Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

McKinsey SSBA Tips

Hi all, I'm a rising sophomore from a non-target T30 school in the U.S. I have prior work experience in software and limited consulting experience with my school's consulting club, but did not expect to make it to interviews.

 

Now that I have the R1 interview secured, how can I best prepare for and maximize this opportunity (outside of grinding cases)?

3
< 100
0
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Mariana
Coach
4 hrs ago
Free CV evaluation | xMckinsey | 1.5h session | +200 sessions | Free 20-min introductory call

Hello there!

First of all, congratulations on advancing for the interview round!

I suggest you to understand the basics of every step of the case (case opening, structuring, math, exhibits reading, brainstorm), how to communicate properly during the case and how to craft your stories for the behavioral interview. You can find good YouTube videos about each part of it, and Crafting Cases has also a nice 7day free course (may be a bit overwhelming if you have never done a case before). If you need to prioritize due to the short time until interview, go for structuring and math.

Happy to support you with a detailed coaching session regarding how to tackle each part of the case and / or a behavioral session to make sure you convey your best self in the PEI assessment!

Good luck!

Mari

Mihir
Coach
2 hrs ago
McKinsey Associate Partner and interviewer | Bulletproof MBB prep

Hi,

In addition to what has already been shared, I would suggest asking your recruiter if it’s possible to postpone your interviews (even if just for a couple of weeks) to give you extra time to prepare. Learning to do cases well at very short notice is challenging.

If it’s for a summer internship position this may not be possible but worth checking.

Best of luck.

Sarah
Coach
edited on Jun 30, 2025
Ex-McKinsey EM in London, foreign student with no prior consulting internship experience

Congrats on the interview! Given that it sounds like the interview date has been scheduled and you don't have much time to work with, i would suggest the following (in order)

1. Understand the concept of issue tree and how to make it MECE - there should be plenty of resources online on this 

2. Familiarise yourself with common frameworks and its drivers (P&L, Victor Cheng's business situation framework)

3. Watch mock interviews to understand what good AND bad looks like 

I would then prioritise working on structuring > math > exhibits

Working with a coach will also greatly accelerate this process - feel free to reach out if you would like some support

Similar Questions
Consulting
Will We Know McK PEI Theme Ahead of Time?
on Jun 24, 2025
USA
7
100+
Top answer by
Thabang
Coach
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | McKinsey Top Coach & Interviewer | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)
4
7 Answers
100+ Views
+4
Consulting
Follow-Up Note After McK Interview
on Jun 26, 2025
USA
6
100+
Top answer by
Evelina
Coach
EY-Parthenon (7 years) l BCG offer holder l 97% success rate l 30% off first session l free 15' intro call l LBS
4
6 Answers
100+ Views
+3
Consulting
McKinsey First to Second Round Process and Prep
on May 31, 2025
USA
6
500+
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience
17
6 Answers
500+ Views
+3