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My school has grade deflation. Should I explain that anywhere in the application?

School

My GPA looks average compared with candidates from other schools, but my program is known for harsh grading and very few people graduate with high marks. Should I try to explain that in the application, or will recruiters already understand the school context?

Oct 1, 2026United States

Top answer Mayank G.

Mayank G.Coach

Give brief factual context if it materially changes how the GPA should be interpreted.

My university uses narrative grades instead of GPA. How do I handle that on consulting applications?

School

My school does not issue a normal GPA. We get written evaluations and a few broad performance categories instead. A lot of consulting applications ask for GPA, and I do not want to invent an equivalent number. What should I put when the system expects one?

Sep 21, 2026United States

Top answer Mayank G.

Mayank G.Coach

Do not invent a GPA conversion unless your university provides an official method. Use the application instructions or recruiter guidance for schools that do not issue a standard GPA.

Which schools are actually considered MBB target schools?

School

People throw around 'target school' constantly. Is there a real list for MBB, or does it just mean schools where the firms recruit on campus and hire consistently?

Aug 22, 2026France

Top answer Mayank G.

Mayank G.Coach

Target status is better understood as recruiting access and historical hiring strength than as one universal published list.

Is an MBA worth it mainly to get another shot at MBB?

School

I am considering an MBA partly because I missed the MBB recruiting path earlier. The degree would help my career more broadly, but if I am honest, getting access to structured MBB recruiting is a big part of the appeal. Is that a reasonable reason to do an MBA, or way too expensive/risky if MBB is the main target?

Aug 22, 2026United States

Top answer Mayank G.

Mayank G.Coach

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

How much does school prestige really matter for consulting recruiting?

School

If two candidates have similar experience and interview ability, how much can school prestige move the needle for MBB screening? Is it a major factor or mostly about access to the recruiting pipeline?

Aug 23, 2026Italy

Top answer Mayank G.

Mayank G.Coach

School can matter because it affects access, recruiter familiarity, and the density of candidates the firm evaluates each year.

How should you choose a graduate school if MBB recruiting is the goal?

School

If consulting is a major goal, what should matter most when comparing graduate programs: school brand, MBB placement numbers, location, alumni network, or something else?

Aug 22, 2026Germany

Top answer Mayank G.

Mayank G.Coach

Start with actual consulting placement, not brand perception alone.

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Community Forum

My school has grade deflation. Should I explain that anywhere in the application?

My university uses narrative grades instead of GPA. How do I handle that on consulting applications?

Which schools are actually considered MBB target schools?

Is an MBA worth it mainly to get another shot at MBB?

How much does school prestige really matter for consulting recruiting?

How should you choose a graduate school if MBB recruiting is the goal?