The US target schools for top-tier consulting firms

Last Updated on January 2, 2024

Few industries are more attractive than management consulting for recent graduates and it’s easy to see why: working at a top-tier firm such as McKinsey, BCG, and Bain firm offers prestige, fantastic career opportunities, and annual salaries above USD 150,000 (for entry-level roles and even more for MBA hires), a combination that few other professions can match.

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The top consulting firms invest north of USD 100,000 to hire and train one new consultant, not a cheap or easy endeavor. To increase their hit rate and improve efficiency in recruiting as well as to win the war on talent against their peers, they are focusing their recruiting efforts on a select few target schools.

Why consulting firms recruit from target universities

Consulting firms typically recruit from a select group of universities, known as “target schools.” These schools are chosen based on their reputation, the quality of their business and economics programs, and the success of their graduates in the consulting industry.

Consulting firms recruit from target schools for several reasons:

1. Reputation: Target schools have a reputation for producing high-quality graduates who are well-prepared for careers in consulting. These schools have strong business and economics programs and are known for their rigorous academic curriculum and emphasis on analytical skills.
2. Talent pool: Target schools have a large pool of talented and ambitious students who are interested in consulting as a career. By recruiting from these schools, consulting firms have access to a diverse group of candidates with different backgrounds, skills, and experiences.
3. Brand recognition: Consulting firms want to be associated with the prestige and reputation of these top schools, as it helps to enhance the firms’ own reputation and attract top talent.
4. Alumni network: Many consulting firms have alumni networks from these schools, which makes it easier for them to establish relationships with current students, and also tap into the network of former students.

Hiring from target schools is also an efficient way for consulting firms to attract top talent, as these firms can focus their recruitment efforts on a smaller group of well-regarded institutions, rather than having to cast a wide net.

It’s important to note that targeting these schools is not a guarantee of getting the best talent and consulting firms also consider candidates from other universities as well, but it’s a common practice among the firms to focus on these schools as they are known to produce high-quality graduates.

The top target schools in the USA

In the United States, the most commonly targeted schools for McKinsey, BCG, and Bain are:

Harvard Business School

Harvard Business School (HBS) is a prestigious graduate business school located in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1908, it is part of Harvard University and offers a wide range of graduate-level business education programs, including the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, and a variety of executive education programs. HBS is known for its case-based method of instruction, leadership development focus, and emphasis on entrepreneurship, consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world.

Stanford Graduate School of Business

The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is a leading graduate business school located in Stanford, California. Founded in 1925, it is part of Stanford University and offers a variety of graduate-level business education programs, including the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, the MSx Program (MS in Management for Experienced Leaders), and a variety of executive education programs. GSB is known for its unique approach to management education, which emphasizes the use of real-world business scenarios and an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. The school has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship and is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world.

Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest and most prestigious business schools in the world. Founded in 1881, it offers undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs in business and finance. The Wharton School is known for its strong academic programs, diverse student body, and a faculty of renowned scholars and business leaders. The school has a particular emphasis on finance and has a reputation for producing successful graduates in the field of finance. It also has a strong focus on research and is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world.

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Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University

The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University is a leading business school located in Evanston, Illinois. Founded in 1908, it is part of Northwestern University and offers a variety of graduate-level business education programs, including the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, the Executive MBA program, and a variety of executive education programs. Kellogg is known for its innovative approach to business education, which emphasizes the integration of business, technology, and society. The school has a strong focus on leadership development and has a reputation for producing successful graduates in the field of management. Kellogg is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world.

Haas School of Business

The Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, is a leading business school located in Berkeley, California. Founded in 1898, it is one of the oldest business schools in the United States and offers a variety of graduate-level business education programs, including the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, the Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA program, and a variety of executive education programs. Haas School of Business is known for its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, its commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, and its rigorous academic program. The school also has a strong emphasis on experiential learning and leadership development, and it is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world.

Columbia Business School

Columbia Business School is a leading business school located in New York City. Founded in 1916, it is part of Columbia University and offers a variety of graduate-level business education programs, including the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, the Executive MBA program, and a variety of executive education programs. Columbia Business School is known for its rigorous academic programs and its location in the heart of the financial capital of the world, providing students access to a wide range of opportunities for networking and internships. The school also has a strong focus on entrepreneurship, leadership development, and global business, and it is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world.

MIT Sloan School of Management

The MIT Sloan School of Management is a leading business school located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1914, it is part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and offers a variety of graduate-level business education programs, including the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, the Master of Science in Management Studies (MSMS) program, and a variety of executive education programs. MIT Sloan is known for its emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology and its focus on the intersection of business, management, and technology. The school is also known for its strong research programs and its reputation for producing successful graduates in the field of management. It is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world.

Chicago Booth School of Business

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is a leading business school located in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1898, it is one of the oldest business schools in the United States and offers a variety of graduate-level business education programs, including the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, the Executive MBA program, and a variety of executive education programs. Chicago Booth is known for its strong focus on economics and finance, as well as its rigorous academic programs and its reputation for producing successful graduates in the field of business. Chicago Booth is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world, and it is known for its innovative approach to business education, which emphasizes research and critical thinking.

Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth

The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth is a leading business school located in Hanover, New Hampshire. Founded in 1900, it is part of Dartmouth College and offers a variety of graduate-level business education programs, including the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program and a variety of executive education programs. Tuck School of Business is known for its focus on general management and its rigorous academic program that prepares students to become effective leaders and managers. The school is also known for its strong sense of community and its emphasis on experiential learning, where students learn through hands-on experiences. It is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world.

Duke Fuqua School of Business

The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University is a prestigious business school located in Durham, North Carolina. Established in 1969, it is an integral part of Duke University and offers a wide range of graduate business education programs, including its renowned Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, along with other specialized master’s degrees and executive education programs. Fuqua is recognized for its collaborative and innovative approach to business education, focusing heavily on leadership, teamwork, and a global perspective in its curriculum. The school emphasizes a unique blend of theoretical and practical learning, encouraging students to engage in real-world business challenges. Known for its diverse and inclusive community, Fuqua fosters a strong network among its students, faculty, and alumni. Consistently ranked among the top business schools globally, it stands out for its commitment to shaping the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

It’s worth noting that consulting firms also recruit from other top business schools such as those at the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan, and the University of California, Berkeley, as well as from top undergraduate programs in business, economics, and engineering. Additionally, some firms have a strong presence on certain campuses and focus on specific schools.

The universities discussed above are not the only target schools.

Target schools for MBB in the U.S.

We have compiled a complete list of target schools for US-based MBB applicants.

* non-US university

Do I need to come from a target school to get an offer?

Consulting recruitment has become more competitive than ever and it definitely helps to come from a prestigious university and program in this environment. Although many new students come from the aforementioned colleges, you can still receive an interview with an MBB firm if you are not from one of the target schools.

Firms such as McKinsey, BCG, and Bain are casting a wider net nowadays on a quest to make their consulting force more diverse, looking for candidates with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. However, it is worth noting that it is also important to have relevant work experience and strong analytical skills to be considered for a case interview.

Networking and referrals also play an important role in landing an interview from a non-target institution.

In this article, we discuss how to network your way to an MBB interview invitation.

You might also be interested to learn about the top 10 degrees for management consultants.

We have helped people from target and non-target schools to get offers from all consulting firms. Read on if you want to learn more.

How we can help you get a job with MBB

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Reach out to us if you have any questions! We are happy to help and offer a tailored program to help you break into MBB.

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