McKinsey, US- Interviewing process

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

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 

Hi,

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

Mattijs

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

Hi there,

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

Cheers,

Florian

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

Sadly the PST is no longer in use. 

That used to be more fun. 

So now it's all Solve everywhere. 

Best,
Cristian

Hi!

Just like Francesco said, there are just the SOLVE tests:

These are the Youtubes some of my coachees have said were really helpful (I only used the Ecosystem youtube):

• Ecosystem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B--hYDUgmE
• Red rock: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO4rGtv4Tn0TQ3hW_Y8PDh81oGYPIqCqV 

Good luck!

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

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

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