Do Partners typically reuse the same case with multiple candidates during the same recruitment cycle?

In my experience, yes. For final rounds, partners usually have their favorite cases they like to use. While the overall scenario may sound similar across candidates, the specific questions they ask can feel quite random.

Compared to first rounds, where interviewers typically follow a structured “prompt”, final rounds are much more free-style. Partners may even pull from a real case they personally led and then ask spontaneous questions based on how you respond.

For example, in my final round, the most senior partner (head of the entire practice in North America) kept pushing me with brainstorming questions until I eventually ran out of ideas. He said: “It’s okay, I’m surprised we even got this far into the case.” That was the moment I realized just how free-flowing it was :) 

Unsolicited coaching tip: Final rounds are less about “getting the answer right” and more about showing that you can think on your feet, stay structured under pressure, and engage the partner in a real business discussion. So when you prep, focus not only on practicing cases, but also on building comfort with open-ended brainstorming and communicating confidently when you hit ambiguity.

Hope this helps,

Han

Hi,

Good question! Partners and other interviewers have 1-3 cases they regularly use, so chances are high you get the same case like other interviewees. 

Kr, 

Mattijs

Hi,

Yes, Partners tend to have 2-3 cases that they always use. HR makes sure that no one throughout the interview process could give the same case to the candidate twice.

Hey there :)

Yes, one could say that partners often reuse the same case with different candidates in a given cycle. The logic is that it’s easier for them to deliver something they know well, and consistency helps in evaluating candidates. What matters is not the uniqueness of the case but how you approach it: structure, clarity, and driving the discussion. So don’t worry too much if you hear that others got a similar case.

best,
Alessa :)

Hi there, 

Yes usually the interviewer (regardless partner or not) would have 2-3 cases from own work experiences that he/she tends to use repeatedly with different candidates.  

Best,

Emily

Hi there,

Q: Do Partners typically reuse the same case with multiple candidates during the same recruitment cycle? I'm talking about specifically the MBB firms. 

Yes, that can definitely happen; some of my candidates received the same case as previous candidates for the same office that I coached.

Good luck!

Francesco

Many times, yes.

Some times, no.

BUT, even if they use the same case, chances are the case could progress differently for different candidates as the candidate could suggest different paths forward and the interviewer can change some bits. Additionally, different candidates would end up spending different amount of time on different parts of the case such as math, framework, exhibit etc.

The top firms can be different here, some firms provide cases to partners others (typical of BCG) undergo a rigorous process where the interviewers (including partners) create their own cases. 

But, as mentioned by others - the final round is less about getting to a right answer or 'completing the case'. The partners are typically more flexible in how they take their cases forward and if you say something interesting in one direction, they may prod further on that thinking.  Therefore its best to approach the interview as a conversation / sparring rather than a series of steps you need to get through to 'solve' the case! Best of luck

Olivia