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Ban period

Hi everyone,

In October 2024, I applied to McKinsey. They sent me the link to complete the test, but due to personal reasons, I was unable to take the test within the stipulated time frame. My question is: Could this compromise my candidacy today?

Thank you all :)

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Top answer
Thabang
Coach
on Oct 02, 2025
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Ex-McKinsey | Top MBB Coach

Hey Martina, 

The ban typically relates to candidates that have not been successful in the solve score or from the interview rounds. Additionally, even if you were to have applied Oct 2024, it's over a year since then, so I recommend you re-apply.

This shouldn't compromise your candidacy today. That said, please do reach out to recruiting if you have any questions relating to your re-application in this cycle for them to clarify anything. But otherwise, go for it! :-) 

Wishing you all the best with this recruiting round with McKinsey!

Jenny
Coach
on Oct 01, 2025
Buy 1 get 1 free | Ex-McKinsey Manager & Interviewer | +7 yrs Coaching | Practical feedback to go from good to great

Hi there,

Missing the test last year shouldn’t automatically block you (there are no records of your results), but it’s best to check directly with HR/recruiting for clarity. If you’re still interested, just reapply as firms understand that timing and personal circumstances happen.

Emily
Coach
on Oct 02, 2025
Ex Bain Associate Partner, BCG Project Leader | 9 years in MBB SEA & China, 8 years as interviewer | Free intro call

Hi there, 

If you didn't take the test, you are not banned. Plus, it has been a year already anyway, so you should be able to apply as per normal. 

Best,

Emily

on Oct 02, 2025
#1 Rated & Awarded McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Potentially. 

Do reach out to them ASAP and explain the situation, apologise and ask for another opportunity to take the test.

I would expect them to understand it and make an adjustment to your application.

Best,
Cristian

on Oct 03, 2025
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

I don't think it would, but as others have mentioned - best to check with HR :)

All the best!

Hagen
Coach
edited on Oct 04, 2025
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi Martina,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your situation in the past!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

  • First of all, contrary to what other coaches have said, if you did not finish the McKinsey Solve pre-interview assessment and provided no explanation, you are in fact banned for now, which typically lasts 12 to 18 months.
  • Moreover, I would strongly advise you to send a short message to the McKinsey recruiter to clarify and avoid any misunderstanding.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application files, for your McKinsey upcoming pre-interview assessment and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Sherif
Coach
on Oct 04, 2025
Ex Sr. Engagement Manager with McKinsey - Aug 25 - Top EEMA interviewer 2023 - 2024 with +350 interviews

There is no ban since you have not taken the test. You should reach out to the office recruiter to confirm this and to re-initiate the recruitment process and not go back to screening phase

Lukas
Coach
14 hrs ago
50% OFF on first 2 sessions | ~10yrs in consulting | ex-BCG Project Leader | Personalized prep & coaching | INSEAD MBA

Hi Martina,

likely not banned as you did not complete the assessment. 

However, I would clarify the situation with the recruiters.

Best,
Lukas