Rating: 
Summary: Must-Read/Outstanding career resource
Review: A must-read for anyone considering jobs in the hard-charging fields of investment banking and/or management consulting. Naficy does an excellent job of describing the nuts and bolts of what industry practicioners do, as well as what it takes to get into the top firms. The book synthesizes Naficy's hands-on experience, thorough research, and extensive one-on-one interviews of industry participants in a very accessible and useful manner.
Rating: 
Summary: good overview but light in Investment Banking
Review: Even if you aren't looking into any of the industries this book is focused on, still read this - gives great general job seeking advice!
Rating: 
Summary: Not a stand-alone book
Review: Fast Track is a well written book about jobs in consulting and investing. It is written by a woman who has been both a consultant and an investment banker. The book is full of valuable information regarding interviews, cover letters, resumes, and basics of the jobs. But DO NOT use this book by itself. First of all, the directory in the back of the book is full of time sensitive information. It is also recommended in the book that you go to the company's web site before you send off an application. If you are interested in consulting, get books specifically written about case questions. If you are interested in investment banking, make sure you have a strong background it what exactly investment bankers do, because the book doesn't really give you a good idea. A few more points: Although the book is written by a female minority, the book has nothing about minority hiring programs. If you fit the bill, it would be worth your while to investigate that. The book is specifically written for those who have 4.0 GPA's at UPenn, Harvard and Stanford. It devotes a little time to the "non-targeted," but it's pretty clear that if you don't have the grades, and you don't go to the right school, then you don't have a chance. Talk to your career counselor about grads from your school that may have made it in the field you're interested in. The book is trying to entice you into becoming an investment banker or consultant. Although it tries to be unbiased, it is clear that it doesn't provide the big picture. Read books like "Liar's Poker" and "Monkey Business" if you want an honest look into the professions. Your best bet, however, is to find someone who is in your field of interest, and interrogate them. Only then can you get the full picture.
Rating:
Summary: Not a stand-alone book
Review: Fast Track is a well written book about jobs in consulting and investing. It is written by a woman who has been both a consultant and an investment banker. The book is full of valuable information regarding interviews, cover letters, resumes, and basics of the jobs. But DO NOT use this book by itself. First of all, the directory in the back of the book is full of time sensitive information. It is also recommended in the book that you go to the company's web site before you send off an application. If you are interested in consulting, get books specifically written about case questions. If you are interested in investment banking, make sure you have a strong background it what exactly investment bankers do, because the book doesn't really give you a good idea. A few more points: Although the book is written by a female minority, the book has nothing about minority hiring programs. If you fit the bill, it would be worth your while to investigate that. The book is specifically written for those who have 4.0 GPA's at UPenn, Harvard and Stanford. It devotes a little time to the "non-targeted," but it's pretty clear that if you don't have the grades, and you don't go to the right school, then you don't have a chance. Talk to your career counselor about grads from your school that may have made it in the field you're interested in. The book is trying to entice you into becoming an investment banker or consultant. Although it tries to be unbiased, it is clear that it doesn't provide the big picture. Read books like "Liar's Poker" and "Monkey Business" if you want an honest look into the professions. Your best bet, however, is to find someone who is in your field of interest, and interrogate them. Only then can you get the full picture.
Rating:
Summary: the best prep book out there
Review: I came from an Ivy school and got offers from Goldman and Morgan Stanley coming out. My junior year I was recommended this book by a college career counselor as the one indispensable book to own. I agree and have recommended the same to others asking me for advice. It won't get you the job on its own (internet research and calls with former/current employees are a must), but its explanations of management consulting and investment banking are hugely helpful for approaching the interview process. Vault and Wetfeet are fine but too specific -- an applicant who has read this book and understands the overall shape of these two career paths and the goals behind the recruiting process for each will be much better prepared for the rigorous post-college interview process.
Rating:
Summary: Good for people looking to break in to Consulting
Review: If you are currently thinking about what it takes to be a Management Consultant, this book certainly helps out in that respect. Everything from what your typical day is like, to how to write your cover letter, to giving you insights into what the interview process is designed to flesh out, this book is a good PRIMER to the rookie. The how-to-write-a-cover-letter section is particularly excellent. It is NOT a stand-alone book though, you need to supplement it with other good books about Management Consulting. Of course this book is not just about MC, but also Investment Banking too. If you are looking for another angle on how to pursue a career in Consulting, this is a good one to buy. But, don't just buy THIS one. It's not comprehensive enuf.
Rating:
Summary: the best prep book out there
Review: Like some of the others had mentioned, this book is more targeted towards students with degrees from elite schools. This book actually gave me further insight into how discriminating the hiring processes are. Basically, everything in your life that happens between the youthful ages of 18-22 will determine whether or not you can get into investment banking. This industry ignorantly rewards people who succeeded during an age when they were barely out of their parents' watchful eye. Certainly, such Ivy Leaguers deserve credit for their achievements; but why must such ignorance exist? What about someone with a 4.0 from an above-average university (ie. Univ. of Wisconsin, UCLA, Miami of Ohio) who didn't attend an Ivy League school merely because they didn't exceed a 1300 on an SAT AT THE AGE OF 17???? In short, this book reaches a limited audience, and reveals how narrow-minded the recruiting processes of the industry are. After reading this book, I learned that if you haven't been perfect (or close to perfect) in your academics by the age of 18 or so, you can kiss a career in investment banking good-bye...
Rating: 
Summary: Only for Ivy Leaguers
Review: Like some of the others had mentioned, this book is more targeted towards students with degrees from elite schools. This book actually gave me further insight into how discriminating the hiring processes are. Basically, everything in your life that happens between the youthful ages of 18-22 will determine whether or not you can get into investment banking. This industry ignorantly rewards people who succeeded during an age when they were barely out of their parents' watchful eye. Certainly, such Ivy Leaguers deserve credit for their achievements; but why must such ignorance exist? What about someone with a 4.0 from an above-average university (ie. Univ. of Wisconsin, UCLA, Miami of Ohio) who didn't attend an Ivy League school merely because they didn't exceed a 1300 on an SAT AT THE AGE OF 17???? In short, this book reaches a limited audience, and reveals how narrow-minded the recruiting processes of the industry are. After reading this book, I learned that if you haven't been perfect (or close to perfect) in your academics by the age of 18 or so, you can kiss a career in investment banking good-bye...
Rating:
Summary: A Must for College Grads w/ Aspirations to be in I-Banking
Review: My Background on this book
Personally, I never heard of this book or knew anything about it prior to my intensive interviewing process. I was fortunate to make the final rounds at several I-banks without this book, but this book kept me in check and focus. Key Advantage of this Book
It's difficult when you are interviewing for both consulting and i-banking positions at the same time. This books helps you to hone in the facts and create a fine line between the two. Especially, when the firms are ready to hire you but is simply making sure that you are ready to commit. If they are ready, you must definitely be ready. During these circumstances, your interviewer will usually buzz you a few questions about your aspirations, other options (career-wise), and take on job functions and differences. You definitely don't want to screw up there. You should reply exactly what they want to hear. Conclusion
This book helps u get by the final round and can also carry you through the earlier rounds. However, you'll probably realize that the earlier rounds are probably more technical oriented than the final rounds, so you should probably focus more on those brain-teasing cases and questions for the earlier rounds. However, please do not kid yourself. If you know u don't have the GPA or work experience needed, this book will be no help at all. Personal Results
Received offers from 5 banks. However, the bank I chose rescinded its offer to me but gave me the signing bonus $10k nonetheless, due to the dismal IPO market. I quickly gave the other banks a call, one of them gave me an offer and I went there, then got laid off and received severence plus pro-rated bonus. Now, I'm on the buy-side and is well compensated. I love this book.
Rating:
Summary: Very good book for gaining understanding of I-banking
Review: The book covers many intricate details about banking and consulting. It also has some sample resumes that focus towards the banking and consulting field specifically. However check the company information online. Many companies have merged and their contact informations have changed since this book was originally published. I was more interested in the I-Banking chapters. I was not thoroughly impressed. It still left a lot of confusion as to what exactly an I-Bank does. For that i would highly recommend Vault.com career guide to I-Banking.
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