I received positive feedback from the Solve game today after 5 weeks, but I wasn't called for R1.
"We would like to inform you that we have received the results of your Solve - Digital Assessment, our Digital Assessment, which is valid for 1 year. Your application will be considered for the next selection process for the Business Analyst position. We will contact you as soon as we have more information about the next steps."
Is this the standard pre-R1 email?
not the standard pass email, no. the standard one explicitly invites you to R1 interviews. yours is a waitlist / deferral.
you passed the Solve - that's the "valid for 1 year" part. but the office isnt moving you to interviews right now. "next selection process" usually means either:
the good news: you passed the test and dont have to retake it. the bad news: no guarantee they actually call you for that "next process."
what you should do:
dont just sit and wait. this email often means "maybe but probably not." reach out to your recruiter in 2-3 weeks if you havent heard anything. ask directly if theres a specific timeline for the next selection process or if theres any feedback on your full application.
also apply to other offices if you can. Solve scores sometimes transfer across regions depending on the office, and even if they dont, you're better off having multiple shots than waiting on a "maybe."
and keep networking. if you have any contacts at the office, a casual check-in cant hurt. sometimes that nudges stagnant applications.
This is good news. You passed the Solve game. Let me set the right expectations though.
You're in the pipeline. They just don't have an interview slot yet.
This is a standard email McKinsey sends when you clear the assessment but they don't have an immediate interview batch scheduled. Many offices don't interview on a rolling basis. They collect a pool of candidates who passed and schedule R1 interviews together. Five weeks of waiting is normal. Some people wait longer.
Don't just sit and wait
If you have a recruiter contact, send a short note. Something like "Thank you for the update. I'm excited about the opportunity and look forward to next steps." Keep it brief.
Start prepping for R1 now. The call could come in two weeks or two months. You don't want to be caught off guard. Focus on case practice and your personal experience stories.
Watch the one year clock
"Valid for 1 year" means if they don't move forward within a year, you'd retake the assessment. Don't assume silence means rejection. But if you hear nothing for 3 to 4 months, send a polite follow up asking for a timeline.
You're through the first filter. Now be ready when the call comes.
That's a completely fair question, and I know receiving an email like that can be a bit confusing, especially after putting in the effort on the Solve game.
This is indeed a fairly standard communication when you've successfully passed the Solve assessment but aren't immediately moved forward to Round 1 interviews. A positive Solve result is a huge win—it means you've cleared a significant initial hurdle and demonstrated the required aptitude. However, moving to interviews depends on more than just that.
The reality is that the number of R1 invitations issued is always tied to available headcount, the specific recruiting cycle's needs, and the overall strength of the current candidate pool for your target office. Sometimes, a firm simply doesn't have enough immediate slots for everyone who passes the Solve, even if you're a very strong candidate. They often "bank" qualified Solve results like yours.
The great news is that your result is valid for a full year, so you won't need to retake it. This means you'll be considered for future recruiting processes within that timeframe. Keep an eye out for new openings or different roles that might align, as this keeps you in their system.
Hope it clarifies things!
Congrats on getting this email! It means you have a good profile that will be considered, which is a big win!
Based on hiring patterns, number of applicants and how the location of McKinsey wishes to spread out their recruitment efforts and timelines they will slot candidates in over a longer duration - so you might need to simply be patient on this one as to when you start the interview process.
I'm sorry to hear.
They might've already filled their planned R1 interview spots so they're deferring you to the next cycle.
You can only wait at this point. And, very importantly, apply to other firms.
Best,
Cristian
Hi there,
This means you're application has been deferred to the next round. It may not be the answer you wanted to hear, but the upside is that you are good enough for them to want to consider you once there is availability at the firm.
Yes, this is a standard message. It means you passed Solve and your score is valid for one year, but they are not scheduling R1 immediately.
McKinsey often runs interviews in waves depending on office demand and hiring needs. So you are essentially in the “qualified pool” and they will invite you once the next interview batch starts.
This is positive, not a rejection. The key now is to stay prepared and patient. If you do not hear anything for a few weeks, a short and polite check in with recruiting is fine.
Alessa
