Bridge to BCG, McKinsey Insight, Bain ADvantage Application Deadlines 2024

Updated

Attention Advanced Degree candidates! Yes, we’re looking at you:

  1. PhDs and postdocs
  2. JDs
  3. MDs, MD/MBAs, MD residents/fellows
  4. Practicing physicians (less than 5 years of experience)
  5. Professors (less than 5 years of experience)
  6. Current non-MBA masters with a JD, MD, or PhD
  7. Non-MBA Master’s with >3 years of relevant, prior business experience after completing a Bachelor’s degree

If you fall into one of the aforementioned categories, Bridge to BCG, McKinsey Insight, and Bain ADvantage application deadlines for 2024 have been published.

What are Bridge to BCG, McKinsey Insight, and Bain ADvantage? They are 1-5 day spring programs where Advanced Degree candidates can get an inside look at BCG, McKinsey, or Bain – the work, the people, the culture, and more.

These spring programs are highly competitive, and give you a leg up in the summer when it’s time to apply for full-time roles. In most cases, you are guaranteed a 1st round interview for a full-time role after you complete the program. Keep reading for application deadlines for the MBB “bridge” programs, plus info and links for programs with a number of boutique firms (i.e., ClearView Healthcare Partners, L.E.K. Consulting).

2024 Bridge Program Application Deadlines

Podcast and Video Overview

Who is Eligible for Bridge to BCG, McKinsey Insight, and Bain ADvantage?

Anyone who falls into one of the candidate categories we outlined at the top of this article, and who is planning to apply for full-time consulting positions that start in late 2024 or in 2025, is eligible to apply. Are you looking to start earlier? Apply for a full-time role directly – firms review those applications on a rolling basis.

Application Tips

BCG, McKinsey, and Bain all require 1-2 page business-focused resumes (ideally 1 page), focused less on your scientific, medical, or legal expertise, and more on the career impact you’ve achieved and the transferable skills that will help you as a consultant (quantitative analysis, client management, problem solving, process improvement, etc.).

Interview Tips

McKinsey and Bain will require you to navigate up to 2 rounds of a case interview. BCG requires you take their Pymetrics Test and submit a 45-60-minute, one-way video interview within two days of submitting your application. The questions you are asked to answer in this interview are behavioral in nature. Be sure to stay concise and answer in stories!

All 3 firms (as well as our team here at Management Consulted) recommend you start your preparation ASAP. Why? The best performing candidates practice for 4-8 weeks, and many advanced degree candidates come from non-business backgrounds. The case interview is unlike anything most ADCs have ever seen before, and not something you want to wing at the last minute.

Application Deadlines

ProgramCandidate GroupApplication DeadlineLengthLink
Bain ADvantage•PhDs and postdocs, JDs, MDs and medical residents/fellows
•PharmDs and other doctorate-level degrees
•Non-MBA Master’s with >3 years of relevant, prior business experience after completing a Bachelor’s degree		Feb 28, 20245 daysClick here
Bridge to BCG•PhDs and postdocs
•JDs
•MDs, MD/MBAs, MD residents/fellows
•Practicing physicians (less than 5 years of experience)
•Professors (less than 5 years of experience)
•Current non-MBA masters with a JD, MD, or PhD		Mar 20, 20242 daysClick here
CRA Life Sciences SyposiumPhD in the physical sciences, life sciences, social sciences, engineering, or a closely related field, or M.D.March 10, 20243 daysClick here
Connect to ClearViewPhD or MD in life sciences or are planning to complete their postdoc in 2025Feb 19 | Mar 4, 20243 daysClick here
EMBARK with EY-ParthenonPhD, postdoc, PharmD, MD, or dual degree with a scientific or medical component (e.g., PhD/MBA, MD/MBA, MS/MBA, MPH/MBA)2024 program canceled1 dayClick here
Link to L.E.K.PhD/post-doc, PharmD, or MDMar 10, 20242 daysClick here
McKinsey Insight•Medical students, interns, residents, and fellows who plan to complete their program in 2025
•PhDs and post-doctoral students who plan to complete their program in 2025
•Master’s students who previously obtained an MD and plan to complete their master’s degree in 2025		Mar 1, 20242 daysClick here
Propel with LumanityDoctoral candidates with expertise in any area of life sciences, medicine, or other areas of quantitative researchMar 15, 20242 daysClick here
Soar with Simon-KucherPhD, PharmD, or DVM studentsExpected Mar 20242 daysClick here
Transition to TrinityMD, PhD or Postdoc in the life sciencesMar 10, 20243 daysClick here

Bain ADvantage application deadline: February 28, 2024

The application deadline for Bain’s spring programs is February 28th, 2024. One of the best ways to stand out in the application process? Networking! And one of the best places to network at Bain? The firm’s current diversity groups:

The ADvantage internship is a unique offering and distinctive even amongst these top-tier programs. It is a one-week program designed exclusively for Advanced Degree candidates that is more in-depth than what McKinsey and BCG offer. On top of a full day of training, you are staffed on a real Bain case team for four days! Be prepared for 2 rounds (40min each) of case interviews to snag a coveted ADvantage internship spot.

The 2024 ADvantage program will take place from May 6-10, 2024.

Didn’t get accepted to ADvantage? Join Strategy Sprint for real-world consulting experience that will make your resume stand out.

Bain ADvantage is limited to a few select offices in the U.S. and Canada. For advanced degree candidates in Australia or Asia-Pacific, consider Access to APAC instead.

Bridge to BCG application deadline: March 20, 2024

The application deadline for Bridge to BCG 2024 is March 20 – however, we strongly recommend submitting your application as soon as possible because BCG is filling the program on a rolling basis. If you wait until the deadline, the program is likely to be filled.

Selected applicants will be invited to record a 45-minute video cover letter on a rolling basis throughout February or March. On top of typical application materials (resume), finalists – applicants who passed the resume and video cover letter screening processes – will receive invites to a 30-minute virtual behavioral interview and an online case exercise.

Want to get ahead and begin networking at BCG? If applicable, network inside the firm’s current diversity groups for a leg up:

In 2024, BCG will hold two Bridge workshops in May:

In-person: May 21-22, 2024
Virtual: May 15-16, 2024

If accepted to the in-person program, you will be invited to the workshop that is closest to where you are based (regardless of your long-term office preferences).

McKinsey Insight application deadline: March 1, 2024

The application deadline for McKinsey Insight is March 1. If eligible, you may apply to both Diversity Connect and Insight. However, the firm will make you choose one program if you are accepted to both. If you are accepted to the program, you will be notified in late March.

The format of both McKinsey Insight and Diversity Connect has shifted from years past. To make these programs more accessible to more candidates, McKinsey is shifting the format to virtual gatherings over several days for candidates from schools all over North America for its global offices. 

In 2024, McKinsey Insight and Diversity Connect will take place April 17-18.

Make sure to highlight transferable skills (ex: research, analysis, leadership, stakeholder management) and the impact you’ve driven in your resume. Not sure your CV is good enough? Work with our expert team on custom resume edits.

Boutique Bridge Programs

Charles Rivers Associates Life Sciences Symposium application deadline: March 10, 2024

Charles Rivers Associates also offers a spring program for Advanced Degree Candidates interested in Life Sciences Consulting.

The program will take place in person in the firm’s Boston headquarters, and Charles Rivers Associates will cover any lodging and travel expenses for accepted candidates.

The program lasts for 3 days, and participants will be able to learn more about the firm’s life science consulting team and network with senior consultants. To apply, you’ll need to submit your resume, cover letter, and a paper or abstract. If invited, you’ll then have a fit interview with a member of the Charles Rivers Associates team.

Connect to ClearView application deadline: February 19 & March 4, 2024

ClearView Healthcare Partners also offers a spring program for Advanced Degree Candidates interested specifically in Life Sciences Consulting. The firm is offering the program in London and Boston.

In 2024, the firm has two application deadlines for Connect to ClearView – the first on February 19, the second on March 4.

We strongly recommend applying before the first deadline to maximize your chances for success because ClearView is filling the program on a rolling basis. The program will take place in-person in April or May. If selected, your interviews will take place in March. Interviews will be virtually conducted by two members of the firm’s recruiting team.

Connect to ClearView is a 3-day program where participants get to experience the firm’s work and culture. To apply, you’ll just need to submit your resume and fill out a short form.

U.S. application link

UK application link

EMBARK with EY-Parthenon application deadline: 2024 program canceled

EY-Parthenon typically offers a spring program for Advanced Degree Candidates interested in being a part of the firm’s Life Sciences Consulting team, but a firm representative confirmed the program would not run in 2024.

During EMBARK, participants are presented with an overview of the Life Sciences Consulting Team at EY-Parthenon, the opportunity to learn more about the firm’s culture, an interactive case workshop, and some other activities.

Link to L.E.K. application deadline: March 10, 2024

L.E.K. offers a 2-day program open to current PhD, post-doc, or MD students interested in life sciences strategy consulting, ideally with a target graduation in 2024. The applications for Link to L.E.K. 2024 open February 1st and close March 10.

If selected, we expect candidates to participate in a virtual case interview later in March.

Accepted participants receive an invite to a final round interview ahead of the general recruiting cycle.

Propel with Lumanity application deadline: March 15, 2024

Lumanity (formerly known as Clarion Healthcare) also offers a spring program for Advanced Degree Candidates interested in Life Sciences Consulting.

In 2024, applications will open on February 15 with a deadline of March 15. The program’s dates will be announced in early February. Lumanity will cover any expenses associated with the program for accepted candidates.

The program lasts for 2 days, and participants will participate in a project simulation, network with Lumanity affiliates, and enjoy other activities. 

Soar with Simon Kucher application deadline: Late March, 2024

Simon-Kucher also offers a spring program for Advanced Degree Candidates interested in Life Sciences Consulting. 

In 2023, the program took place in early May and we anticipate a similar timeline this year.

The program lasts for 2 days and participants will get an opportunity to observe the work culture, case preparation, and insight from current Simon-Kucher employees.

Transition to Trinity application deadline: Mar 10, 2024

Trinity Life Sciences also offers a spring program for Advanced Degree Candidates interested in Life Sciences Consulting. 

The program lasts for 3 days, and participants will attain a glimpse into what it’s like to work as a Life Sciences Senior Consultant at Trinity by participating in a project simulation. Participants will also be able to gain an understanding of the work culture at the firm.

Conclusion and Application Links

Again, these programs are uber competitive, and give the candidates who score invites unparalleled opportunities to network with current BCG, McKinsey, Bain, ClearView, and L.E.K. consultants, as well as familiarize themselves with specific practice areas and offices.

Not eligible for these programs? Most firms have rolling application deadlines for lateral hires – contact us directly for help.

MC Links for Advanced Degree Candidates

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Filed Under: management consulting