First-Gen Student Prepping for Bain/McKinsey Assessments on a Budget

Question

Hello everyone,

I’m struggling to keep my head up in this recruiting cycle. I’m a first-gen student, and while my friends think I’m aiming too high with MBB but I know this is where I want to be.

I just got rejected from BCG after Round 1( for the summer internship). I completely froze on the math and the "Casey" chatbot. It was discouraging, but the Project Leader told me something that stuck: she wants me to come back for an Associate role because she sees my potential.

The problem is, I now have the Bain and McKinsey assessments staring me down, and I feel totally unprepared. I can't afford the big-name prep courses, and I’m starting to believe the voice in my head that says I’m just "average."

If anyone has been in this position—especially other first-gen students or those who started with weak math—how did you pass the McKinsey and Bain tests? I have a CaseCoach sub, but I need to know how to use my time effectively before my deadlines( in less than a week).

Any advice that can even help me the slightest would mean the world, I know this a very competitive industry but if there is any tips you're willing to share, I will be glad to take it.

Answer 1

Hey!

Thanks for sharing your doubts. First-gen might indeed have a tougher time in the MBB recruiting process. I sent you a DM with my honest perspective and with further questions on what help you feel you need -- I'd love to support you.

For other folks: I'd like to demystify the idea that you HAVE to spend 500$ to get into MBB. Of course, money helps for everything, but most folks get into MBB after spending 0 to 100$ (e.g., many spend absolutely nothing and prep with peers and ChatGPT math drills, others get only PrepLounge Premium, others Premium and a single session coach).

Best,
Tom

Answer 2

Hi Lucia,

I’ve been in your exact shoes: an absolutely first-gen student, no budget (I invested time but no money in my interview prep), and still made it to BCG and stayed for 10 years. So let me be clear: you don’t need money or a special background to get in.

Right now, with one week left, keep it simple and consistent. There are several free resources on the internet to improve your logic and mental math: daily drills are important, but you don’t need anything fancy, just repetition and timing.

For the case prep, I’d focus on what actually moves the needle. Do a lot of practice with other people. Once you know the basics, improvement comes from exposure: different partners, different styles, different mistakes. That’s what builds real instinct.

And on the confidence side: the feedback you got from BCG matters. You’re closer than you think; you just need sharper execution under pressure.

If you want, DM me and I can point you to a few free resources.

Regards,
Franco

Answer 3

Practice makes perfect. Having enough preparation will help you better manage stress. In case you fail, make sure that you don’t blame yourself, but focus on the things you learned