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McKinsey, US- Interviewing process

Hi,

Has anyone (recently interviewing at McKinsey) had to do a PST assessment or Solve as part of the McKinsey screen for round 1 ?

 It used to be that PST assessment was used in the screening process, but now the McKinsey website only talks about the gamified assessment Solve, and I'm trying to figure out which one is actually most recent and worth prepping?

Anyone with recent experience (2025) with McKinsey, please help :) 

Does it matter if you're experienced hire vs recent graduate? 

 

thanks!

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Top answer
Hagen
Coach
edited on Apr 14, 2025
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

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

  • McKinsey has fully transitioned to the gamified McKinsey Solve pre-interview assessment in all regions, and the McKinsey PST is no longer in use.

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 pre-interview assessment and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

on Apr 13, 2025
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Has anyone (recently interviewing at McKinsey) had to do a PST assessment or Solve as part of the McKinsey screen for round 1?

McKinsey has been using only the Solve game (also called PSG - Problem Solving Game) for several years. The PST (Problem Solving Test - the multiple-choice test with 26 questions) is no longer in use.

The current version of Solve (2025) includes three games:

  1. Ecosystem Management (35 minutes) - You need to find 8 species to build a food chain and the right location for them to survive
  2. Redrock Study (35 minutes) - You need to collect relevant information and answer questions based on the information provided about a natural environment
  3. Sea Wolf (30 minutes) - You need to select 3 microbes to cleanse the ocean in 3 different sites

If you want to prepare, you can find a course covering all the games at the link below (full disclosure, I am the author):

McKinsey PSG Solve Combo Guide

For any questions about the game please feel free to PM me.

Good luck!

Francesco 

Anonymous A
on Apr 13, 2025
Got it! Thanks so much for your response and for the links!
Mattijs
Coach
on Apr 14, 2025
Free 15m intro call | First session -50% | Bain| Hiring team | 250+ successful candidates

Hi,

Today, the PST is not used anymore. PSG is the only online test used across the McKinsey US offices.

Mattijs

Alessa
Coach
on Apr 18, 2025
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free

Hey there,

In 2025, McKinsey has indeed shifted towards using the Solve assessment, especially for the screening process in the first round, replacing the older PST assessment. This gamified assessment is a key part of their new process, so I’d recommend focusing your prep on Solve.

For experienced hires, the process is typically similar, but it may vary slightly depending on the role. The focus is still on problem-solving and critical thinking, but they may look at your previous experience more closely.

Feel free to reach out if you want any coaching or tips for the Solve assessment!

Best regards,
Alessa

Florian
Coach
on Apr 14, 2025
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

McKinsey is not using the PST anymore since 2021 - it's all Solve Game since then.

Cheers,

Florian

Pedro
Coach
on Apr 14, 2025
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

At this point in time, only Solve is being used. You can ignore the PST for now.

on Apr 15, 2025
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Sadly the PST is no longer in use. 

That used to be more fun. 

So now it's all Solve everywhere. 

Best,
Cristian

on Apr 14, 2025
1st session -50% | Ex-McKinsey, Ex-Coca-Cola Strategy |Offical McKinsey Case Coach | +250 coaching sessions
Han
Coach
on Apr 13, 2025
Ex-Mckinsey EM| Experienced round 1 interviewer | Free 15mins intro call

Hi there, 

 

As far as I am aware, Solve game has mostly replaced PST (at least in US). It also only applies to "new grads" (e.g., BA, MBA). For experienced hire, it is typically skipped too. 

Good luck!

Han

Anonymous A
on Apr 14, 2025
thank you!
this is very helpful!
Do you know if it's skipped for experienced hires applying for Associate role /strategy?
I think that it would make sense to skip for a technical/specialized roles.
Thanks!
Alberto
Coach
on Apr 16, 2025
Ex-McKinsey AP | Professional MBB Coach | +13yrs experience | +2,000 real interviews | +150 offers

You’ll be doing the McKinsey Solve game—formerly known as the Problem-Solving Game.

The PST was officially phased out over three years ago.

Best,

Alberto

Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: FastFashion - Customer Loyalty

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