I didn't perform well in Red Rock study ( McKinsey solve game), but did well in Sea Wolf. What are my chances of being invited to an interview?

First of all, take a deep breath and don't let this one experience get you down. I have seen many talented candidates deal with technical glitches and interruptions, and it doesn't mean the end of the road. The fact that you are already at a big 3 firm shows you belong in this league. Stay positive.

The answers to your questions

• Your chances of an interview. Your chances remain strong. In the red rock study, mckinsey looks for the quality and accuracy of your logic over just finishing the timer. Since you completed the first sections perfectly, you have already demonstrated the necessary skills. Performing well in sea wolf is also a huge plus, as it shows you can manage complex, shifting variables.
• Impact of the technical issues. Yes, the recruiters do look at the comments. While the initial filter might be automated, a human usually reviews the notes for any candidate who has a strong resume. By being professional and explaining the internet and family interruptions, you have given them the context they need to look past the unfinished sections.
• The weight of your cv. Your cv is your most powerful tool. Having an internship at a big 3 firm is a massive signal of quality. It tells the recruiter that you have already passed a very high bar and understand the consulting environment. Most firms will prioritize this real-world evidence over a single game score.

I would suggest focusing on your current internship and performing at your best. If you have a contact at mckinsey, a quick and casual check-in could also help ensure your situation is understood.

Hi there,

It’s understandable to feel uneasy after Solve, but based on what you describe, the outcome is still very much in a gray zone rather than a clear no.

a) McKinsey looks at Solve holistically, not as a pass or fail per game. Strong and consistent performance in Sea Wolf is a positive signal, especially since it tests core problem solving and decision making. Red Rock matters as well, but not completing all sections does not automatically disqualify you, particularly if earlier parts were done correctly. Candidates do progress with mixed performance across the two games.

b) Technical issues and interruptions are not ignored, especially if you clearly flagged them in the comment section at the end of the game, which you did. While McKinsey won’t “regrade” the game, recruiters do see those notes and they can help contextualize borderline outcomes.

c) Your CV still matters. Solve is one input in the overall screening decision, not the only one. Being in an operations internship at another top firm strengthens your profile and can tip the balance in your favor if your Solve performance is around the cutoff.

At this point, there’s nothing more you can change. Your Sea Wolf performance and overall profile keep you in contention, so I wouldn’t assume a rejection. McKinsey typically communicates next steps anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks after Solve, depending on the office and hiring cycle.

Best,
Evelina

It's totally understandable why you're stressed right now. Dealing with technical issues and interruptions while the clock is running is the worst, and it introduces real ambiguity into your score.

Here is the unfortunate reality of the initial screening filter: the system is primarily optimized for scale and efficiency. While the Sea Wolf performance shows strong systems thinking—which is a major plus—Red Rock Study is often the primary quantitative and pressure hurdle. When you fail to complete or randomly select answers for large segments of the simulation, the scoring mechanism registers significant dips in efficiency, accuracy, and resource management. This usually places a candidate in a challenging percentile bracket, and the automated system does not typically factor in personal interruptions or minor connectivity issues listed in the comments box. Those comments are only usually reviewed manually if your score is already sitting right on the borderline cutoff.

The good news is that your CV is excellent. Currently interning at another Big 3 firm puts you in the top tier of candidates purely based on pedigree. However, you need to understand the sequencing: the Solve score acts as a hard filter. You must hit the firm's required percentile target (which can be very high, often 70th percentile or above) before a recruiter even manually opens your CV file. Your phenomenal background will exponentially increase your chances of moving forward if you passed the automated threshold, but it cannot pull a failing Solve score across the initial gate.

Right now, all you can do is wait, but manage your expectations for this application cycle. If the scoring mechanics pushed you below the non-negotiable quantitative cutoff due to the lack of completion, even that strong CV might not be enough this time around.

All the best!

On the Solve game:

The best thing to do is to wait.
But I wouldn't count only on the outage and interruption reasons. McKinsey gets thousands of these. 

Your CV does matter; a lot actually:

Interning at another top consulting firm is a genuine advantage. It signals you've already cleared a high bar. If your resume is strong and you have good academics, there's a good chance they'll still invite you despite a weak Solve. 

What I'd do:

Focus energy on other opportunities. If McKinsey comes through, great. If not, something better is waiting. 

Sorry to hear it didn't meet your expectations.

If the test didn't go well, it doesn't mean you're automatically rejected. However, your chances are indeed lower.

When they assess your profile, they look at the Solve score, your CV, CL, and referral (if applicable). They consider them together to decide whether to invite you for an interview.

At this point, there's nothing you can do. Try to focus on other applications so you maximise your overall chances of getting a role. 

Best,
Cristian