2023 ADC/APD Summer Programs/Full-Time Applications Thread
Noticed that we don't have a similar thread like previous years for ADC/APD application this year so figured I'd set up one so that so people could ask questions or share updates as they prepare for recruiting season.
Below are relevant firms and ongoing programs.
Summer Programs:
- McKinsey Insight
- Bridge to BCG
- Bain ADvantage
- Connect to Clearview
- Link to LEK
- EMBARK with EY-P
Other firms of interest include:
- Health Advances
- IQVIA
- Putnam
- Clarion
- CRA
Feel free to add in additional firms that are recruiting for PhD but not on this list.
Has anyone applied for McKinsey Insight and received the game link yet?
Haven't received anything yet from McK. Has anyone heard back from Bain ADvantage yet? Wondering if there is case workshop this year like previous years.
Got Bain ADvantage today, but nothing from McK :(
.
Received game link from McKinsey Insight a few hours ago!
Received the link too! Does everyone get to receive the game invitation?
No, I thought they send it to applicant, but looks not..
Has anyone received any info from Bain ADvantage yet?
The day I hear back from Bain ADvantage I will let you all know. That is my only entrance into consulting so if I get rejected you will likely never hear from me again.
I think even if you don't get into Bain ADvantage, you can still try for FT recruiting! and GOOD LUCK!
I got the Coffee chat and Case Interview Workshop invitation from Bain ADvantage. Nothing from BCG and McK. I thought McK would send the game link for everyone, but still waiting for it.
which office did you receive the case workshop ?
It's not office specific this year. There are couple or time slots you can choose in multiple offices. Email says pick your first prefer office unless you are not available.
Have you completed the game /applied for Mck in the past 12 months? If yes, then they won't let you complete the game again I think.
Yes, I tried McK insight last year. Maybe I'm already fxked up 😢 I bombed the first part last time..
Anyone interviewed with Connect to ClearView? Wondering when I should be expecting the result after interview.
I interviewed with them last Thursday. Haven't heard anything since.
Same here, interviewed last week and haven't heard back yet.
I have 2 questions about the MBB bridge programs for those with some insider insights:
1) For McKinsey insight, if you screw up on the game (did not finish on time, did not meet objectives), does it mean it is over for you even if you have an amazing resume? How much is it weighted and how does the game impact FT recruitment? If I mess up the game, should I even bother to apply full time if I do not get insight?
2) If you not did get invited to Bain workshop, does it mean automatic rejection from their ADvantage program. I submited my app close to deadline.
Thanks!
These are just my opinions:
1) From last year's results, the game is a crucial part of the evaluation or, effectively, round 2 (round 1 being your resume). Most offerees I know did not do too badly in the games.
2) Again, last year a few people got AD/FT interviews without the workshop invitation. Some people who got into the workshop ended up getting no interviews. But in most cases, the workshop could guarantee at least an FT interview last year.
The McKinsey games were really quite difficult and they actually have right and wrong answers so I can see how they use it for weeding people. For the second Redrock (I think that was the name?? Please correct me if I am wrong) Lab game, I finished only 7 of the 10 cases. Does anyone know if not finishing all the cases is an automatic fail?
The Pymetrics games, on the other hand, aren't difficult and there's no right or wrong answer...as far as I can tell. So I have no clue how they use the test to determine a candidate's potential.
I cant just agree with your 1) as the invitation for the game was sent out to all Insight applicants as I know. It cannot be used as 1R screener like FT.
Bridge to BCG invite out for me.
Congrats! Which city did you apply to/were you placed in?
Have not heard back yet. Does it mean a rejection from Bridge to BCG?
edit: rejected :(, generic email. Any one got another type of email?
Application indicated you were considered for the event closest to you for environmental reasons lol. The DC one was the event that sent the invite.
+1 rejection BCG, Midwest area
Congrats to OP!
Also here with a bridge rejection! Do we think this is a sign not to apply for the regular recruitment cycle? Has anyone heard of applicants getting a rejection and still getting an interview later? I know things are looking very difficult in terms of hiring right now
There are plenty of examples from previous years that got rejected by the summer programs but still got an offer. I know BCG took in a lot of ADCs in FT recruitment last year.
Anyone have idea when Mck Insight will be sent out? It will start Mar31, but still nothing..
website says we should hear back in mid march, so I'd expect to hear back in the next few days..
LEK invites out
My status in the website is still Application received. Do you have change in your status or just invitation go first?
Edited: rejection. Didn't get email yet, but confirmed in LEK website
Just received the rejection letter 🥲
Anyone aware if recruiting is more difficult this year in particular? For both summer and FT positions
Based on anecdotal evidence, yes. The MBBs are definitely slowing hiring this year. They over-hired to keep up with the boom of the past few year's demand (low interest rates, etc.), and with the current turndown, they are overstaffed and looking to trim. Hopefully it bottoms out in the next 12 months and hiring picks up again after.
Someone told me they received the Insight invitation.
Lucky someone :D ! I am not too hopeful, still radio silence for me
Do you know which region that is?
Someone I know in northeast got an invite.
Also heard about someone getting insight invite.
I heard from previous years that someone did not get insight but still got an invitation for first round interview. Wondering if this year there will be some chance like this.
All firms say these kinds of program are separated with FT applications. So, the rejection shouldn't affect your 1st round if you're good enough to pass the screening.
Does insight invites and rejects come out at the same time?
Looking through last year's thread, it seems they were staggered :(
anyone on the west coast received Mck Insight invitation yet?
Yes I did, just today (9am PT)
Anyone Midwest for insight?
Here’s my application record so far:
I wouldn’t give up on Bain ADvantage yet, no one I know heard anything so far
A couple of people have been invited and completed the case workshop already, so I‘m trying to be realistic here (nothing for me)
Any update on Mckinsey Insight or BainAdvantage today?
I am now hoping I can get the official rejection from Insight and ADvantage soon
Agree! Official rejections would help the stress 😅
Looking last year's thread, ADvantage will be sent out next week. The case workshop is till today. Guess Bain make final decision after all of workshops.
Still have yet to hear anything from Bridge to BCG. No invite or rejection or WL. Anyone else in the same boat?
I received McKinsey Insight invite last week, and today an Associate with APD background got in touch with her to schedule a virtual coffee chat.
My Inbox is still silence. Any update ADvantage, Insight (beside Westcoast)?
I think someone mentioned they had heard NE insight had gone out, too
Received an insight rejection today, anyone know if this is a generic rejection or there is still hope for FT position, totally bombed the game.
Thank you for taking the time to apply for our McKinsey Insight 2023 program. While we are very impressed with your application, we are unable to extend an invitation to this particular event. We often have to make difficult choices between many high caliber applicants for limited spots.
If you remain excited to explore opportunities with McKinsey, we hope that we may continue to get to know each other. We encourage you to consider applying for a full-time Associate opportunity as we believe your background could be a strong fit. These applications are open on April 1st, 2023 and will be due mid-June 2023. Since you already have a profile in our system, this should be a quick process! Applications submitted prior to this date will not be considered.
Please also consider filling out our interest form, Connect with McKinsey. This program is a great way to learn more about McKinsey and stay in the know on our upcoming opportunities, including invitations to events.
Got the same email...seems pretty generic to me. But I still think the FT position is worth applying to.
Got same one. Is this different than 'Keep in Touch program last year' or just generic rejection?
.
Can you share what you got in your email? I also didn't get the game invite since I applied last year and rejected with the following email.
Not sure if they simply changed their rejection form or I got a one-step forward.
Thank you for expressing interest in McKinsey & Company's advanced degree summer programs, which include Insight and/or Diversity Connect. While we appreciate the time you took to submit an application, we unfortunately are unable to invite you to the program(s). We strive to meet applicants from a variety of schools and disciplines, which means we are not able to accommodate everyone. We will not be able to provide individual feedback on this decision.
If you remain interested in our career opportunities, our full-time Associate application deadline is June 15, 2022. Interviews for selected applicants will take place in late August/early September for opportunities with 2023 start dates (or 2024 start dates for MDs).
Thank you again for your interest in McKinsey & Company.
Also got this. Did your email include a paragraph about considering their data science roles?
Yes I did, didnt bother putting it in
Here I share my application record so far:
Got the following email from McK insight:
“Thank you for your application and for expressing interest in engaging with our recruiting team about career opportunities with McKinsey & Company.
After careful consideration of your application, we have concluded that we cannot proceed with your candidacy for the McKinsey Insight 2023 event at this time. A decision such as this is always difficult to make, as it requires us to choose from a group of highly qualified and accomplished individuals, such as yourself.
We encourage you to consider upcoming opportunities to stay connected which include, but are not limited to:
Current Job Opportunities
Connect with us on Real Life at McKinsey
Follow our Careers Blog or McKinsey's featured insights.
Despite this decision, we would like to keep your information on file for possible opportunities with us in the future. If you are not interested, please feel free to let us know.
We regret the disappointing news, but wish you continued success with your career endeavors. Thank you again for your interest in our firm!”
Seems pretty generic to me, but how generic is that sentence where it says they’ll keep my information on file for possible opportunities.
I also got this email, too. It seems different from the one that specifically mentions applying so not sure if that is bad lol
Accepted for McKinsey Insight last week, and Associates have reached out to participants scheduling virtual one-on-one chats. In the chat, they stress that Insight is non-evaluative and Insight participants will still have to apply in April separately. They once again confirmed my office preferences, since individual offices have already expressed interest in specific candidates. Selected candidates will also be invited to optional case preparation workshops in April, as well as early round interviews before the June application deadline.
no invite to Bridge to BCG but did offer first round interviews
Is your first round also in May?
Got Bain ADvantage interview email. Two 40 min interview will take place week of Arp.11th.
Congratulations!! If you don’t mind sharing, which office did you apply to?
One information in the email I missed was,
"You’ll receive details on how to schedule your interview by Tuesday, March 28th."
I guess the official result will be sent Mar. 28th. If you don't hear back anything by end of today, I think the chance is very low.
Has anyone else heard from Bain ADvantage?
.
I'm in the same situation—case workshop, coffee chat, now silence. Unclear whether any further interview invites will go out.
Do you know if any east coast invites are out? Nervous :S
I just received the same rejection email (without any previous emails, no case workshop)
Rejection from me. Question about general recruiting process. For those who do Advantage, at the end they are offered an interview for a full time consultant position correct? Or is it associate?
Now that I am not in advantage and will need to apply regularly, will I be applying for full time associate? Or is it possible to go straight for consultant?
thanks
Clarion PROPEL interview invites are out
Good luck to all here!! I went through the interview process last year and got through my anxiety on WSO. Happy to answer questions on prep.
Don't be discouraged if you don't get into the programs. They say that they invite competitive candidates for interviews regardless and they mean that, at least MBBs. Bain recruits their ADCs primarily through their summer program but have also heard of them interviewing ADvantage rejects in their FT cycle. All three firms try to use their programs more to convince people who wouldn't apply to do so, rather than finding the most competitive candidates.
Your 100% correct. In all honesty invitations to these programs don't improve your odds of getting the job anyways compared to someone who got their invite through the normal FT Associate application, unless of course if you did an interview to get into the program and have to do the final round after. In that case, half the battle is done once you get in. The interviews, however you get them, are the name of the game at the end of the day. In fact getting into multiple programs may potentially hurt you if you aren't interview ready by the time the programs end but need to schedule all of your interviews early so that they align and you can pick between potential offers. In that case you have less prep time compared to those who applied through the FT application later in the year. That's not to say getting in is a bad thing though since getting an interview no matter how and when you get it is hard enough, especially in a year like this one where most firms have slowed hiring.
Anyone here interviewing for Soar with Simon-Kucher?
I interviewed last week
I did the virtual interview thing last week and just did the Zoom case interview yesterday as well.
_
Applied to Bain ADvantage, interviewed Wednesday and just heard back from one of the partners I interviewed with that I got the spot! Won't name office, but it's not west coast. Good luck all!
Congrat. I got a rejection, which I already knew during my interview... Good luck with your Final!
did you receive a phone call for the rejection too?
Was this D.C.? I interviewed with D.C. Wednesday and have not heard back with a rejection or invite. Think the interview went badly though...
Not DC no! I hope you find out soon. I imagine Monday is when the emails will go out. I don’t think phone calls were standard the partner I interviewed with just wanted to put me out of my misery and tell me before the weekend. Best of luck!
I interviewed on Wednesday too and haven't heard anything :/
Just received rejection from EY's Embark program.
same!
Does anyone know if a person who failed the ADvantage 1R interview would have a better chance for the interview for a full-time consultant role?
yea? it would be the same bar, you just get a second chance and more time
What I meant was passing resume screening stage. After call to the interview, everything is same for everyone.
.
Is anybody still waiting to hear back from Bain ADvantage? Recruiting told me that offices are still deliberating but it seems that so many others have already heard.
Guess good sign. Rejection sent out last week some west and east coast offices.
Anyone know the deadline for FT application for APDs for BCG and Bain. If you did not get Bain ADvantage, is it still worth applying for FT position?
I don't think rejection at the resume/R1 interview stage will affect FT application, i.e., as long as you are rejected before the program starts. If you are rejected after having participated in the program (i.e., during the final round), I believe you won't be considered for FT. That said, I do think Bain recruits way less APDs during FT than ADvantage, so it's probably tough.
I went through the final round of McKinsey last week, and unfortunately didn't make it through. A little bit bummed out as I thought I did better than my first round.
Same thing happened to me last year. Thought the McKinsey final round cases were a joke compared to the first round but still got dinged. Feedback was short and vague but what can you do. Re-recruited at another firm this year, got an offer, and couldn't be happier.
Didn't get an offer for FT after participating in the Bain ADvantage program. Feeling very crushed, but still hopeful. Extending all love and support for all who are in the same position guys! With that being said, I hope this wouldn't hurt my chances of getting FT this summer. This thread has been a source of strength to me, and now I'm ready to continue the ride of this journey with y'all til the end of this recruiting cycle.
Believe in yourself. Being able to get invited to the Advantage program is already confirmation of your extraordinary potential. From what I have heard, the conversion rate this year is especially low. Even the office with the highest ADvantage to FT rate is around 40%.
Where is your source for 40%? Does low conversion mean higher bar or less spot than usual?
I participated in Advantage, and can say this is not true for all North American offices. It did seem, however, that some offices took way more participants than they were willing/able to give offers to.
My friend at the Chicago office mentioned they got 3/8 offers while last year it was 7/8.
How's bridge to BCG's offer rate looking this year? I heard last year, it was not as great. I got dinged but not sure if it is just cuz I wasn't ready or it was the economy this year.
I got a FT offer and know of one other guy who did from the office where I did Bridge—obviously haven’t been in touch with everyone but a few people I prepped with who I thought would get offers didn’t :/
Idk how it was this year but my impression of BCG's first round is that it's a free for all. You have the weird Casey chat box which is nothing like the standard case interviews you likely spent months prepping for. I've even heard of people claiming they bombed it by guessing or leaving parts unanswered and still making it to the final round most likely due to a having a good fit portion which itself is completely unstandardized since the Project Leaders you get assigned to for that portion have their own biases towards what a good answers are and its a gamble on whether you get one you click with. So basically in their whole first round you have no real way to show how prepared you are to actually be a good consultant. I wouldn't be surprised if there are an insane amount of false negative rejections.
from case partners & acquaintance who attended ADvantage this year. But yes, like sam222 mentioned, my data do not cover all offices. Among the ones I was shared info with, the highest is less than 40%.
for APD applicants, is there an application ban if you were unsuccessful in your interviews/failed to get an interview for FT position? I am asking specifically for MBB firms. Thanks!
For McKinsey, it's one year until you can apply to the same role again.
anyone heard back from bain or mckinsey FT?
Just got rejection from Bain
Bain rejection. I had ADvantage interview this April (failed to get into the program), used same resume and cover letter for FT, and rejected.
Heard that some people got interview invites already and was wondering if anyone heard back from Boston office or New York office for Mck?
It looks all interview invites are already sent out on Friday. I got it mine too. West coast.
LA office or SF office?
Is this for Bain’s ACI internship?
Also curious about east coast offices. Anyone heard from any northeast office like boston or DC?
I've heard of Bain rejections from NYC but has anyone had any updates from their Seattle office?
Anyone got their McKinsey interview dates today for 1st round?
They said it will be sent out by end of today. If not, it will be the first thing tomorrow.
Resource: McKinsey zoom meeting
Did you receive the email?
I've got my interview date, but without time and name of interviewer.
For McK, how long will it take for them to let you know you've passed or failed for 1st round? how do they usually do this
NA
Has anyone ever heard from BCG FT recruiting for ADC?
Just got rejected by BCG. That wraps up this cycle for MBB for me. Good luck everyone! Probably gonna apply again next year so if anyone plans to do the same hang in there!
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