McKinsey Test

Question

Hey All,

I just graduated undergrad and was lucky enough to land a McKinsey 1st round interview coming up in the next 2 or so weeks. I was wondering if anyone could offer advice on what to expect and how best to prepare. I know I will face their test and I saw some of the material to prepare but I just wanted advice from those that have faced it.

Thanks so much,

Run

aveekguha · Answer

I would not be afraid to ask tough questions -- what are you biggest challenges from your competitors, where can you stand to improve, etc. Show them that you belong, not just 'happy to be here', and you will stand out from your peer group from a business maturity perspective.

Best of luck!
Aveek Guha, President, www.mbadaycamp.com

run4run · Answer

Thank you for the help,

If anyone else with other experience can chime in that would be so helpful.

Run

run4run · Answer

Hey guys, I took their problem solving test last week and passed so now I'm onto the case interviews. Does anyone who has been through the process have any advice or the best way to practice?

Thanks

Run

3underscore · Answer

Read case in point.

Learn to explain your thought process and not to blurt out crazy things or immediate answers. Explain your assumptions and their basis, the framework you apply etc.

RGM · Answer

I just want to ask the ones who've been through it. Are post-MBA's required to take this test as well? Also, I've heard that some regions of MK don't require the test at all - is this true? I've heard North Americans aren't required but people from Europe and Asia are - how true is this? I just want to clarify what I've seen from other forums.

RGM · Answer

Also, are there materials out there that one can use to prepare for this test?

run4run · Answer

I just took it and passed onto next rounds. If anyone is going to take it and wants to ask me questions or anything feel free to PM me.

Good luck!

diego77 · Answer

Does anyone know how long it takes to get a decision from Mckinsey after you apply online? It's been two weeks since I applied, and no word yet, except for the "application received" email the day after. I applied as an experienced professional (7 years) with a MS in Engg..

run4run: Did you hear back right away? What is the PST format like? Can you provide some details?

Thx.

run4run: Did you hear back right away? What is the PST format like? Can you provide some details?

Thx.

Marco83 · Answer

The PST format is exactly like the sample that you can find on McK website, just twice as long and with slightly harder questions.

There are 3 separate cases for a total of 26 questions in 60min. For general tips: https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/how_do_ ... guide.ashx

As far as time mamagement goes, you can follow the same strategies that you used/will use in the GMAT. The difference is that here you can skip back and forth with questions, so if you find time consuming questions, or you are unsure about a few answers, skip them and return to them later.

I would say that the test is rightfully administered at the beginning of the selection process as it is the easiest step (only your reasoning skills are tested, while in interviews you will have to think, talk, interact, and be an overall enjoyable person while knowing that everything you do or say is judged).

In my case they corrected the test immediately after it ended, called us one-by-one and told us yay or nay.

As far as hearing back, I submitted my resume and heard back the following day, so they definitely keep up with the applications submitted.

diego77 · Answer

Thanks for the info., Marco83. Just to clarify, did you hear back the following day about the PST and other steps?

Marco83 · Answer

As I mentioned, the PST was corrected immediately after the end of the test, so the result was communicated to everyone (individually) before leaving the office (i.e. 20min after the end of the test).

For the other steps, I have always been notified within a few hours.

ataraxia · Answer

Hi, I'm taking the test next week and would like some practice. Unfortunately, I'm using a Mac and having trouble opening the file (.ashx). Would anyone have any advice?

EDITED: Figured it out! Just change the .ashx extension to .pdf

TwoThrones · Answer

For those who got the interviews from McKinsey after undergrad, which schools did you attend if I may ask?

Daler · Answer

same question: do MBAs have to take the test (PST) too? Some say they do, some say they don't. Could any MBA clarify this? Please share with us!

Thank you!

mbacase · Answer

You should practice all the available sample PST tests or mock PST tests, since they are reflective of the real test. The PST questions are not that hard, but time is very tight. So far, there are several McKinsey PST sample tests available out there for candidates to practice that can be downloaded from here: https://www.consultingcase101.com/mckins ... ving-test/

mbacase · Answer

If you're a recent MBA, McKinsey will not ask you to take the PST test. As far as I understand, it's mostly for non-MBA APD candidates, like PhD, JD, MD

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