Just finished my R2 with BCG and my interviewers were so pressuring and challenging me during the whole case part. Why? I felt horrible afterwards. Though, my R1 was super nice and I easily nailed it.
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Hi there,
Q: My interviewers were so pressuring and challenging me during the whole case part. Why?
The most likely reason is that it was a stress interview. It happened to me in one of my BCG final interviews as well. I thought I performed really badly, as the interviewer was constantly challenging me, but in the end, I got the offer.
Overall, it doesn’t necessarily mean you did something wrong, and you could still move forward.
Good luck!
Francesco
Hi there,
It’s completely normal to feel thrown after a tough final round. Senior interviewers (especially in R2) often intentionally challenge candidates more, not to trip you up, but to see how you think under pressure, defend your ideas, and stay composed when pushed. It doesn’t necessarily mean you did poorly — sometimes the most intense interviews are the ones that lead to offers.
Also, keep in mind: how you feel after an interview doesn’t always match how it actually went. Many candidates walk out of R2 feeling uncertain or defeated, only to get great news later.
Try to take a breath and be proud of how far you’ve come. You gave it your best — and that’s what matters most.
Feel free to reach out if you want to talk through it or prepare for next steps.
Best,
Evelina
Hi there,
Exactly — and this is by design. That pressure you’re feeling during the interview? It’s a simulation of real life at the firm. Interviewers want to see how you think, but just as importantly, how you behave when challenged.
Can you stay structured when a client pushes back?
Can you keep your cool when a partner changes direction last minute?
Can you respond, not react?
That’s what they’re looking for — not perfection, but poise under fire.
Best,
Alberto.
hi!
That’s actually quite common in R2 at BCG — they often test how you handle pressure, challenge your assumptions, and push your thinking deeper. It’s less about being “nice” and more about seeing how you react when things get tough or uncertain. It doesn’t mean you did badly at all! R2 is more about depth and senior interviewer calibration.
Totally normal to feel shaken, but don’t let that discourage you. Many strong candidates leave R2 feeling unsure and still get the offer. If you want to talk it through or prepare for next steps, I’m happy to help!
Best,
Alessa :)
Sorry to hear.
Sometimes interviewers are role-playing and want to see how you would react to clients who are more pushy. I know it doesn't feel great (it doesn't feel great when the clients do it either).
However, that doesn't mean your interview didn't go well. I also had one such interview in my McKinsey process and though that I failed it but in the end it turned out I didn't.
Hope you get good news soon!
Cristian
Why? Nobody really will know why. Maybe they did had a bad day with the client. Maybe they were trying to stress test you. Maybe they did not like you.
There could be numerous reasons why and nobody here on this forum will really know why...
Regardless of the situation if you had demonstrated the right fundamentals, you would not have to worry. So now all you have to do is wait (the most agonizing part!)
It's probably a stress-test.
I wouldn't worry about it too much. At MBB, a 'challenging' experience can be a good sign anyway.
Interviewers tend not to torture weaker candidates in interviews; if you are being put under pressure, it often means your performance to date has been good.
Hi there,
That’s a simulation of what you may face in your actual work. It doesn’t mean you did a bad job, don’t worry!
Fingers crossed 🤞
Best,
Mari
