Consulting Consulting
Consulting Finance General
Login Sign up for free Sign up for free
Consulting Finance General
Community
Meeting Board
Consulting Q&A
Interview Partner
Premium Membership
Coaching
Coaches
Coaching Packages
Consulting Q&A
Resources
Case Interview Basics
Case Library
AI Casebot
Tests & Guides
Mental Math Tool
Stress Questions
Drills
Video Tutorials
Brainteaser
Career
Employers
Career Events
Consulting Jobs
Consulting Blog
Sign up for free
Login
Community
Meeting Board
Consulting Q&A
Interview Partner
Premium Membership
Coaching
Coaches
Coaching Packages
Consulting Q&A
Resources
Case Interview Basics
Case Library
AI Casebot
Tests & Guides
Mental Math Tool
Stress Questions
Drills
Video Tutorials
Brainteaser
Career
Employers
Career Events
Consulting Jobs
Consulting Blog
Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Meeting Board
Consulting Q&A
Interview Partner
Premium Membership
Back to overview
Anonymous A
on Jan 28, 2021
Global
I want to receive updates regarding this question via email.

Is time a factor in assessing candidates on the Imbellus test?

I know that no one know about how the test is graded but I was wondering if someone takes 15 minutes to solve the Ecosystem Managament section versus 30 minutes (assuming the same answers were provided in both), would that score more points?

7
1.8k
10
Write an answer
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Ken
Coach
on Jan 28, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

Similar to the previous McKinsey PST, time management is crucial but there are no benefits to finishing the test early. Considering it is a test that is testing your "engagement", scoring more points for speed would be counterintuitive.

11
Contact coach
0 comments
Florian
Coach
on Jan 28, 2021
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

I have interviewed more than 150 people who went through the Imbellus and this specific topic never came up. People pass with more or less time taken as long as they finish both games within the allocated time.

Remember two things, which are relevant here:


1. Manage your time. Not managing their time correctly is one of the biggest pitfalls I have seen with candidates. In fact, It is easy to get lost in the details and the sheer complexity of information.

When you start the game you have no idea about how much time you will actually need. As time progresses you should get a better understanding of how much time each task takes. Adjust your approach accordingly. Keep track of time and roughly stick to the allocated time for each scenario (50/50). Since there is no clock or explicit mention of the time left - other than a progress bar - you could use your own watch or Google on a second laptop as an exact timer.

2. Remember that every move you move is tracked by telemetry. The game evaluates you based on a product score (how good is your outcome) and a process score (how good is your problem-solving strategy). Keep a steady pace and don’t fidget around nervously with the cursor or click through menus like a maniac. On the other hand, try to forget about the fact that your behavior is analyzed. The product score is still more important than the process score. Candidates have told me that they were hesitant to switch between information several times or repeatedly scroll down the selection of different predators or producers. If this is your problem-solving strategy and helps you come up with effective solutions, that is obviously fine.

In sum, don't worry so much about being faster than the time allocated, rather focus on producing correct outcomes (eco-system) or proper strategies (plant defense) while moving through both games (95% of candidates reported only these two in the last 2 months) swiftly and accurately.

Cheers,

Florian

11
Contact coach
0 comments
Francesco
Coach
on Jan 29, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

I interviewed tens of candidates who did the Imbellus and I did not find any direct correlation between more time left and passing the test.

However, there is an indirect correlation: if you finish early, you have probably cracked the ecosystem game (unless you did not double-check your chain is sustainable), which is where candidates normally lose more time.

A common reason for failing the game is to spend too much time in the ecosystem game and don’t have enough time to complete the plant defense or disease game. If you finish the ecosystem game early, you won’t have that problem.

If you want to prepare in the best possible way, you can download instantly the guide I created on the Imbellus at the following link:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/mckinsey-imbellus-game-secrets-48

This guide will:

  • Show you the perfect strategy for each of the 4 Game Scenarios
  • Explain every single part of the Game with ad-hoc pictures
  • Detail the exact steps to improve in the 5 Skills tested in the game
  • Provide you insider information from previous applicants who succeeded in the game
  • Reveal the must-know answers to the most common questions on the Imbellus
  • Offer you a ready-to-use Excel template to maximize results in Ecosystem Management (Scenario 1) with a detailed tutorial 
  • Give you a proven template to build the food chain in Ecosystem Management (Scenario 1)

If you need additional support or have any questions on the test please feel free to PM me, I can provide additional tips for free.

Best,

Francesco

9
Contact coach
0 comments
Antonello
Coach
on Jan 28, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

Based on my experience and that of my candidates, I don't think finishing earlier is a plus. 

Hope this helps.

Best,

Antonello

4
Contact coach
0 comments
Ian
Coach
on Jan 28, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Nope. And, please do not prioritize this regardless! Completing the test properly is what matters here. Of course, time is a factor in the sense of running out of time and not completing the test, but it doesn't quite work the other way.

4
Contact coach
0 comments
Gaurav
Coach
on Jan 28, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there, 

It doesn't make any difference actually.

Cheers,

GB

2
Contact coach
0 comments
Clara
Coach
on Feb 01, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Yes for sure, a crutial one. 

In the Shop there are prep materials you can leverage

Cheers, 

Clara

0
Contact coach
0 comments
Similar Questions
Consulting
Mckinsey/Imbellus plant defence game: recalling additional details
on Sep 11, 2023
Global
5
2.7k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
42
5 Answers
2.7k Views
+2
Consulting
2023 McKinsey Interview Timeline and Tips
on Sep 02, 2023
Global
6
3.1k
Top answer by
Deleted user
Hello, Congratulations on a strong start in the recruiting process! To answer your questions: I was just wondering if... (read entire answer)
Hello, Congratulations on a strong start in the recruiting process! To answer your questions: I was just wondering if you guys have any additional insight re: what to expect in... (read entire answer)
44
6 Answers
3.1k Views
+3
Consulting
solve – McKinney's assessment game excel templet
on Mar 05, 2024
Global
6
5.6k
Top answer by
Alberto
Coach
Ex-McKinsey AP | Training top candidates to perform at MBB level and win the offer
132
6 Answers
5.6k Views
+3
Top Answer by
Ken
Coach
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach
To coach profile
Related Article
McKinsey Problem Solving Game – Guide 2025
Looking for tips & tricks to prepare for McKinsey’s Problem Solving Game (PSG)? Learn more about the
View article
Related Product
McKinsey Solve Game Combo: Guide + Videos
4.9
287 reviews
USD 187
USD 99
More information
Related Case
Expert case by
Francesco
MBB 1st Round Case - Hazella Light
5.0
6.0k times solved
Advanced
Candidate-led
Open case
Similar Questions
Consulting
Mckinsey/Imbellus plant defence game: recalling additional details
on Sep 11, 2023
42
5
2.7k
Consulting
2023 McKinsey Interview Timeline and Tips
on Sep 02, 2023
44
6
3.1k
Consulting
solve – McKinney's assessment game excel templet
on Mar 05, 2024
132
6
5.6k
Everything for Your Career
  • Interview Coaching
  • Q&A
  • Interview Partner
  • Mental Math Tool
  • Interview Drills
  • Stress Questions
  • Blog
Everything for Your Career
  • Interview Coaching
  • Q&A
  • Interview Partner
  • Mental Math Tool
  • Interview Drills
  • Stress Questions
  • Blog
Popular in Consulting
  • Case Library
  • Meeting Board
  • Case Partner
  • Case Interview Basics
  • Case Interview
  • Consulting Q&A
Popular in Finance
  • Finance Q&A
  • Interview in Investment Banking
  • Investment Banking Salaries
Popular in Consulting
  • Case Library
  • Meeting Board
  • Case Partner
  • Case Interview Basics
  • Case Interview
  • Consulting Q&A
Popular in Finance
  • Finance Q&A
  • Interview in Investment Banking
  • Investment Banking Salaries
Consulting and Finance Employers
  • RWE Consulting
  • Whiteshield Advisory
  • All Employers »
About PrepLounge
  • For Companies
  • For Universities
  • For Coaches
  • About Us
  • Career
  • FAQ
© 2012 PrepLounge
Our servers are powered by electricity from renewable sources.
  • Cookies & Privacy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Imprint
  • Sitemap
  • Contact
Questions or Feedback?
Select category
  • Select category
  • General Feedback
  • Case Interview Preparation
  • Coaching
  • Technical Problems
  • Other
Your name
Your email address
Cancel