Northwestern University to Strategy&

Updated Jun 2026

S& actively recruits at Northwestern University, where 15% of graduating class enters consulting. Northwestern Undergraduate candidates face medium competition across 2 rounds of candidate-led case interviews (45-50 minutes each). Chicago-heavy recruiting with fall OCR process.

School Rank

Competition

Medium

Interview Rounds

2 rounds

Offer Rate

25-40%

Updated January 2026|6 min read

Undergraduate Recruiting Path

As an undergraduate at Northwestern, you'll compete for Business Analyst or similar entry-level positions at S&. The process is competitive but Northwestern students are well-prepared through strong consulting clubs and alumni networks. 15% of graduating class enters consulting, demonstrating strong interest in consulting careers.

About Northwestern

Location

Evanston, IL

Program Type

Undergraduate

Consulting Placement

15% of graduating class enters consulting

Target Firms

10 firms actively recruit

Strong Chicago office placement with collaborative culture fit

S& Recruiting at Northwestern

Interviews/Year (est.)

20-40

Offer Rate (est.)

25-40%

Competitiveness

Medium

Interviews/year and offer-rate are CaseStar estimates derived from school ranking and firm tier — not firm-published recruiting figures. Actual numbers vary materially by year, office, and target practice. Confirm with your career center and firm recruiter.

S& actively recruits at Northwestern, conducting on-campus events and interviews. The accessible process means thorough preparation is essential.

Recruiting Timeline

Chicago-heavy recruiting with fall OCR process

SeptemberFall recruiting kickoff, info sessions

October-NovemberApplications due for full-time roles

November-DecemberFirst and final round interviews

January-FebruarySummer internship applications open

March-AprilInternship interview rounds

S& Interview Process

Candidate-led cases emphasizing capabilities-driven strategy and fit with PwC network.

Case Format

Candidate-Led

Rounds

2 rounds, 45-50 minutes each

Behavioral Component

Behavioral interviews focus on strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration.

What Makes S& Different

Capabilities FocusPwC NetworkDeals Practice

Tips for Northwestern Students

1Research S&'s unique interview format and case style
2Prepare behavioral examples that align with the firm's stated values
3Leverage Northwestern's consulting club for peer practice and alumni connections
4Connect with Northwestern alumni currently at S& for insider tips
5Maintain strong academics - GPA matters more for undergrad recruiting
6Secure summer internship opportunities as they often convert to full-time offers

Networking Strategy

As a Northwestern undergraduate, start networking early by joining the consulting club and attending S& information sessions. Strong Chicago office placement with collaborative culture fit Connect with recent Northwestern graduates at S& - they often return for recruiting events and are eager to help current students. Participate in case competitions if available, as S& recruiters often notice strong performers. Focus your networking on learning about the day-to-day work and culture rather than asking directly for referrals.

Prepare for Your S& Interview

Practice with voice-powered case simulations tailored to S&'s candidate-led format.

Start Practicing

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Northwestern students does S& hire each year?

S& hires 5-15 Northwestern undergraduates each year for Business Analyst or similar entry-level roles. Competition is medium, but Northwestern students are well-prepared through strong case clubs and alumni networks.

When does S& recruit at Northwestern?

For Northwestern undergraduates, S& recruiting typically begins in September for full-time roles and January-February for summer internships. Chicago-heavy recruiting with fall OCR process

Do I need consulting experience to get S& from Northwestern?

No, S& does not require prior consulting experience from Northwestern undergraduates. They look for strong academics, leadership, and analytical potential. Joining the consulting club and doing practice cases is more important than having internship experience.

What is the S& interview process like for Northwestern students?

Northwestern candidates interviewing at S& go through 2 rounds of interviews. Candidate-led cases emphasizing capabilities-driven strategy and fit with PwC network. Each interview is typically 45-50 minutes. Behavioral interviews focus on strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration.

How important is networking for S& recruiting at Northwestern?

While S& uses a standardized application process for Northwestern undergrads, networking helps you understand the firm culture and prepare better. Attend info sessions, connect with consultants during campus visits, and leverage Northwestern's consulting club events.