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Redrock case study - use of calculator

Hi All,

I have purchased Mconsulting's mocks to prepare for Redrock study, however using test calculator on screen is slowing me down, I find using a calculator or excel much easier. Will it be okay if I do most calculations outside of the test window and just type in the answer in the calculator so it records the answers to be able to drag them?

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Top answer
Florian
Coach
on Feb 05, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

That is a common problem even during the actual test since the interface is quite slow and laggy.

I have talked to clients who passed and used Excel and others who used the on-screen calculator. The reality is that no one knows exactly how the usage of the calculator is assessed, yet McKinsey evaluates a process score based on your inputs (understanding why and how you arrived at your conclusion).

To make sure you are not leaving any observation points and scoring criteria on the table, I am inclined to say: Go with the on-screen device.

All the best for your Solve!

Cheers,

Florian

on Feb 05, 2024
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

There have been a couple of other candidates asking this question (search the Q&A). 

In short, it's unclear whether McK assesses your use of the on-screen calculator. So if you're more risk averse, I'd recommend you use what they provide rather than external sources. 

Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Cristian

on Feb 06, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Will it be okay if I do most calculations outside of the test window and just type in the answer in the calculator so it records the answers to be able to drag them?

If you are not running out of time, I would recommend using the embedded calculator for the following reasons:

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

If you are running out of time, I would recommend switching to the option that is the fastest for you.

Good luck!

Francesco

Alberto
Coach
on Feb 06, 2024
Ex-McKinsey AP | Professional MBB Coach | +13yrs experience | +2,000 real interviews | +150 offers

Hi there,

To avoid risks I suggest you use the on-screen calculator.

Best,

Alberto

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Ian
Coach
on Feb 06, 2024
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

It's a bit of a balancing act. If it's really materially slowing you down, then use paper/calculator/excel. If it's 10-20% slower? Use on-screen.

Importantly, make sure you still put the key calculations in, so that your logic/process is tracked.

Pedro
Coach
on Mar 05, 2024
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

I suggest you keep using the on-screen calculator unless that prevents you from completing the test on time.

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