Charles River Associates application deadlines 2027: applications open mid-August, reviewed rolling to March
CRA opens intern applications mid-August 2026 and reviews them on a rolling basis until March 2027.1 Vault's guidance is to file summer internship applications from August to December.2 The firm hires 51 to 100 interns a year across six practice-area tracks, and earlier applicants face more open seats.1
CRA's 2027 intern cycle has closed. Applications typically open mid-August and are reviewed on a rolling basis through to March, across six practice-area tracks.1 Academic year internships, primarily in Europe, are accepted year round.2
CRA reviews applications continuously rather than waiting for a cut-off, and applying early gives a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications before volume becomes unmanageable.3 A March end date does not mean March is a viable submission month.
An eight month window, reviewed rolling
CRA opens intern applications in mid-August 2026 and reviews them on a rolling basis until March 2027.1 Vault's guidance matches: for summer internships, applications should be filed from August to December.2
An eight month window sounds forgiving. It is not, because review is continuous. Applying early gives a distinct advantage since recruiters review applications before the volume becomes unmanageable.3
| Track | Focus | Window | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics Consulting | Litigation and regulatory economics | Mid-August 2026 onward | Rolling to March 2027 |
| Management Advisory | Business strategy and operations | Mid-August 2026 onward | Rolling |
| Life Sciences | Pharma and biotech advisory | Mid-August 2026 onward | Rolling |
| Cyber and Forensic Technology | Digital forensics and investigations | Summer 2027 postings live | Rolling |
| Accounting, Business and Finance | Financial and accounting analysis | Rolling postings | Rolling |
| Academic year internships | Primarily Europe | Year round | Rolling |
CRA hires 51 to 100 interns per year across six practice-area tracks.12 Offices span Boston, Chicago, New York, Oakland, Washington DC, Brussels, Cambridge, London and Munich.2
The major list is unusually broad
This is where CRA differs from most economic consulting firms. The Management Advisory posting welcomes bachelor's or non-MBA master's candidates with a related academic focus in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Economics, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Business, Finance, Engineering across biomedical, mechanical, chemical, electrical, industrial or environmental disciplines, Sustainability, or Health Care Policy and Management.4
The firm also accepts any other major focused on quantitative or qualitative research with an emphasis in Life Sciences.4 That is a wider door than Cornerstone or Analysis Group, and worth knowing if your major is not the obvious one.
On grades, Vault lists a preferred minimum GPA in the 3.00 to 3.49 band, while independent analysis puts 3.5 or above with strong quantitative coursework as the competitive benchmark.21 Read the higher figure as the realistic bar.
Economic consulting rewards data work over frameworks
CRA evaluates economy-focused case skills in interviews rather than listing them in job descriptions, and the work centers on financial and economic analysis for litigation and regulatory proceedings. Structured quantitative reasoning is the transferable muscle. Our case library has full cases with exhibits and worked solutions.
Free cases available without an account.
What the internship involves
The Summer Analyst and Associate Internship program mirrors the analyst experience, running 8 to 10 weeks with interns working alongside senior colleagues to deliver live client consulting projects within their practice area.4 Vault lists the duration range as 6 to 12 weeks depending on placement.2
Successful interns are offered a full-time position following graduation.4 The program includes professional development and wellness support alongside social events.4
CRA is a global consulting firm founded in 1965, employing over 1,600 people internationally, providing economic, financial and business management expertise to major law firms, corporations and governments.34 It posted record revenue of $751.6 million in FY2025, up 9.3 percent year on year, and guided FY2026 to $785 to $805 million, signaling continued headcount growth.1 Vault ranks CRA 17th.1
What to do this week
- Apply in August or September, not December. Rolling review across an eight month window rewards the front of the queue.
- Pick your practice track. Six exist and they have different focuses and postings.
- Do not rule yourself out on major. CRA's accepted list is broader than most economic consulting firms.
- Treat 3.5 as the working benchmark even though Vault lists a lower preferred band.
- Check both US and European postings if you are open on location, since academic year internships run year round in Europe.
Frequently asked
When is the Charles River Associates application deadline?
CRA does not publish a single hard deadline. Intern applications open mid-August 2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis until March 2027. Vault advises filing summer internship applications from August to December, and academic year internships, primarily in Europe, are accepted year round.
What majors does CRA accept?
An unusually broad list. Postings welcome Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Economics, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Business, Finance, Engineering across several disciplines, Sustainability, and Health Care Policy and Management, plus any other major focused on quantitative or qualitative research with a Life Sciences emphasis.
What GPA does CRA require?
Vault lists a preferred minimum in the 3.00 to 3.49 band, while independent analysis puts 3.5 or above with strong quantitative coursework as the competitive benchmark. Treat the higher figure as the realistic bar.
How long is the CRA internship?
The Summer Analyst and Associate Internship program runs 8 to 10 weeks, with Vault listing a wider 6 to 12 week range depending on placement. Interns work alongside senior colleagues on live client projects within their practice area.
Does the CRA internship convert to full time?
Yes. CRA states that successful interns are offered a full-time position following graduation.
Sources
- Extern, "CRA Internship 2027 to 2028: Deadlines and How to Apply," July 2026.
- Vault, "How to Apply for Charles River Associates Internship," filing windows, intern count, offices and GPA band.
- Intern Insider, Charles River Associates internships listing and early application guidance.
- Brandeis University Global Careers, CRA Management Advisory Analyst and Associate Intern posting, eligible majors and program structure.
Rolling review rewards August applicants
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