is PST must for MBA graduates?

Hello!

First things first, PST is now mostly substituted by Imbellus in most locations. 

Some points about Imbellus:

• It's a gamified test
• Divided into 2 games, 1h to complete both of them:
  • 1st one is a game about keeping an ecosystem balanced
  • 2nd one is a defense game

It´s fun and there is not really a "way" to prep for it.

 My advise would be to be fresh when you do it and pick a right enviroment -during my BCG test in their office there was construction in the patio and the screen was even shaking-.

Then, regarding whether it is or not compulsory, again depends: 

• Geographies
• Business schools (target vs. non target)
• Special recruiting programs (ie., if you come from certain recruiting programs that have a selection process before hand, you "save" the test)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Hi Anonymous,

No, the McKinsey PST is not a must. As far as I remember there is no overall specific global rule for that, but usually the PST is oftenly used for non-business and/or non-quantitative backgrounds.

The PST is not simple given also the time pressure you have, but it's not rocket science either - it's mainly a matter of diligent preparation, nothing else. If you need help on that, let me know and we can arrange a session to detail out a game plan for you to successfully tackle the PST. Before that however, clarify with your HR contact at McKinsey if you will have that at all!

Hope this helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Hi there,

you may or may not have to do the tests according to the office you are applying to. Moreover:

• In many countries the McKinsey PST has been replaced with the Imbellus test
• In some countries McKinsey requires to do an SHL test

Both the PST and the Potential Test are relatively difficult. If you have to do any of them the best thing is to prepare on examples of similar tests, you can find one I personally created for the Potential Test at the following link:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/bcg-potential-test-1-13

Best,

Francesco

Hello,

In the Dubai office, the McK PST is not needed from MBA students coming from target schools (ie. INSEAD, HEC, etc.)

Hope this helps

Khaled

Hi there,

It is definitely not a must (I didn't do it). However, it doesn't hurt to check with HR / your school recruiter!

Hi,

It's not required. Moreover, PST is replaced with Imbellus in many countries. But still not required for MBAs

Best

Hi,

No. Not at all. 

Best,

André

Hello,

It depends on the office, but it could be avoided especially if you have a good GMAT result. It could be anyway replaced by a gamified test, Imbellus. Feel free to write me if you want more information on that test.

Best,
Luca

Hi, it depends on the office, on your GMAT and on the referral you have. Very often if your application is accelerated by a consultant you can skip directly to the first round.

About the McK test, most of the offices have left the PST and they use SHL or Imbellus test. 

Best,
Antonello

Hi, 

it's not mandatory 

David