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After the McK SOLVE Game - Timeline - USA

Hi,

A recruiter I met on campus pushed my application through and I was invited to complete the SOLVE Game.

I think I did well on it (I am sure I passed the Ecosystem and the Sea Lion One but am unsure about redrocks)

I have a pretty strong resume and was feeling confident about my application.

It has been a week since I finished the game and have heard nothing thus far. My application still shows that it is submitted - in progress.

Is this normal? Does the more time it takes to hear back hurt my chances of an interview?

What do you recommend I do? I don't want to bother the recruiter unless I have to (they hire for the associate role normally and I am not sure they are my assigned recruiter)

Region: USA

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Top answer
Florian
Coach
on Mar 20, 2025
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Waiting for one to two weeks after the Solve is normal, currently it can take even longer and sometimes up to a month.

Don't worry - they have not forgotten about you. In the meantime, I would continue with the case and PEI prep, as the interviews might be right around the corner once the Solve result is communicated.

All the best,

Florian

Alessa
Coach
on Mar 25, 2025
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | xRB | >400 coachings | feel free to schedule an intro call for free

Hey there ?,

Totally normal to feel uncertain post-SOLVE—but no news after a week is not a bad sign at all. Here's what typically happens:

Post-SOLVE Timelines (USA, esp. campus recruiting)

– 1–2 weeks is very normal before hearing back, especially if there's volume or timing with target school cycles
– “Submitted – In Progress” means your file is still in consideration
– Longer delays don’t necessarily hurt your chances—they just reflect internal bandwidth or batching

? Should you follow up?

If it's been more than 10–12 days, it’s totally okay to send a short, polite check-in. Just keep it warm and casual:

“Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well! I completed the SOLVE assessment last week and just wanted to check in to see if there’s an updated timeline for next steps. I remain very excited about the opportunity. Thanks again!”

You’re not bothering anyone—just showing interest ?

Let me know if you want help crafting that message or prepping for next steps—I’d be happy to support!

Best,
Alessa ?

Alberto
Coach
on Mar 21, 2025
Ex-McKinsey AP | Professional MBB Coach | +13yrs experience | +2,000 real interviews | +150 offers

McKinsey will get back to you as soon as they review your application materials and make a final decision—they won’t forget your case.

It’s completely fair to follow up next week to show some proactivity.

You can also check how the entire McKinsey recruiting process works here: MBB Hiring Hacks – Behind the Curtain Secrets.

Best,

Alberto

Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: TitanTrail - Operations Outsourcing

on Mar 22, 2025
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: It has been a week since I finished the game and have heard nothing thus far. My application still shows that it is submitted - in progress. Is this normal? Does the more time it takes to hear back hurt my chances of an interview? What do you recommend I do? 

Yes, it is normal; sometimes it takes several weeks to hear back. I haven’t seen any correlation between the time it takes to hear back and the results for the game (I once helped a candidate who heard back after almost two months and passed).

For the time being, you can continue to prepare and apply to other companies if you haven’t already done so. If you don’t hear back after four weeks, you can follow up with HR.

Good luck!

Francesco

Mariana
Coach
on Mar 20, 2025
Free CV evaluation | xMckinsey | 1.5h session | +200 sessions | Free 20-min introductory call

Hello,

Yes, it is normal to take about 2-4 weeks depending on the office.

If your resume is strong and your performance was good, that’s a good sign - be prepared for when the interview comes, study for case and behavioral now :)

If you want professional assistance, feel free to DM me, I’m a former McKinsey consultant and will be happy to support you.

Best,

Mari

on Mar 20, 2025
Ex-BCG Principal & Senior Recruiter in Germany | 300+ real recruiting interviews at BCG | Free 15min intro call

Hi there, 

not uncommon to wait for some after taking the test, one week is fully within the range. 

I would continue preparing yourself. If you have not heard back after three weeks, I would reach out. 

Best, 
Sebastian

Pedro
Coach
on Mar 21, 2025
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

Quite common to have to wait up to a month. Usually around two weeks. It has no impact on your application.

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