Failed the CCA but still got invited to next round?

Question

Hi!

I recently took BCG's CCA assessment and genuinely did so bad on the logic/math portion. I haven't done math in a while because i'm in a more reading-intensive major in college and I completely ran out of time and maybe only got 2 or 3 right. I thought for sure that I blew my chance, but I just got an email inviting me to the next round to take the online case assessment.

I'm super confused- should I be worried that even if I do well on this next test that my previous assessment score will set me back in future interview decisions? I go to a target school so I guess maybe that's why they still are giving me a shot but I just want to know whether it's worth actually preparing heavily for or if it's likely they will use my CCA results against me compared to other candidates in the future.

I also have literally 0 consulting background so this is all very new to me, any advice or insight would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi there,

First, you probably didn't do as badly as it felt. The numerical section works on a threshold, not a perfect score, so you don't need most of the answers right to clear it, and it's blended with the behavioral sections rather than judged on the math alone. A strong overall profile advances even after a rough logic/math portion, which is most likely what happened here.

On your actual worry: no, your CCA score won't be held against you later. Getting the Casey invite means you cleared this gate, and from here you're judged on the online case itself, not on what came before.

Hope it helps, and feel free to DM me if you want to talk through anything.

Federico

Answer 2

hey!

Short answer: if you got invited to the next round, your CCA score is not hurting you anymore. BCG doesn’t treat the CCA like a school exam. They look at the overall pattern, and if they move you forward, it means your profile cleared the bar.

The CCA is only used to decide who gets to the online case. Once you’re past that gate, the earlier score doesn’t drag you down. They won’t “use it against you” later. Plenty of candidates with weak CCA logic sections still get interviews and offers.

So yes, it’s absolutely worth preparing hard for the online case. That’s the real filter. If you want, I can help you shape a tiny prep plan or a quick math refresh.

Best, Alessa

Answer 3

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process with BCG thus far!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

First of all, the fact that they invited you to the BCG Casey pre-interview assessment means they are giving you a real shot. Consulting firms mostly discard any pre-interview assessments scores the moment you reach the interview stage.
Moreover, yes, it is absolutely worth preparing seriously. The BCG Casey and the BCG interviews are what really decide the outcome, and this is exactly where you can shine. Since you come off a bit rusty on case practice, I would strongly advise you to at least consider working with an experienced coach like me to receive the required acceleration you need.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming BCG Casey pre-interview assessment and/or BCG interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 4

During my time - the online assessment was used sometimes as a hard bar, and other times as a gauge/data point. The specific office has the freedom to decide how to use the scores. Typically for experienced hires, it was more a 'data point' rather than a bar.

So, don't overthink this.

Focus on acing the future portions of the interview.

All the best!

Answer 5

Consulting firm assessment tests are purely pass/fail screening filters. Passing means you cleared BCG's baseline requirement, so your previous score will not be dragged forward or held against you in future rounds.

You should absolutely prepare heavily for the upcoming online case assessment. Every round at BCG resets the playing field, and candidates who barely pass early filters routinely earn final offers by excelling in the next stages.

Since you are from a non-business background, do not get bogged down memorizing rigid case frameworks from YouTube or prep books. Focus your prep entirely on structuring unfamiliar problems clearly and building speed with basic business math under time constraints.