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Does everyone get to the assessment stage at OC&C?

I have received an invited to the online test for graduate consultant at OC&C, however I haven't got any prior consulting experience such as internships and I only went to Newcastle University. My question is - Does everyone who applies get to the assessment stage, or are they genuinely impressed by my CV?

Context: I am a graduate Mechanical engineer, currently working at an engineering consulting firm. I have also worked in leading engineering firms in the past.

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Pedro
Coach
on Oct 08, 2025
Most Senior Coach @ Preplounge: Bain | EY-Parthenon | RB | Principal level interviewer | PEI Expert | 30% in October

No. This has a cost, so they only give it to students that have a chance if they get a good result. Otherwise it would be a waste of time and resources for everyone involved.

Anonymous A
23 hrs ago
Pedro, thank you for this! It is my intention to ace the tests (I usually score very well). What would your advice be to distinguish myself against other candidates given my limited background. I'm very aware that these firms can be elitist so will not be offended by your guidance - I'd rather I was best prepared. My initial plan is to accept that I am clearly not their first pick, and in essence have a point to prove. Let me know your thoughts,

many thanks.
Pedro
Coach
14 hrs ago
Most Senior Coach @ Preplounge: Bain | EY-Parthenon | RB | Principal level interviewer | PEI Expert | 30% in October
What you have to do at this point is to do well on the online test to get the interview... and then be prepared to perform well on the case + fit interview. I am happy to support with that. I understand your concerns but I don't think they play a big role. If you do well on the case + fit they will be happy to give you an offer.
on Oct 09, 2025
Top MBB Coach | Most Awarded ex-McKinsey Coach on the platform

Typically, they review / scan your application high-level to see if it's relevant. If yes, then they send you the test and only after they have the result from the test they judge it against the rest of your application and decide whether to invite you to the interview. 

So, it's a good sign that you got invited, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they were blown away by your CV (perhaps just moved enough to consider you a relevant candidate) :)

Best,
Cristian

Anonymous A
23 hrs ago
Cristian, thank you for this! It is my intention to ace the tests (I usually score very well). What would your advice be to distinguish myself against other candidates given my limited background. I'm very aware that these firms can be elitist so will not be offended by your guidance - I'd rather I was best prepared. My initial plan is to accept that I am clearly not their first pick, and in essence have a point to prove. Let me know your thoughts,

many thanks.
Anonymous A
23 hrs ago
Its also worth mentioning that I've been asked to do assessments for CIL & Analysys Mason
23 hrs ago
Top MBB Coach | Most Awarded ex-McKinsey Coach on the platform
Do you mean how to distinguish yourself on the tests? Here it's only about practicing as much as you can so you can score as high as you can.
If you are referring more generally to how you can distinguish yourself in the recruitment process, it comes down to getting very clear about the things that you do well and learning how to do them to a distinctive level. Especially since MBBs and well as the other top firms care a lot about your spikes, not your general level.
Alessa
Coach
22 hrs ago
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | xRB | >400 coachings

Hey there :)

Not everyone makes it to the OC&C online test, getting invited usually means your CV and experience stood out. Even without prior consulting internships, relevant analytical, problem-solving, or leadership experience (like your engineering consulting background) can make a strong case. So it sounds like they were genuinely impressed by your profile.

best, Alessa :)

Jenny
Coach
17 hrs ago
Buy 1 get 1 free for 1st time clients | Ex-McKinsey Manager & Interviewer | +7 yrs Coaching | Go from good to great

Hi there,

Not everyone gets through to the assessment stage and OC&C does screen applications, so your background likely stood out. Your engineering consulting experience probably helped, as they value strong analytical and problem-solving skills, not just prior strategy experience. 

Best of luck!