McKinsey JA role (london)

Hello!

Definitely worth it to do the solve. Without knowing more details - your background doesn't sound like it would disqualify you by any means. That being said, it will be crucial your resume highlights the impact you delivered in those internship roles. McK hires a wide variety of backgrounds (from academic and professional settings), and research experience is certainly valued. 

I personally didn't think I'd be considered - but niche skills or backgrounds are more common than you may think compared to traditional business backgrounds.

Hope this helps - feel free to ping as well!

Tommy

Hi!

Receiving the Solve invite already shows that your experience aligns with what they are looking for - whether you advance to the interview rounds will be based on how you perform in Solve.

For me, the answer to whether it is worth giving Solve a try is always yes; the real question is whether you're ready for it or not, to maximize your chances of getting to get into the next round. 

• If yes, go for it and start your case interview prep.
• If not, I'd try to write back to request an extension - make sure to suggest the extension timeline you're comfortable with. At the same time, prepare for Solve - there are plenty of resources online or coaches here to help with the prep.

Hope this helps - All the best!

Definitely take the Solve. They wouldn't have invited you if your profile was an automatic disqualification.

McKinsey screens resumes before sending Solve invites. If your experience was a dealbreaker, you'd have been rejected at that stage. The fact that you got invited within 24 hours suggests your profile passed their initial filter.

Your background is stronger than you think. A masters and bachelors in biochemistry with distinctions shows analytical ability. Three analytical internships plus a current research role at a startup gives you real experience to talk about. McKinsey hires from diverse backgrounds, including STEM PhDs and researchers with no traditional business experience.

At the Junior Associate level, they're not expecting years of consulting experience. They want smart, analytical people who can learn fast and think clearly. Your biochemistry background actually helps here. You already know how to work with data, test hypotheses, and solve complex problems.

Here's what might help:

Prepare properly for the Solve. It tests problem-solving and critical thinking, not business knowledge. Practice the game format so you're not surprised on the day.

If you pass the Solve, prep hard for interviews. Your stories from research and internships can work well for fit questions. Just frame them around impact, problem-solving, and working with others.

Don't disqualify yourself before they do. You got invited. That means you have a shot. Take it seriously and see how far you can go.

Good luck.

Hi there,

Yes, it is absolutely worth doing Solve, and no, you will not be disqualified just because of “less experience”.

McKinsey does not send Solve randomly. If you received it 24 hours after applying, your profile clearly passed the initial screen. Your academic background with distinctions, analytical internships, and current role already meet the bar for a Junior Associate profile in London.

If McKinsey had already decided you were too junior or too senior, you would not have received Solve in the first place. The fact that you did means your profile fits the role.

Bottom line: Take Solve seriously and give it your best shot!

That rapid 24-hour invite is an excellent signal. It means your resume—specifically your academic distinctions, degree choice, and analytical internships—immediately cleared the initial filters, which are often semi-automated or managed by screeners looking for specific patterns. If they were going to desk-reject you purely on the basis of insufficient experience, they would not have wasted the Solve invite slot.

Here is the reality for the Junior Associate track: they are hiring sharp, analytical raw talent, especially those coming straight out of strong Master’s programs. Your four months at a startup is viewed as a positive analytical proof point, not a disqualifying lack of tenure. You are competing with people fresh out of school, not post-MBA candidates. You cleared the CV gate; now the firm needs to vet your structured problem-solving ability.

Absolutely take the Solve. It is the most critical hurdle between the CV screen and the interview rounds. Focus entirely on preparing for that tool—learn the mechanics, understand the time constraints, and practice the logic flow. Do not disqualify yourself based on phantom concerns; let the process filter you if you fail the test, but go in determined to secure that interview slot.

All the best!

Hi there,
The fact that they sent you an invite within 24hrs is a huge green flag that you've passed a computer CV screen. You miss 100% of shots you don't make, so go ahead and work on the Solve.
If this goes well, you're going to be advanced to case + personal experience interview. Here, practice makes perfect, it's a skill to be trained.
Good luck in your recruiting!
Kateryna

Hello,

Yes, it’s absolutely worth doing the Solve. Getting the invitation just 24 hours after submitting your application is a positive signal and means McKinsey is actively considering your profile. They don’t send Solve invites unless you’re still in play.

For the Junior Associate role, McKinsey does not expect extensive full time experience. Your strong academic background, analytical internships, and current research role are all very relevant, especially given the problem solving focus of the role. Performance on Solve genuinely matters and can move you forward regardless of shorter work experience.

Not completing Solve would effectively end the process, whereas doing well keeps you fully in contention. Focus on preparing properly and give it your best shot.

Best,
Evelina

Hey! 

Def do it! You will not lose anything in case you dont do it well! 

Let me know if you need tips on how to prepare for the game! (: 

Alessa 

Hi there,

You should absoluatly take the test. It's not uncommon for them to consider you for a more senior/junior role based on your experiences after passing the test and HR interviews.

You should absolutely try and do your best for Solve. 

Basically, it means they have already scanned your application and considered it relevant. So assuming you have a great score on Solve you have a high chance of passing. 

Best of luck!
Cristian