Comments on: I’m a senior in college and applying to consulting firms fulltime. Unfortunately, I have a really low SAT score from high school. Will this hurt my chances? Should I retake the SAT?

By: Kyle

Kyle — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:14:00 +0000

From personal experience, McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Deloitte and Oliver Wyman all asked candidates for SAT scores. I don’t know enough to make a qualified estimate as to how much they weight that, but my best guess is that it is used as a pre-requisite in the interview screening process. Once you have an interview, it probably does not mean much.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:11:00 +0000

I’m a senior in college who recently signed with one of the “MckBain Group” firms. I networked, recruited and interviewed with six of the top ten consulting firms; and these firms CERTAINLY DO LOOK AT SAT scores.

Specifically, they look at high math SAT scores as a sign of analytical ability. Take that however you want Charles, but five of the six specifically asked for it. Additionally, a recruiter suggested I add my math SAT score on my resume (especially since I am from a non-target school). She noted that HAD I NOT PUT IT ON MY RESUME MANY WOULD ASSUME IT WAS LOW.

I don’t mean to insult you or question your firm’s prestige, but your information is wrong and unhelpful. I don’t know anything about your background, but I want to remind you that people come to this site looking for reliable answers. When you post false information (which you unknowingly did), potential consulting candidates on this site suffer.

By: John

John — Sun, 29 May 2011 13:37:00 +0000

What companies look at SAT scores?! This seems ridiculous.

By: Laura

Laura — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 01:22:50 +0000

What is the preferred GPA range? I have a 3.6 gpa and am worried that it’s too low. Specifically, I have A classes and A- classes mostly, and then some Bs and B+s. Is that an OK distribution? Do they look at that? My worries are just that I get lower grades in subjects like Econ and Stat, which I know are important for consulting…

By: Charles

Charles — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:04:09 +0000

Lol, no firm looks at high school test scores. Since getting an offer last year, I’ve looked at dozens of other students resumes, and no one had test scores on there. The truth is, firms care WAY more about GPA. GPA is the magic gatekeeper for SOME (but not all firms).

If your SAT sucks, just leave it off – no recruiter is going to ask for your SAT (or ACT) scores.