MBB Assessment Tests

Question

I have applied to MBBs more than once, with the one-year interval. Total of 6 tries at this point.

Nonetheless, be it BCG, McKinsey or Bain, I was never able to have the opportunity to be interviewed. Is this the sign that it's just not for me?

I have a very personal opinion on these assessment games, but how indicative are these results of proper consulting skills (probably a signal some very limited analytical capabilities, not compatible with the industry practice) and therefore how should I consider just giving up on this type of application?

Answer 1

Hi there,

I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that “consulting isn’t for me” based on this alone.

If you’ve never reached interviews, the most likely bottleneck is CV screening, not the assessment games. At MBB, your resume is the primary filter: strong academics, relevant internships, and meaningful out-of-curriculum achievements are what get you into the interview process in the first place. The online assessments usually come after you’ve already passed that initial screen.

On the assessment games themselves: they test a very narrow slice of skills (basic analytics, pattern recognition, decision-making under constraints). They are not a good proxy for core consulting abilities like structuring, communication, or problem-solving in real cases. Many strong candidates don’t find these games intuitive and still perform very well in interviews.

After multiple applications, what’s worth reflecting on is:

Whether your CV clearly signals excellence (grades, academic rigor)
Whether your experience is framed in a consulting-relevant way (impact, ownership, problem-solving)
Whether you’ve built enough distinctive signals beyond academics (internships, leadership, competitive achievements)

Before giving up, I’d strongly recommend getting external feedback on your CV and positioning. In many cases, it’s not about capability, it’s about whether your profile translates clearly on paper.