Which resource is best for the Bain SOVA assessment?

Question

Hi,

I have an upcoming SOVA assessment with Bain. Just wondering what the best preparation materials are for SOVA - came across 2 that was recommended - has anyone used these before?

Sova Assessment Test: Guide & Free Practice Tests (2022) (practiceaptitudetests.com)

Sova Assessment Practice: Get Full Prep 2022 (jobtestprep.co.uk)

Alternatively, what are some good ones to practise from?

Thanks

Answer 1

Hi there,

You basically just need to practice. There's no “best” resource here. It's all about practicing as many questions as you can.

All of these online tests are very similar

The best way is to really find online tests / questions and practice. Regardless as to whether is a new or old test, the principles are mostly the same:

Time management (need to think quick)
Business knowledge/context (incl key formulas)
Critical thinking (answers that are very similar to each other...clues "hidden" in the text)
Ability to interpret data/charts

Think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

Answer 2

Hey there -

Ian's answer is very much on point. I would add that you can go to the SOVA website and do some practice as well. There are more online resources that you can find by simply googling “Free SOVA assessment prep”

https://sovaassessment.com/candidate-preparation-hub/our-assessments

Best,
Eishan