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Sova Bain: what is more valuable - timing or accuracy?

What is better: 
a) Scoring 80% on the Sova test at Bain in 120 minutes 
or 
b) Scoring 60% in 75 minutes?

Context: I'm taking the Sova test tomorrow and I notice that I am able to solve some questions much more than 40-45 seconds.

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Top answer
David
Coach
on Jan 07, 2024
Case Coach | Bain & Company | PwC M&A Deals Advisory | INSEAD MBA | SG & SEA

Hi there,

I would not think like this. I would see what is the allocated time per question. I will make sure to solve the questions I am certain within the allocated time. I will quickly make an educated guess for the questions I am not sure and quickly move on. Thank you and hope it helps.

 

Cheers,

David

Florian
Coach
on Jan 08, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

This is a neither/nor answer. You need to be both fast and accurate.

Be careful. The benefit of having no set time limit is actually a disadvantage for most candidates as they don't know how to work with that. It is much simpler if you know how long you can take and execute within that timeframe.

Having designed a guide for the test as well as several practice tests (+ working with my clients for it), the clear answer is you need to be both fast and accurate.

I would approach the test with the time limit in mind and divide the recommended time by the number of questions and add 10% on top as the personal time limit.

All the best,

Florian

on Jan 08, 2024
#1 Rated & Awarded McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi Zhan!

Finishing overall in a shorter time is not going to earn you more points. 

I recommend you proceed with an 80% confidence level for each question, taking as much time as you need to reach that confidence level. Accuracy is more important than speed in these tests. 

Best,
Cristian

Ian
Coach
on Jan 07, 2024
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi Zhan,

The questions you can answer in 40-45 seconds should be answered in 40-45 seconds!

Then, with that “extra” time, use that for your harder questions :)

You do *not* have to sit on a question if it is a quick one.