Research MBA Programs

Hi basso25,

Most of the top 10 programs are great options to hop into consulting. My response assumes (so if I'm wrong, let me know) you want to go to general consulting versus something specialized. If that's the case, programs with strong general management focuses are going to not only give you access to the recruiters and firms you want, but also the foundation to be successful. I'm going to list a few schools that I think would be great options and then state a couple of reasons why or what they offer that's unique / something to consider.

1) HBS #1: you've already listed this and it's got a logical place on the list. But, it's highly competitive and also very strong for PE. All the largest firms recruit there but getting in is always a challenge

2) Wharton #3: Despite the reputation for Finance, Wharton has a strong general management program coupled with a quantitative focus that makes it a great school for consulting firms. Also, connections are far reaching and provide you with a great network.

3) Kellogg #4: They have a great general management program and their location in Chicago gives them access to all the large firms. Additionally, they tend to accept more ex-consultants into their classes which gives you a unique advantage.

4) Booth #6: Similar to Wharton, they have a great General Management program and a strong focus on quantitative capabilities. Also, similar to Kellogg, they accept a lot of consultants and foster that career path extensively. There is a lot of support at Booth for consulting and quite a few firms consider them a strategic partner.

5) Tuck #9: Despite their relative isolation, their curriculum is focused on general management. Their 1 year mandatory core and access to professors make this is a place to develop a strong foundation. All the large firms recruit here and if you're looking for something specialized, the Tuck alumni network is one of the strongest so that can help.

There are others in the top 10 that are also good options that place quite a few candidates into Consulting. However, not knowing much of your profile or your preferences, it's hard to be more precise. The 5 schools listed above, however, truly focus on placing into Consulting and have the foundation to enable your success.

I hope that helps. If you have more questions, just let me know or post on "Ask Critical Square".

Good luck!

Bhavik

Hey basso25@,

Kellogg is a great school! I won't let the fact that I'm a Boothie get in the way

Sorry for the confusion - when I say ex-consultants, I mean those who were consultants prior to business school. A lot of people don't look into this, but how many "ex-consultants" a school accepts can indicate a lot about the culture, their goals, and your opportunities. To the last point, they're a great way to get in roads in the on-campus recruiting teams, tips on the interviews, and an inside look at what being a consultant ACTUALLY means. It isn't all House of Lies

Good luck on your GMATs and best of luck applying to these programs. If you ever have any more questions or want to discuss anything, don't hesitate to reach out!

Bhavik