Rounds in McKinsey

Each interview is assessed independently. Completing the first doesn't automatically move you to the second.

Round structure

• First round: 2 interviews, typically back-to-back on the same day
• Final round: 2 more interviews, same format but led by Partners

What "same round" actually means

Grouping them into "first round" and "final round" describes the stage, not the gate. Each interviewer submits their own assessment separately. Multiple interviewers exist to confirm consistency, not to fill a slot.

Practical implication

Treat each interview as if it's the only one that decides your outcome. For that interviewer, it is.

hi! 

I can tell you that each interview has its own independent assessment. Even if two interviews are labeled as the same “round,” you are evaluated after every single one, and you do not automatically move to the next just because they belong to the same stage. You typically need a clear pass in each interview to continue.

best,
Alessa :)

Hello! 

At McKinsey, even if interviews are grouped into “Round 1” and “Final Round,” each individual interview is assessed independently.

So no — you do not automatically move to the second interview after completing the first one, even if both are part of the same round.

How it typically works:

• You complete all interviews within that round (e.g., 2 interviews in R1)
• Afterward, interviewers calibrate together
• The decision is based on the combined evaluation, not just one interview

Each interview has its own scoring across:

• Problem solving
• Quantitative skills
• Communication
• Personal Experience Interview (PEI)

Strong performance in one interview can sometimes offset a weaker one — but consistency matters.

Bottom line: treat every single interview as decisive.

As a coach, I’m here to help you — we can prepare you to deliver consistent, high-quality performance across all four interviews so you maximize your chances of progressing smoothly through both rounds.

Hi there,

At McKinsey, even when interviews are grouped into “Round 1” and “Final Round,” each individual interview is assessed separately.

So if you have two interviews in the first round, you don’t automatically move from the first to the second just because they’re scheduled together. Both interviewers submit independent evaluations, and the decision to advance is made after reviewing all feedback from that round.

In practice, though, since they’re scheduled back-to-back, you’ll complete both interviews before any decision is made. They won’t cancel the second one mid-day unless something very unusual happens.

Think of each interview as a standalone assessment, even if they’re grouped administratively.

Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out

Best
Evelina

Once you complete the first interview of the first round, you will also do the second interview of the first round. Once the round is complete, then they assess whether to invite you to the second round. 

In short - you complete each round. 

And congrats on approaching the interviews. If you need help with McKinsey specific prep, reach out - that's what I focus on.

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

Great question.

In the first round, you typically complete both cases. There are multiple scenarios designed to evaluate you from different angles, and each case is scored separately. You’ll work through all of them before receiving feedback and moving on to the final round.

Best of luck!

Hi there,

Yes, once you complete the 1st, you automatically do the 2nd as both 1st and 2nd interviews belong to the first round.

That's a really common question, and it's easy to get confused by how firms like McKinsey structure their interview days and rounds.

Here's the reality: while you might have two interviews scheduled back-to-back, or on the same "early round" day, each interview is always its own distinct assessment. There's no automatic progression from the first to the second, even if they're considered part of the same "round." After your first interview, the interviewer will provide their feedback, and a quick decision is made internally before you're moved forward to the next one that day. Sometimes, all first-round interviews are completed and then reviewed as a batch before decisions are made about the final round.

So, while the firm aims to make the process efficient, assume every single interview is a new opportunity to impress and an individual hurdle to clear. Focus on bringing your A-game to each conversation, treating it as if it's the only one you'll have that day.

Hope it helps clarify things! Best of luck.

Each interview has its own assessment, but they are usually scheduled back to back on the same day.

Here is how it typically works. R1 has two interviews, often done the same day or within a short window. Both interviewers submit their evaluations independently. After both are complete, the recruiting team reviews the combined feedback to decide if you move to the final round.

So you will do both R1 interviews regardless. They don't stop you after the first one. But both assessments matter. If you do well on one and poorly on the other, that is a problem. You need solid performance across both.

Same applies for the final round. Two more interviews, both assessed, combined decision.

What this means for your prep

Treat each interview as its own hurdle. Don't relax after the first one goes well. Stay sharp for the second.

If you have both R1 interviews on the same day, manage your energy. The second interviewer doesn't know or care how the first one went. Show up fresh.

Feel free to reach out if you want help preparing.