McKinsey Assessment

I understand the stress, but two weeks is enough time to prepare for the Solve. You don't need three weeks.

The Solve isn't something you study for like an exam. It tests how you think, not what you know. Over-preparing won't dramatically change your score. What matters is understanding the format and being in the right mindset.

Here's what I'd recommend you do with the time you have:

First, understand what the Solve actually tests. It's a game-based assessment that measures problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. There are no case interviews or business questions.

Second, practice with similar games. There are online simulations that mimic the Solve format. Spend a few days getting familiar with the style. This removes the surprise factor on test day.

Third, don't overthink it. The Solve is designed to see how you naturally approach problems. Trying to game it or memorize strategies usually backfires. Just stay calm and think logically.

Fourth, pick a good time to take it. Choose a slot when you're well-rested and won't be interrupted. Your mental state matters more than extra days of prep.

One more thing: asking for a three-week extension probably raised a flag. Firms expect candidates to be ready to move quickly. Asking for too much time can signal hesitation or lack of confidence. Don't let that affect you now. Just focus on doing your best.

You already got invited. That means your profile passed their filter. Now show them how you think.

Stop doubting yourself and start preparing. Two weeks is enough. Use it well.

Good luck

I absolutely understand the anxiety you’re feeling right now. It is a terrible feeling to be staring down your opportunity knowing you don't feel ready, and that's precisely why you asked for the time.

Here is the candid reality of the recruiting machine: When you are invited to the assessment phase, especially for international offices like Dubai, you are entering a high-volume wave. Granting a three-week extension completely breaks their global cohort management and scheduling pipeline, which is why they only offered the standard one week. Pushing further will likely result in an automatic withdrawal and potentially a mandatory cooling-off period before you can re-apply.

Your strategic choice now is extremely narrow: you must take the assessment within the given timeframe. Holding out for three weeks of "perfect" preparation is not an option the system will allow.

The crucial insider insight about the Solve assessment is this: it tests innate skills like decision-making, efficiency, and deductive reasoning under pressure. These skills are extremely difficult to "cram" for, and over-preparing often leads to overthinking and poor performance. Instead of scrambling for the next three weeks, dedicate the next 48 hours to targeted, high-impact prep. Understand the mechanics of the games, watch credible instructional videos on strategy, and then go into the assessment trusting your core intellect.

You have the invite—that means you are qualified on paper. Don't let the fear of being unprepared prevent you from taking the biggest swing you have right now.

Hope it helps!

Hey,

It’s understandable that you want to feel prepared. But there really isn’t much you can do to “study” for the game assessment. It’s designed as a gamified simulation where you build a functioning ecosystem under constraints, and it primarily tests your critical thinking, prioritization, and decision-making under uncertainty, not consulting knowledge or prep material.

Because of that, weeks of preparation aren’t expected (or needed). Best you can do is be rested, read the instructions carefully, and approach it calmly and logically.

Hope this helps!

hey there :)

Try not to overthink this too much, the McKinsey game is designed to test raw problem solving rather than preparation, so being fully ready is honestly not a requirement. Use the remaining time to get familiar with the format, do a few practice simulations, stay calm and take it seriously, postponing further is very unlikely and skipping it would hurt more than doing it now. Many strong candidates feel unprepared and still pass, so go for it and give it your best, and feel free to reach out if you want last minute tips.

best,
Alessa :)

Hi there,

It's good that you immediately reached out to ask for an extension. Unfortunately, I would advise you from asking again as they seem to have made it clear that they can only extend it for an additional week. You normally can't really prepare for the game anyway. My suggestion is to take a deep breath and do your best.

It's great that you already asked for an extension and even better that they granted it. 

At this point, based on how you describe the situation, you should just make the most of the timeline you have. 

Try and find resources to prepare. You don't only need to rely on Solve-specific guides. Feel free to use any screening tests from any firm because it will help train some of the cognitive abilities that you need for Solve as well. 

If you have any specific questions, feel free to reach out with questions.

Best,

Cristian

Hello,

Don't stress it. Treat it like a video game (it kind of is) and make sure you time box the different sections so you cover all your bases. The thing you should be more prepped for is the case interview which is arguably more intensive and demanding. This is just an initial filter, with plenty of YouTube videos to help calm the anxiety around it, and it won't take more than a few hours of your time.

Best of luck!