What does “Submitted-In Progress” mean for a McKinsey Associate application?

Question

For context this is the experienced hire pipeline and I took Solve back in October of 2025 and got a high score but didn't get an interview, so I'm assuming my score is still valid.

Will I have to take Solve again since I've heard there's a new updated version?

Also, if I want to make adjustments to my office location preferences what’s the best way to go about that?

Answer 1

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

First of all, "Submitted-In Progress" simply means that your application now sits with the recruiting team and they are going through it. It is not a rejection and it is not yet an interview, so I would advise you to stay calm and not read too much into the exact wording.
Moreover, on the McKinsey Solve aspect and whether your October 2025 score still counts, it is normally valid for a year. I would still advise you to reach out to the recruiting team directly, as they are the only ones who can tell you for certain if your old score stays valid or if you must sit the new version. Also, I would advise you to reconsider whether you might want to try to get an even better score if you weren’t invited last year (which, of course, could also have been due to your application files or a weak or missing referral).
Lastly, for changing your office location preferences, the cleanest way is simply to write to the recruiting team who handles your application. However, I would strongly advise you to think about it before you do - coming off as a person who hasn't really put enough thought into an application is not necessary the image you want to bring across.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming McKinsey PEIs and case interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

hey!

Submitted‑In Progress just means your application is sitting with recruiting and hasn’t been screened yet. It doesn’t mean anything good or bad. It’s simply the default status before they decide whether to move you forward.

Your old Solve score is still valid. You don’t need to retake the new version unless the recruiter explicitly asks. McKinsey only makes people retake Solve if the score expired or if the office wants a fresh data point. If your October score was high, they will normally reuse it.

To adjust office preferences, the clean way is to email recruiting and ask them to update your locations manually. The portal won’t let you change it once the application is submitted, so you need them to do it on their side.

Alessa

Answer 3

Hi there,

Based on what you're describing the application is now submitted and being reviewed by the team.

Typically, you don't need to re-do Solve if it's within a year since you last took it. But if that is necessary, I'm sure the recruiter will let you know.

If you want to make adjustments to the location, you should contact the recruiter directly.

Fingers crossed with the application!

Best,
Cristian

Answer 4

"Submitted-In Progress" simply means your application is sitting with recruiting and has not been screened yet.

You will not have to retake Solve. Scores are valid for exactly one year. What most people get wrong is reapplying too soon. If you apply to the same office within twelve months, they will flag it.

To change your office preference now, you cannot do it yourself. You must email your recruiter or application support directly. Feel free to reach out to discuss this further.