Thoughts on the MBB Offer Machine? Any other resources recommended for preparation which are relatively budget friendly?

Hi,

I don't know about MBB Offer Machine tbh. 

But if you want free, you should start off with: 

1. Prep Lounge's resources: Case Interview Basics - Honestly, it's got the basic things you need. 

2. Then try https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases

Search these types of cases to ensure you cover the basics:

- Profit and loss

- Market size 

- Acquisition 

(You can see the solutions, so you can see how a structure is constructured).

3. Then try a coach out (I have a free first session)

Good luck :)

I actually joined The MBB Offer Machine, so maybe my experience helps. 

(Just a disclaimer: my experience is from about 1.5 years ago!)

So when I started, I really thought I was already 70–80% ready. I had done like 50 or 60 cases, some individual sessions with coaches, some with peers from PrepLounge and other platforms, and even had an offer from a Tier 2/3 firm. So I felt I just need some polishing before going for MBB.

But honestly, I was not ready at all.

Already in the first week or so they completely destroyed my way of doing cases. At first I was fighting it and I was a bit stubborn. But many of the things I thought I was doing well were actually very superficial. My structures looked nice on paper but they didn’t really hold against pressure. It was quite a shock in the beginning.

For maybe two or three weeks I was actually frustrated, because they kept challenging me on everything. But after some time I started to understand what they meant. It’s just a different level and not really comparable to the typical prep materials and guidance you find online. Much more logic, much more principles based, and much more pressure to explain every step clearly.

At some point it clicked for me. I could see why my earlier approach would not work reliably in McKinsey or BCG interviews.

Also, what really surprised me was the level of the coaches there. You don’t feel like you talk to some ex-associate who left after 2 years. It’s people who led teams inside MBB. You feel that immediately.

It’s not easy, and not cheap either. But if you are ready to be challenged hard and you can put your ego a bit to the side (I struggled with this at first), it’s really worth it. If you only want something “budget-friendly,” then it’s probably not the right thing. But if you really want to get into MBB, this is for sure on another level.

Hi,

I’ll be blunt: you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get into MBB.

• Pre-application: Focus on making your CV and cover letter sharp, get feedback from others; and you might wish to get a referral to increase chances a bit.
• Pre-interview: Practice extensively with peers, including in-person sessions, and use free/low-cost resources.

The MBB Offer Machine and similar programs might help some, but for most people, structured peer prep, feedback, and consistency are more than enough. 

Best of luck!

My understanding of the MBB Offer Machine, is that it is significantly expensive. Over Reddit I've read multiple comments suggesting it costed them 3000 EUR. Having said this, all the Q&A material I've seen from Sidi was of very high quality and reflected his seniority.

Regarding "budget friendly" resources. The books "hacking the case interview" (except for the part where they teach how to structure... I completely and STRONGLY disagree on that part, but everything else is correct 80-90% of the time) and "The 1% conquer your consulting case interview" (I am still reviewing, but I consider Florian to be a good coach and knowledgeable) are good books.

I also suggest Stern's MBA case book.

Finally, another great "budget friendly" resource is... a few coaching sessions with me! Modesty aside, I'm the best value-for-money option out there! ;D

P.S. Edit: Mariana's suggestion of Crafting Cases is a good one.

Hi there!

I am not familiar with it. I personally recommend Crafting Cases 7 days course and their articles as free high quality resources.

Best,

Mari

Hey there 👋
The MBB Offer Machine is a great resource, especially if you’re looking for a structured and thorough prep process. However, if you’re seeking more budget-friendly options, there are plenty of other solid resources too! 

At the end of the day, talk to the people who’ve already been through the process, get their insights, and keep practicing.

Happy to talk to you and support – I know the feeling, let’s crush it together! 💬

Best, Alessa

If you're undecided between various options, it might be worth having a chat with whoever leads each program and get a sense of them. Follow your gut on whether they are the right fit. 

Hi there,
totally understand that you're exploring different prep resources. There are definitely some great offerings out there, and using a variety of perspectives can be really valuable.

That said, if you're looking for a structured and interactive approach, we'd love for you to explore what PrepLounge has to offer. 😉

If you're just getting started, our free Case Interview Basics is a great place to build a strong foundation. It walks you through the interview format, frameworks, and how to approach problem-solving like a consultant.

We also offer a wide range of prep materials in our Shop, including guides on case solving, personal fit, and practice for online assessments.

And if you’re looking for a high-quality free option, we’d highly recommend the upcoming webinar with Kairavee. It’s a great chance to hear first-hand advice and ask questions directly.

Whatever mix of tools you decide on, we’d be happy to support you as part of your prep journey. Best of luck and feel free to reach out if you ever have questions along the way! 😊

Charlotte