What do different backgrounds need? Consulting.

Question

Hi all,

I've been reading around the forums and found a ton of useful stuff (thanks!), but I still have one question that is more or less unanswered. Quick background:

White American Male
Just took GMAT: 48q45v 750 (other scores not in yet)
Undergrad: Applied Physics and Chinese double major, 3.75 top-20 US school
Job: top-ranked non MBB consulting firm (kind of a catch-22, I know)
My thoughts: slightly disappointed in quant but I think my transcript should support my analytical abilities. Despite this, I have a sneaking suspicion that there are thousands of consultants that can match my GPA/GMAT numbers

My question(s): Generally, how does the consultant applicant pool score? What does one need to do to stand out within it? How does this compare with other applicants?

Thanks for your thoughts.

CriticalSquare · Answer

Wow - good job! That is an amazing score! Generally, consultants do score well but you'd be surprised at the variation that's apparent in that pool. You absolutely stand out in that area and your quant isn't "low" by any means. It's actually a great score and you're in consulting, which clearly indicates you have a basis in analytical rigor. Also, your GPA is great! Most firms have a 3.5 cut off, so you're right about that but you have interesting dual major and you went to a well known school so your GPA is worth quite a bit beyond the fact that it's above average for most programs.

You don't need to give your GMAT another thought. You're set! Congratulations again!

If you have any other questions, just let me know!

Bhavik

You don't need to give your GMAT another thought. You're set! Congratulations again!

If you have any other questions, just let me know!

Bhavik

lostinthejungle · Answer

Thanks!

3hrMBAapp · Answer

I would definitely start to look at differentiation through your background in physics and also the Chinese double major. If you were able to take advantage of that background to add incremental value to consulting engagements that would be a huge plus. You can definitely differentiate depending on the industry context you focused on as well as notable projects. The other aspect is what you plan to get into post-MBA, if the story flows there, do not see much of a concern. Anyway you can spin your story to be less like the typical consultant, the more you can stand out as an individual. I would also visit the campuses of the programs you are interested in hard and fast right now, and ask this exact question to the admissions directors, and get a point of view from your top schools.

What do different backgrounds need? Consulting.

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