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McKinsey First Round Interview - Middle East Office

Dear Sir/Madam,

I recently submitted my application through a consultant referral link for a position at McKinsey & Company. I hold a good resume and was invited to complete the McKinsey Solve assessment, which I successfully completed all three test—including the Ecosystem Building, Red Rock Study, and Sea Wolf Game.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could share any insights regarding the likelihood of my application being shortlisted for the first round of interviews.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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Top answer
Alberto
Coach
on Jul 02, 2025
Ex-McKinsey AP | Professional MBB Coach | +13yrs experience | +2,000 real interviews | +150 offers

Hi there,

The likelihood of your application moving forward depends on three main factors:

  • Your test score, and how it stacks up against the rest of the applicant pool — which you won’t have access to
  • Your resumé and experience, and how they compare to others applying — again, impossible to know
  • Your application channel — this one you do control. Applying through a referral gives you the highest odds of getting screened in

Since two of these are black boxes, you can't know until you get an official answer. If you haven't, focus on getting referrals in any future consulting application. That alone can make the difference.

In the meantime, you can check this article I wrote on ow the McKinsey recruiting process works from the inside: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/mbb-hiring-hacks-behind-the-curtain-secrets

Best,

Alberto

Mariana
Coach
on Jul 02, 2025
Free CV evaluation | xMckinsey | 1.5h session | +200 sessions | Free 20-min introductory call

Hi there,

Hard to tell without knowing your score, seeing your CV and the pool that has applied for the same role. If you had done a good job in the Solve and has a CV that is suitable for consulting, you probably have a good chance!

Fingers crossed, feel free to reach out to HR if you don’t hear back from them in a week.

Best,

Mari 

Hagen
Coach
edited on Jul 03, 2025
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process with McKinsey thus far!

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

  • First of all, unfortunately, no one can seriously answer the question of whether or not you will proceed in the application process.
  • Moreover, I would strongly advise you to focus your energy on further case study and personal fit preparation instead of pondering whether you will proceed or not. If you applied to other consulting firms as well, your preparation won't be wasted, regardless of whether you proceed with McKinsey or not.

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 for your upcoming McKinsey interviews, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Mihir
Coach
on Jul 03, 2025
McKinsey Associate Partner and interviewer | Bulletproof MBB prep

It's hard to comment without seeing your CV and test scores. 

The % of people cut at each stage of the McKinsey application process varies by year and by office, and honestly the recruiting team don't share the data widely.

I doubt you'll get a good answer on this forum, so instead I'll just wish you good luck!

23 hrs ago
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi there, 

Honestly, it's impossible with so little information, but high level, if you applied with a referral, have a good Cv, and if you feel you performed well on the games, you're already likely within the top candidates. 

While you wait for McKinsey to contact you, it might make sense to already look at other firms and continue applying. You might find this guide helpful:


Best,
Cristian

Alessa
Coach
3 hrs ago
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | xRB | >400 coachings | feel free to schedule an intro call for free

hey!

If you've completed Solve through a referral and have a strong resume, you’re definitely in a solid position. McKinsey ME doesn’t shortlist everyone after Solve, but being invited to it is already a positive sign. They usually take 2–3 weeks to get back after Solve, so hang tight if it's still within that range. If it’s been longer, a polite follow-up to HR or your referrer is totally okay.

Let me know if you want to prep in case you’re invited!

Best,
Alessa :)

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