clear that consulting at that specific firm is your top priority.
Demonstrate Impact
Quantifying your accomplishments provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and makes your application more compelling. Focus on the outcomes and use action verbs to convey initiative and leadership.
For example, instead of a generic statement like, “Led a student organization,” opt for something like: “Increased membership by 40% and secured $10K in sponsorships, doubling the club’s budget and enabling the launch of two new initiatives.”
Highlight Extracurriculars at Your School
Extracurriculars that are particularly competitive, relevant to consulting, time consuming, or outstanding in some way can help you stand out from your peers. Because target school resumes are reviewed by school alumni, there’s a good chance they will be familiar with the extracurricular, the commitment involved, and the impact on students or the community.
Build Relationships Beyond Events
Reach out to consultants outside of formal events, especially school alumni. Rather than trying to connect with as many people as possible, focus on forming meaningful relationships with a handful of consultants. A smaller, genuine network often leads to stronger referrals, which can increase your chances of landing an interview.
Exclusive Free Training on passing consulting case interview.
Congratulations on Landing an Interview: Here’s How to Stand Out
Landing an interview is just the first step – acing it is the real challenge. Many students at target schools aim for consulting, banking, and tech roles simultaneously. If you spread your focus too thin, your case prep may suffer. If you decide on consulting, stay focused and commit to preparing daily.
Here’s how to prepare effectively:
Master Case Interviews
Case interviews are the heart of MBB’s recruiting process. They assess your problem-solving ability, logical thinking, and communication skills under pressure. To excel, practice regularly, work with other students, and leverage the resources your target school has.
Our Ultimate Guide on Consulting Case Interview Prep is a great resource if you are just starting.
You’ll need to learn to break down problems into clear, logical frameworks that guide your analysis. Avoid memorizing frameworks and develop the ability to adapt them to different scenarios. Here are the common Case Interview Frameworks you must know.
Don’t forget to practice mental math if it is not your natural strong suit. For more tips on this, check out Case Interview Math.
If you need more case interview practice partners or your school’s consulting club is full of sharks, reach out to friends studying at other consulting target schools. These friends will also have access to good resources on prepping for consulting interviews. You can help each other out without feeling like you’re in direct competition for job offers.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions
While case interview skills are crucial, cultural fit and interpersonal abilities matter just as much. Lots of candidates underestimate the fit portion of the interview. We break down what you need to know in our article on Consulting Behavioral Interviews.
Interviewers hear hundreds of stories, so generic stories are obvious. Instead, share detailed examples that showcase your leadership, collaboration, adaptability, and ability to handle adversity.
To explain your experiences, you need to use the STAR Method. Structure your responses around the Situation, Task, Action, and Result framework to deliver concise, compelling answers.
You should know the specific firm’s values. Tailor your stories to reflect the values, whether it’s Bain’s emphasis on collaboration, McKinsey’s focus on impact, or BCG’s culture of curiosity.
Practice Poise and Confidence
Speak clearly, confidently, and at a steady pace. Avoid filler words or rushing through answers. If there are moments you feel stressed or stuck, take a deep breath, think critically, and proceed methodically.
Make sure you show your enthusiasm and avoid monotone answers that sound robotic. Your interview should sound natural and conversational rather than rehearsed. Mock interviews can help refine this skill.
Seek Expert Help
You’re not alone! If you’re struggling with preparation, consider resources like My Consulting Offer to accelerate your learning curve. You’ll get coaching from former MBB consultants and recruiters, who know the process inside out.
4 Tips on How to Manage Stress During Recruiting
1. Focus on Your Journey
Recruiting for MBB positions can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re surrounded by equally driven and talented peers from places like Bain target schools. It’s natural to compare yourself to others, but those comparisons can add unnecessary pressure. Trust your preparation and focus on steady progress rather than perfection.
Instead, channel your energy into what you can control, such as networking, your consulting application, and case interview preparation.
2. Leverage and Explore Resources Available
Take advantage of the fact that you are from an MBB target school and the resources available. Schedule mock interviews with career coaches or consulting club members. Participate in case competitions to practice structured thinking in a high-pressure environment. Attend firm-sponsored events and workshops to gain insights and meet current consultants.
3. Find a Support System
The recruiting process can be intense, but you don’t have to face it alone. Knowing you have peers and mentors in your corner can make the process less daunting and more collaborative.
Find recruiting buddies who are also pursuing consulting. Practice cases together, exchange feedback and share encouragement. You can also reach out to alumni who’ve successfully navigated the process. Also, don’t hesitate to access school counseling or wellness services if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
4. Take Intentional Breaks
It might seem counterintuitive, but stepping away from your prep is essential to staying sharp. Constant practice without breaks can lead to burnout, which affects performance.
Block off time to recharge, whether it’s a walk, workout, or catching up with friends. Avoid overloading your schedule with too many networking events or mock interviews: quality matters more than quantity.
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In this article, we’ve covered:
- The definition of MBB target schools
- How to start preparing before recruiting even starts
- What you need to do to land an interview
- How to be competitive once you have the interview
- Top 4 tips on navigating stress during recruiting
Still have questions?
If you have more questions about recruiting into consulting from MBB target schools, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s recruiters will answer them.
Other people interested in recruiting into consulting from MBB target schools found the following pages helpful:
Help with Your Consulting Application
Thanks for turning to My Consulting Offer for advice on applying to consulting firms from MBB target schools. My Consulting Offer has helped 89.6% of the people we’ve worked with to get a job in management consulting. We want you to be successful in your consulting interviews too. For example, here is how Eva got her offer from McKinsey.
Exclusive Free Training on passing consulting case interview.