You can use stories from clubs, sports, volunteering, research, class projects or part-time jobs. The setting matters less than whether the situation had real stakes and your personal actions are clear.

A strong story usually includes a difficult decision, conflict, setback or leadership challenge. The interviewer wants to understand how you behaved, not whether the organization was prestigious.

Avoid examples where the group succeeded but your individual contribution is vague. Be ready to explain what you personally decided, said or changed and why.

Choose a small set of stories that cover different competencies, then prepare the details deeply. A specific student example is better than an impressive-sounding story you cannot defend under follow-up. For more detail, see the first-round consulting interview guide.

A club or class story can totally work if the stakes and your own actions are actually clear.