Does a poor online test result carry over into successive applications?

Hi there,

Q: Does a poor online test result carry over into successive applications? To be used as a data point in successive applications, even if you do well on the online test the second time around?

There could be differences depending on the company, but a few such as McKinsey explicitly say that the score is valid for a specific period of time. So in most cases I would expect they will just consider the last score.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• First of all, in general, pre-interview assessments have limited validity, sometimes also communicated to the applicant.
• Moreover, I would still advise you to prepare the question of why you failed last time, whether it is related to any pre-interview assessment or the interviews.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Nope! 

So, in future applications you will be asked to re-take the test.

To do well, I recommend the following:

The best way is to really find online tests / questions and practice. Regardless as to whether is a new or old test, the principles are mostly the same:

• Time management (need to think quick)
• Business knowledge/context (incl key formulas)
• Critical thinking (answers that are very similar to each other...clues "hidden" in the text)
• Ability to interpret data/charts

Think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

Hi there, 

They look at the last score. They don't hold it against you if you had a lower score in the previous year. 

Best,
Cristian

Hello A,

Even if a poor online test result is noted in your file, it is not a disqualifying factor for future applications. Each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and a candidate's overall qualifications, including their experience, education, and performance in subsequent assessments, will also be taken into consideration.

Best of luck!

It does not matter since it will only disqualify a candidate once. If you re-apply later, you will have to take such a test again (and hopefully do better than the first time).

Good luck

No, it doesn't. That's why you need to take a new test.
In any case, focus on what you can control.

This may depend on company, but in general I don't think so