Hello,
I received a McKinsey game invite, and it says "approximately 95 minutes". Which games can I get? Red Rock, Seawolf, and Sustainability together make up 85 minutes, so I'm confused about the extra 10 minutes. The instruction times are listed separately in the email. Please clarify whether someone has experienced a fourth game or if McKinsey has stretched the time of one of the games.
The 95 minutes most likely includes a buffer for setup, instructions, and moving between modules. It does not mean there is a fourth game.
You should prepare for the three standard modules:
The active game time is usually about 85 minutes in total. McKinsey likely asks you to block 95 minutes so you have enough uninterrupted time for the full process
Hi,
That is indeed unusual. Typically, the invitation indicates either 65 or 85 minutes, depending on whether the Sustainable Futures Lab assessment is included. I am not aware of any additional assessment that could take up the remaining 10 minutes.
My best guess is that they added a ten-minute buffer for transitions between the different assessments, so that you reserve enough time in your calendar.
Best,
Franco
Hi there,
The best thing you can do is prepare for ALL the games and come in flexible.
Go through the best online simulation tests so that you have practised the current formats properly. There might be a fourth new game. Great! It will be new for everyone, and it gives you another opportunity to showcase your problem solving skills.
Do not burn energy trying to reverse engineer the 95 minute window. Prepare for everything you know, then be ready to adapt to anything you do not.
Message me if you want a discount code for the top McKinsey Imbellus simulations.
Good luck!
Hi there,
First of all, congratulations on the invitation from McKinsey!
I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:
If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming McKinsey Solve pre-interview assessment and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.
Best,
Hagen
Did you receive an additional game or it was the usual package? (i.e., Redrock, Seawold and sustainable futures lab)
Hi,
I just finished Solve for today (Middle East). I wouldn't worry about another game, in my email it said 85min plus preparation 20min.
Which position did you apply for?
hey there :)
The “approximately 95 minutes” usually includes the time for instructions, transitions and setup, not necessarily another game. So I wouldn’t assume you’ll get a fourth game just because the three games themselves add up to around 85 minutes.
If your email explicitly lists Red Rock, Seawolf and Sustainable Futures Lab, I’d prepare for those three and treat the additional time as buffer. McKinsey can also slightly adjust timings between versions of the assessment.
If you want, feel free to reach out and I can also help you prepare specifically for the three games. Best, Alessa :)
Watch out, there is a new, updated version of Sustainable Future Labs that lasts 30 minutes!
It has a much more complex interface. The prepping platforms are behind, still reflecting the 20-minute, text-only format.
Also goes to show how the coaches here may be a little out of touch...
I found it quite challenging. What takes some doing is getting used to the interface and learning how to navigate between researchers and work stations. The most maddening part was having to rate the researchers' level of confidence after each day of work after you had likely already forgotten how helpful/reassuring the advice you gave them really was.
Contrary to RR and SW, running out of time is a real concern here. Skim text hard.
