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Anonymous A
on Jun 21, 2023
Global
I want to receive updates regarding this question via email.

Does it ever happen where the highest-calories-provided conditions range on the Ecosystem game has no possible solution?

Hi,

I'm practicing for the Imbellus, and I know it's hypothetically possible to choose the producers based on the highest number of calories provided and then it's impossible to find a sustainable chain from there on.

I know it's hypothetically possible, but does this actually happen in the real test? Are there any anecdotes of this happening from actual candidates?

This would screw you over completely and make it virtually impossible to recover.

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Francesco
Coach
on Jun 22, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: I know it's hypothetically possible, but does this actually happen in the real test? Are there any anecdotes of this happening from actual candidates?

Yes, it happens and some candidates I helped reported that. Indeed for this reason I created an Excel that allows to know in advance if a chain is sustainable before you build the actual chain.

The excel is structured in such a way that you can identify if a chain works in around 10 minutes (I show how in the videos included below). So even if you are extremely unlucky and your third chain works (there are just 3 possible alternatives) you should still be able to complete the test in time given you have 35 min in total.

You can find the excel included for free in the package below:

▶ McKinsey PSG Imbellus Solve Combo Guide

For any other questions please feel free to PM me.

Best, 

Francesco 

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Anonymous A
on Jun 22, 2023
Hi Francesco, the other answer suggested eliminating options where producers are eaten only by one or two animals.

Do you think this is a good idea?
Francesco
Coach
on Jun 22, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Unfortunately that won't necessarily work - I know cases where doing that check would have eliminated sustainable chains or led to keep non-working chains. So even if you do that check, you could end up with an unsustainable chain
Anonymous A
on Jun 22, 2023
Hi Francesco,

I tried your macro but it is obviously problematic to have to add all animals again when changing to a different set of producers.

Any other tips to ensure the chosen producers are adequate before starting?
Francesco
Coach
on Jun 23, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Unfortunately I am not aware of any other method. However if you follow the instructions in the videos you should be able to build a chain in around 10 minutes and given you will have 35 min, this should allow to build all the 3 possible chains before time is over. For other questions please feel free to PM me
Ian
Coach
on Jun 22, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Yes! This can happen (in some rare instances).

Highly recommend Francesco's guide for how to solve this properly.

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Rothut
on Jun 21, 2023

This can happen, although I did not experience it myself in the real test. The key is to not to filter out the Producers purely based on the calories alone but also based on the number of species they are “eaten by”. If this number is 1 or sometimes even 2 then you have a high probability of running into this scenarios you explained. 

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Andi
Coach
on Jun 27, 2023
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | Experienced Hires

Hi there,

agree with the other coaches - this can and has happened in the past. Should be a good idea to Francesco's guide to be prepared protect yourself against such unusual occurances to be on the safe side. 

Regards, Andi 

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