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Is it okay to do a Case reflection one day after the actual practice?

A habit that I have is that whenever I finish a live case, I'm pretty tired to immediately do a recap and I usually wait a day or two. The downside is that I tend to forget certain nuances (that I didn't write down during feedback session), but I feel like waiting for a day allows me to attempt the case on my own again and then write a feedback

Which is the best practice?

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Kevin
Coach
on Jul 21, 2025
1st session -50% | Ex-McKinsey | Ex-BCG | MBB Germany Expert | CV & Cover Letter Review | FREE 15min intro call!

Hi there,

I agree with Jeroen: it is advisable to do it right after. If you are too tired to recap it fully, try to at least write down all the feedback that you get immediately after.

This way, you will at least be able to ensure improvement in those areas when reviewing the case.

Cheers

Kevin

Jeroen
Coach
on Jul 21, 2025
Ex-Netherlands Recruitment Lead OW | 5+ years of coaching experience | Great Price/Value | Free Intro Calls

I would always try to do so immediate reflection right after the case. As you already indicated yourself, getting those nuances right is often critical once you’re in more advanced preparation stages. However, it is perfectly fine to revisit it for further reflection a few days later.

on Jul 21, 2025
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi there,

I can understand that you're tired. If anything, it's a good sign that you're engaging as much as you can with the case. 

I'd recommend that instead of waiting until the next day, you just take a 10-15 minute break and then timebox yourself for a 10-15 minute reflection. You'll get more out of it this way, you'll have a sense of satisfaction with this closure, and it won't all seem so daunting anymore. 

Best,
Cristian

Mihir
Coach
on Jul 21, 2025
McKinsey Associate Partner and interviewer | Bulletproof MBB prep

It’s better to reflect immediately afterwards while the performance is still fresh.

Mariana
Coach
on Jul 21, 2025
xMckinsey | Consulting and Tech | 1.5h session | +200 sessions | Free 20-min introductory call

Hi there,
One idea is to make voice notes right after the case, and deep dive on the review the day after. This way you won't forget what's more important and give yourself some air before going back to practice.

Best,

Mari

Emily
Coach
edited on Jul 22, 2025
9 years in MBB Southeast Asia & China| 8 years as MBB interviewer | Free intro call

Hi there, it is okay to do it one day after. It might actually allow you to look at the problem with a fresh pair of eyes, which could be helpful. 
To avoid missing important details, you can take notes the details given first, then review/reflect the day after. 

Best, 

Emily

11 hrs ago
Bain interviewer | New on PrepLounge | Tailored sessions & ad-hoc materials | First 15 min discovery call |50% discount

Hey, totally get that post‑case tiredness. Here’s a simple two‑step hack that keeps things fresh without draining you:

  1. Quick brain dump (5–10 mins):
    Right after the case, grab a piece of paper or open a note app and bullet out the main feedback points and any “aha” moments. Even if you’re beat, spending five minutes on this will save you a ton of “what was that insight again?” later.
  2. Deeper dive next day:
    When you’re more rested, run through the case solo—focus on those bullets you jotted down. Expand each point into a quick reflection and jot down a couple of drills to tackle any weak spots.

Why this rocks:

  • You lock in key details before they vanish.
  • Revisiting later helps cement the learning.
  • You’re not spending an hour trying to recall everything—just sharpening the bits that matter.

Give it a shot and tweak it as you go. You’ll find the sweet spot between freshness and depth in no time!

Hagen
Coach
edited on Jul 22, 2025
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

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

  • First of all, I would strongly advise you to do at least a very short reflection right after the case study - just a brain dump of the key feedback points and moments where you felt stuck or unsure.
  • Moreover, I would advise you to come back to the case the next day, when you're fresh, and reflect more deeply, trying to re-do the case or parts of it, based on your notes.
  • Lastly, I would advise you to create a short checklist of recurring feedback and track progress across case studies - it makes your improvement more structured and visible.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

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

Best,

Hagen

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