BCG ASPIRE 2026 – Assessment Invite but CV Wasn’t Uploaded

Question

Hi everyone,

I applied to BCG ASPIRE 2026 and made a mistake during submission. In the “additional documents” section, I uploaded my transcript from a summer program, thinking there would be another page afterward where I could upload my CV and cover letter.

However, the application submitted immediately, and I realized my CV wasn’t included. The confirmation email said applications would not be considered without a CV.

Right after that, I emailed the recruiter explaining the situation and attached my CV. I also followed up later, but I haven’t received a reply.

About 10 days after applying, I received an invitation to the next stage (the Equalture game-based assessment).

Does BCG send this assessment to all applicants automatically, or does receiving it usually mean you passed an initial screening? Also what to expect in the assesment?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Hard to tell.

It sounds like the invite was sent to all the applicants automatically.

If you haven't already done so, follow-up with the recruiter for a second time. I'm sure that once they become aware of it, they'll want you to correct/complete the application, so it's just a logistical thing to clarify (though I can imagine it's stressful).

Hope you hear good news from them!
Best,
Cristian

Answer 2

I completely understand that moment of panic when you hit submit and realize a key document is missing – it's a common fear, and it's frustrating when you can't easily correct it.

Receiving the Equalture assessment generally means you've cleared the very first hurdle in the application process. For large-scale programs like ASPIRE, initial screenings can be highly automated or involve a quick, high-level pass by junior recruiters. It's likely the system either registered any document in the "additional" slot, or your application was moved forward based on other credentials before a deeper dive into the exact document types. Your email to the recruiter also might have helped bridge that gap, but either way, consider yourself past the initial, most automated gate.

The Equalture assessment itself is a game-based evaluation. It's designed to assess your cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and how you approach challenges under pressure – essentially, how you think. There's no specific "studying" for it like you would for a case, but generally, being well-rested, focused, and approaching the games strategically will serve you well. It's less about prior knowledge and more about your raw aptitude.

Focus on excelling in this stage now; you've earned the opportunity. All the best!

Answer 3

You got the assessment invite. That means you are in the process. Stop worrying about the upload mistake and focus on what is ahead.

The Equalture assessment is a game based evaluation that tests how you think. Pattern recognition, logical reasoning, risk tolerance, how you process information under pressure. You cannot cram for it.

A few practical things:

Do it when you are rested and sharp. Not late at night, not between other tasks.
Take it seriously even though it feels like a game. BCG uses the results to screen people out.
Do not try to game it. That usually backfires. Just think clearly and engage naturally.

The real prep starts after you clear this stage. That is when BCG's actual interviews begin.

Hope this helps, and good luck with the process.