Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!

Anonymous A

on Apr 30, 2021

Global

What did your Imbellus test results consist of? Only a score or more?

I sat the Imbellus / McKinsey Problem Solving Game as part of the application for an event they are organizing. I was informed of the outcome of that application, but did not receive the results of the Game (about a month later).

I asked for the results, and now got a score (numbers), but nothing else. Is this normal?

For those of you who sat the Problem solving Game and received the results, what did it consist of? Only digits or more, like an assessment etc.??

5.8k

Be the first to answer!

Nobody has responded to this question yet.

Top answer

Anonymous B

edited on Apr 30, 2021

Hi Anonymous, I am glad that you appeared for PSG. I cannot help you with your question as I am yet to give it but if I may ask can you share your experience with Imbellus? And about the process? Was imbellus a filter for your interview or it was only an addition to your application and your CV was already considered for next rounds when you received the game link?

Thanks a lot

2 comments

Anonymous A

on Apr 30, 2021

Hi Anonymoua B, well, we needed to submit an application & CV/ resume for a networking event. After applying, I received an email asking to sit the PSG. I do not know whether McK had applied a CV screening, so whether only some candidates who had applied received it or all, but i think all did, because it was mentioned on the page for the event that you'd be asked to sit the PSG after applying & that your application would only be considered if you did. Then I received the results for the application (not selected), but no feedback as to why was or could be provided due to the number of applicants (understandable). What surprised me is that the results of the test were also not provided, which i'd think is normal when you ask someone to sit a test, hence my question. My experience with the Game itself was very much so in line with what other members have shared here, so i won't enter into repetition: Ecosystem game & Plant Defence. Fun, intense re the time aspect, yet overall I found it a good representation of the skills tested for consulting: problem-solving, breaking down problems in smaller parts, testing hypotheses and working them through structurally, itenariting and tweaking your hypotheses as you go (Plant Defense). I found it intense AND enjoyable!

Anonymous F

on Feb 03, 2023

How soon did they ask you to complete the imbellus game after you applied? How many days?

Ian

Coach

on Apr 30, 2021

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

Hi there,

I'm actually surprised they gave you a number! That said, it's really not worth interpreting. There's a reason they haven't given you any more information!

If you passed the exam, well done! If you didn't, Francesco has an excellent guide here that you should use next time!

https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/mckinsey-imbellus-game-secrets-48

1 comment

Anonymous A

on Apr 30, 2021

Thank you for your response, Ian. It seems that i already received a lot! =) Personally, I think it would have been helpful to receive scores per the 5 items on which you are scored. That could help with self-reflection as you could see on which items you scored higher etc. and where work is necessary. But it indeed seems 'policy' that 'not much' is disclosed. If anyone did receive a score scale (X out of Y; X/Y) I would still welcome hearing from them. If anyone did receive a proper assessment, I'd find that worth knowing. Thank you!

Francesco

Coach

on May 01, 2021

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

Hi there,

I personally had chats with 100+ candidates that took the Imbellus and there was one single case where the candidate received a score. I am not sure if it was a mistake of HR or something that applied to a particular office. In any case, also in that case there was no grading system, so the score was pretty useless.

In all the other cases, candidates did not receive particular results and only got information on whether the test was a pass or not.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

1 comment

Anonymous A

on May 01, 2021

Thank you, Fransesco! This is very helpful, your answer substantiated with data. That, together with the previous responses, brings it home that it is already unusual to have received a 'number' (after I asked), but it becomes clear that it is probably intentional not to provide information that gives insight into the testing system etc,. It helps me to know that, so 'thank you' to each of you!

Florian

Coach

on Apr 30, 2021

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

Hey there,

Usually, McKinsey does not share the results of the PSG at all. There are two reasons:

Generally, they are very secretive about the game and try to keep as much about the internal workings it away from prospective candidates
You would not be able to interpret the result on a higher-level (as you just saw for yourself)

Cheers,

Florian

8 comments

Anonymous A

on Apr 30, 2021

Thank you for sharing that the experience that i had is normal, Florian. Are you saying that everyone who know they passed only received a 'pass or fail' or does anyone happened to have received an actual score or score scale?

Anonymous C

on Mar 18, 2022

If you don’t mind sharing can I know how much you got? I reached out about my game results and was also given a score without any context (I don’t even know if I passed or not). My application results should come out end of the month but I would love to know if my scores can actually help me. I was told I got 510. I’m not even sure out of what?

on Apr 15, 2022

Hi Anonymous C,

I got a score of 540, no further information was given to me. Did they get back to you if you passed or not, happy to connect with you

Anonymous D

on Nov 17, 2022

Hi There! I also got a numeric score when I messaged after 2 weeks: 512. Did anyone in this thread get a "pass" ? I'm trying to link the numer to the outcome but there arent many people sharing scores.

Anonymous E

on Dec 07, 2022

Hi Anonymous D, I also got a score around 500. Have you been able to interept it in any way? Have you asked if it is considered a pass?

Marie

on Dec 20, 2022

I just received around 500. Did the others in this chain pass and go on to the next round?

rahul

on Jan 18, 2023

Hey, Any view on passing score. I got around 500 as well. Thks,

sara

on Mar 07, 2023

Would any of you who have posted scores mind sharing the outcomes of your interviews?

Clara

Coach

on Apr 30, 2021

McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

So sorry to hear that.

Honestly I am surprised they even gave you a score, usually is just a go/no go. Just out of curiosity, did they give any feedback with it, or just the number?

Cheers,

Clara

1 comment

Anonymous A

on May 01, 2021

Hi Clara! They had indicated that due to high volumes of applicants they could not provide individual feedback or assessment, which I find understandable. It was purely the score, but as I read all your helpful responses, I realize that even that is unusual. I cannot interpret it in anyway, but it seems that that may be the intention ;).

Anonymous G

on Oct 06, 2023

Hey , they gave me a score too without any context - I got a score of 400. Not sure what it’s out of what it means- do you mind sharing yours ?

1 comment

Anonymous H

on Jan 16, 2024

Just today i got a score of 531. But did not pass to the next stage due to some reason (i was invited to join the KIT program). Anyone who got that kind of score was invited to interviews? Best r!