Accepted the early interview process for McKinsey, but I have close to zero case prep experience and a week to prepare, alongside a full-time internship. should I ask to postpone, or is this bad?

Question

Basically, I accepted the early timeline already, and I did this due to potential higher chances of recruiting earlier. First, I wanted to know if this is actually the case and whether early candidates have higher chances? and second, is it advised for me to ask for the regular timeline given I have like close to no preparation? does this look bad?

Answer 1

Hi,

Being earlier in the cycle can help marginally, but the bulk of your chances are determined by the level of your preparation. As for your timeline, one week is really too little to prepare properly for consulting interviews, especially with MBB, so I'd definitely try to postpone it. Keep in mind too that McKinsey usually applies a waiting period before you can reapply, so if you go in now and it does not go well, you burn the attempt and have to wait much longer before trying again.

I would request to postpone it, stressing that you want to be at your best and that your current full-time internship has made these past months really intense, leaving you less time to prepare than you would have wanted. No need to mention that you are only starting now, just frame it around wanting to give the process your full attention. And even if they won't move you to the regular timeline, pushing for a couple of extra weeks can still make a big difference.

If it is not possible to move it, build a quick theoretical foundation and start casing with peers and a coach. In your situation the latter is really what can move the needle.

Hope it helps, and feel free to DM me if you want to discuss this further.

Federico

Answer 2

Hi,

Two questions, two answers.

1) The early timeline could give you slightly better odds. The bar and the interviewers are the same, but there are more open slots earlier in the cycle, so you avoid competing for the last few places once the office is close to full. It's a real but small effect, and it doesn't outweigh being unprepared.

2) Yes, ask to postpone. A week from zero, on top of a full-time internship, is not realistic. Most candidates need four to eight weeks and 20 to 30 live cases before they're ready. Going in now costs you the interview plus a cooling-off period; moving the slot costs you nothing.

Asking to move within the same cycle is routine and should not be held against you. One line to the recruiter saying you'd like the regular timeline is enough. Don't mention lack of preparation.

If they say the slot is fixed, take it and spend the week on live cases with real partners (if possible with a coach) rather than reading.

Hope it helps,
Franco

Answer 3

Hi there,

what matters the most is your interview performance. Being earlier in the process does not compensate for average or poor performance. If you can postpone, I would recommend you do that in order to have a proper preparation. Otherwise you would just be wasting your chance. A few days of case prep is not enough if your starting point is so low.

Best