An MBA can create a powerful recruiting reset, but it is too expensive to justify solely on the assumption that MBB will work out.

Look at whether the program builds a broader consulting-ready MBA profile and whether its consulting placement is genuinely strong.

Ask yourself whether you would still be happy with the degree if you landed another strong consulting firm or a non-consulting role.

If the answer is no, the MBA thesis is too narrow. If the degree has multiple attractive outcomes, MBB recruiting can be a meaningful upside rather than the only justification.

Would you still attend if MBB disappeared tomorrow? That question helped me.

School placement data matters more than marketing.

I picked my MBA partly for consulting and still made sure I liked the non-MBB exits too.