Assessment Question

Hi there,

TestGorilla is one of the newer online assessments Bain uses for screening, and it’s designed to test multiple dimensions – typically numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, logical reasoning, and sometimes situational judgment. A few points that might help:

1. Scoring

• The results are not usually “scored incorrectly” – the system is automated. However, percentile scores can sometimes look surprising if you misinterpreted the question format early on (e.g., running out of time, not being used to the interface).
• The important thing is not perfection in every section, but demonstrating an overall strong ability.

2. Section minimums

• Bain typically looks at the overall performance across sections. It’s not usually a hard cutoff per section, but if you’re in very low percentiles in two areas, it can raise a concern. That said, a top 2% and top 5% in other sections also show you have very strong aptitude, which can offset weaker areas.

3. Weight for non-traditional backgrounds

• Bain uses TestGorilla consistently across applicants as an objective measure, but they do consider your overall profile (academics, professional experience, referrals).
• Coming from a non-traditional background, the test can weigh more heavily since it’s a standardized way to compare across applicants.

4. What this means for you

• If you haven’t heard back yet, don’t assume rejection – sometimes Bain takes a couple of weeks to process results.
• Even if you don’t pass this time, you can absolutely reapply in future cycles or target other firms. Different firms weigh assessments differently (for example, BCG has an online case style test, McKinsey uses Solve/Imbellus, and others don’t use such tests at all). 

5. Action plan

• If Bain doesn’t move you forward, don’t get discouraged – your strong scores in some areas show real potential. With focused practice (e.g., GMAT-style quant/verbal prep, SHL/PSL reasoning tests), you can lift your weaker areas quickly.
• Apply broadly – McKinsey, BCG, and Tier-2 firms, since assessments differ.
• If you’re set on Bain, reapply in the next cycle with better preparation and potentially a referral to strengthen your case.

Happy to suggest resources for online tests (McKinsey, BCG etc.) that have worked for other candidates – feel free to reach out.
 

Best,

Evelina

The cutoff points tend to differ between firms, offices, roles and sometimes recruitment cycles, which means that it's impossible to tell from this side of the fence whether it's a pass or not. 

You can hope it works, and in the meantime get going on other applications. That's the only thing that you can control for now. 

You might want to go for a broader application strategy that optimises for each stage in the application funnel. I explain it here in more detail:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Hey there :)

Congrats on getting through the Bain process so far! TestGorilla is usually one part of the initial screening, and Bain looks at the full picture: your CV, background, and test performance. There’s no fixed “minimum per section” that’s publicly shared, but very low scores in some areas can indeed hurt, even if you did very well in others. The test is unlikely to be “scored incorrectly,” it’s automated, so the results you see are the ones Bain sees.

That said, Bain doesn’t weigh everyone the same way. They do consider your academic and professional background, so a strong pharma/science profile can help balance things out. Still, if two sections were very low, chances are higher that you won’t progress with this application, but it doesn’t mean consulting is closed for you. You can apply to other firms, or even to Bain again after the usual waiting period.

Don’t be discouraged, many people stumble on these first assessments and still break into consulting later with more prep and practice.

best,
Alessa :)