If I don’t take McKinsey Solve assessment after registering, do it still count as attempt? Would I be allowed to take the assessment afterwards?

Question

I received a McKinsey Solve invitation under the Early access program and already scheduled a testing window, but I haven’t actually started the assessment yet.

The email says candidates may only complete Solve once in a 12-month period, and scores are valid for one year.
I’m wondering:
If I do not launch/start the assessment during my scheduled window, does it still count as an attempt?
Has anyone rescheduled or simply skipped the scheduled window without affecting future recruiting?

Trying to understand whether the restriction applies after scheduling or only after actually starting/completing the test.

Answer 1

Hey,

I am not sure about specific rules/guidelines currently in place at McKinsey, and only a Recruiter can give you a real answer. However, you would not send a good signal on your eagerness about working at McKinsey if you don't complete it in, say, 2-3 months.

Moreover, Early Access Programs typically give you a much better conversion rate (in terms of interview offers), so I see little value in hesitating. What's the reason behind that? I am sure it's something valid, but I would suggest reconsidering the trade-off :)

Did I answer your doubts? Happy to share more if needed

Best,

Tom

Answer 2

hey!

Not starting the Solve does not count as an attempt. McKinsey only logs an attempt once you launch the assessment. If you simply let the window expire without opening it, the system treats it as “not taken,” and you can still take Solve later in the year.

People regularly skip or miss their window in Early Access, and it has no impact on future recruiting. You can either wait for a new link or ask recruiting to resend one.

Alessa

Answer 3

I'm not fully sure.

If this is important for you, check it directly with the recruiter.

Theoretically, if you don't actually do the test, there's no score to 'count'.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 4

Few things to know.

Don't just no-show. Reschedule properly through the platform, that keeps your record clean.
If you launch the test and quit partway, that does count as an attempt. Don't launch unless you're ready.
A clean reschedule won't hurt your application. McKinsey expects candidates to want proper prep time.
If you're under Early Access, the rules can be slightly stricter. Email your recruiter to confirm if unsure.

Good luck.