Cognitive Test @ BCG / Interview Round 1

Question

Dear all,

I am currently preparing for my Job interview at BCG. Besides the Personal Fit and the Case Interview BCG Germany introduced a digital cognitive test in the very beginning of the interview to test the verbal, logical and numerical abilities of the candidates. Has anyone here done this test before and can share some advice on how to best prepare for it?

Thanks a lot in advance, Clara

Answer 1

Hi Clara,

This is super new. The good news is that the exercises they offer are similar to those of most firms.

I can share a few practice examples if helpful. Do reach out.

You might find this guide also helpful since it includes all the typical terms that show up in these tests and later in the interview:

Expert Guide: The Must-Know Consulting Terms for Interviews

Best,
Cristian

Answer 2

Hi Clara,

I know it sounds like generic feedback, but I promise it's not - practice any and all cognitive tests you can find online! GMAT/GRE, cognitive tests for the other consultancies, etc.

It's all the same skillset - the more you practice problems (reviewing their answers), the more prepared you will be.

Answer 3

Hi there,

The test is very similar to the Bain SOVA, with the main difference being that the questions are not as difficult. Then again you have 80 questions to solve in 30 minutes which is obviously not possible.

They want to see how far you can get without being able to use AI tools to help you. Knowing this:

be mindful that you cannot finish it / don't panic
keep a steady pace and go through questions (move on when you get stuck)
keep a calculator handy
practice with GMAT questions and Bain SOVA question banks

All the best,

Florian

Answer 4

Typically GMAT type of preparation (and doing the other verbal/logical tests from other consulting companies) tend to be the best preparation, particularly if you are dealing with a new format.