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

Question about McKinsey Redrock calculator?

So this onscreen calculator seems like a waste of screen space. If I just calculate things on paper and input the numbers, will I be penalized on “process score”? It just seems impossible to do the calculations on their onscreen calculator while being fast enough to finish the test.

3
700+
8
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Sep 27, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

If it were me? I would do it all on paper, BUT quickly input key/final calcs into the on screen calculator.

That's for 2 reasons:

  1. To show the logic/thinking (so they can see)
  2. To have the #s as options to drag-and-drop as the test progresses
on Sep 27, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: If I just calculate things on paper and input the numbers, will I be penalized on “process score”?

Unless you are running out of time, I would recommend using the calculator within the game. This because:

  1. Using only an external one might impact the process score.
  2. There could be issues with the approximation of the numbers if you use an external one.

Good luck!

Francesco

on Sep 27, 2023
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi there!

Honestly, it's quite unclear how using the internal calculator contributes to the process score. If you're good on time, it's best to use it, otherwise, manage time by alternating with the external one. 

Don't overthink it though. At the end of the day, you can only cognitively control so many things at the same time, so you don't want too much of your focus to go on this. 

Best,
Cristian

———————————————

Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies  

Similar Questions
Consulting
"Why intern and not full-time?"
on Jul 24, 2024
Global
5
1.5k
24
5 Answers
1.5k Views
Consulting
JOB APPLICATION
on Aug 19, 2024
Global
5
1.3k
73
5 Answers
1.3k Views
Consulting
Any MBB offers after maths mistakes?
on Aug 22, 2024
Global
6
1.8k
74
6 Answers
1.8k Views
Consulting
What do they look in a candidate?
on Aug 24, 2024
Global
5
2.3k
65
5 Answers
2.3k Views
Consulting
Pursue Master’s or Try for MBB Without It?
on Sep 17, 2024
Global
6
1.3k
63
6 Answers
1.3k Views
Show more