Failed McKinsey Solve game. What should I do next?

Question

I have prepared quiet well for the game but unfortunately still lost my way into the second part. I don't know how it happened but I just got shockingly stumped with the amount of data provided in the cases and didn't even have time to complete the last case. I failed pretty miserably unfortunately. I was surprised to hear from the recruiter immediately the day after. She had a quick morning call with me to let me know I failed the test, however, I could still apply for a full-time role (I only applied for an internship) in the next 3 months.

I'm demotivated to do that honestly since I couldn't pass even the first and arguably easiest hurdle.

What should I do now? Any advice will be deeply appreciated!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Sorry to hear!

The info from the recruiter sounds a bit strange.

The thing is, usually there's a 12-month application ban after a failed internship application. They also keep the Solve score valid for 12 months so it's unlikely you can retake the test for the full-time application should you follow her timeline.

I would contact her again and ask about the validity of the result and also if you could re-take the test already in 3 months. If yes, go for it and improve on the parts you failed (ideally with a coach and/or a simulation). If not, I would wait 12 months until the result is erased to try again.

All the best,

Florian

Answer 2

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about the rejection from McKinsey!

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

First of all, I would advise you to clarify with the recruiter whether you may retake the McKinsey Solve in 3 months or not. If not, there would be no meaning in applying since the McKinsey Solve result is typically valid for 12 months.
However, if you are able to retake the McKinsey Solve as well in 3 months, I’d be more than happy to prepare you thoroughly for it, so that you would pass in any case.

You can find more on this topic here: How to deal with a rejection from a consulting company.

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

Best,

Hagen

Answer 3

Did she tell you explicitly that you failed the test?

That is a bit odd, since the test is evaluated in conjunction with the rest of the application. Typically they do not provide you with specific feedback on why they do not move on with the application.