Hi there,

Q: What will be a good score on McKinsey Imbellus Plant Defenses? I did the test and got 27 on level 1, 32 on level 2, and 27 on level 3. Is it good enough for me to pass the test?

It sounds like you did fine. You were above the minimum threshold in all maps.

They will also take into account your performance in the Ecosystem game and how you got to the final result. 

Additionally, they might also assess other parts of the application in terms of the screening, so overall you will still need to get a final confirmation from their side to be sure you passed.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

From what you mentioned it seems your performance was good. In the plant defense, the goal is to resist 15+ turns, there is no need to reach 50 (although the more the better).

Definitely start to prepare for interviews, as it takes quite some time to do so. You can find some tips on what to do to prepare here:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/helpjust-been-invited-for-mckinsey-1st-round-interview-for-an-analyst-role-after-passing-the-imbellus-gamedetails-9533

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

There are usually 2 cases where you don’t have to take the Imbellus:

• Your specific country is not using it yet. The game is required now in 30+ countries, but there are still some not using it, or using other tests
• You are applying for senior positions

If you want to prepare in the best possible way, you can find below the guide I created on the Imbellus:

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

This guide will:

• Tell you step-by-step how to crack all the Scenarios of the game (and not only the most common ones)
• Explain you the exact way to master the 5 Skills tested in the game
• Provide you information on the very last version of the game, and not on older versions, as I update it every few weeks

The guide also includes tips from previous candidates.

Below you can find a screenshot of the guide:

If you need additional support or have any questions on the test please feel free to PM me, I can provide additional tips for free.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

1) Do they send the Imbellus test to everyone who applies? 

It depends. In some cases they do CV pre-screening, in others (eg for candidates from some business schools) they send it to everyone.

2) Will my interviews only take place if I pass the test?

In almost all offices, yes. In some, they might assess both interviews and the test together. If that’s the case, they usually notify you when they send the test.

3) How many interviews do they conduct typically?

It might depend on the position. Normally you have two rounds. The last candidates that I helped in the UK had 2 interviews in the first round and 3 in the final.

4) What should be my approach to acing the tests and interviews? Is it possible to ace interviews with self-study prep?

Self-prep only won’t be a very efficient way to prepare. You can find some tips below on how to prepare:

▶ How to Prepare for a Consulting Interview

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In terms of prep for the Imbellus game, you can find an article on the game below with a few tips:

▶ McKinsey Problem Solving Game Article

If you want to prepare further, you can find below a video simulation with:

• 15 videos showing how to crack the Ecosystem Game in 23 minutes (instead of the recommended 35) and resist 25+ turns in the Plant Defense (instead of the minimum target of 15)
• Automated Excel with Formulas to build a food chain in the Ecosystem game in 16 minutes
• PDF guide with all the 6 games (including the Redrock Study) and how to crack each of them

You can check the video simulation at the following link (full disclosure, I am the author):

▶ McKinsey PSG Solve Video Simulation

For any other questions please feel free to PM me.

Good luck!

Francesco 

Yes, 100% you should start preparng for case interviews already!

In fact, Ideally you started prepping weeks ago.

These things can move really quickly and casing isn't easy to learn - please jump on this ASAP!

Hi there,

There are some other great Q&As on this question here:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/imbellus-test-mckinsey-5682

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-prepare-for-mckinsey-imbellus-test-6883

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mckinsey-imbellus-is-it-gono-go-6792

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mckinsey-imbellus-test-6802

(editiert)

Hi there,

Yes, it is a good score.

Now, they will assess that good score across your overall profile/application.

Fingers crossed for you!

Hi there,

1. Do they send the Imbellus test to everyone who applies ? 

Depends on the office/channel. 

Regardless, worry about things that matter and that you can control. You have the test. You have to do as well as you can in the test. Period.
2. Will my interviews only take place if I pass the test ?

Your interviews will only take place if you pass the screening. This includes, but is not limited to the test. You are assessed across a range of factors (test, background, resume, networking, office demand, etc.)

3. How many interviews do they conduct typically ?

Generally 2 rounds of 2 interviews. As always, be flexible and ready for that to not be the case.

Hi,

I wonder why you are spending time asking this question? You know you need to take it...does the rest matter? Focus your efforts/energy on things you can control and that affect you!

That being said, for most the Imbellus test is required.

Here is a good Q&A on how to effectively prepare:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mckinsey-imbellus-problem-solving-game-how-to-prepare-7096

Hi there,

There are some great prior answers here!

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/imbellus-mc-kinsey-6041

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mckinsey-imbellus-test-6802

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mckinsey-imbellus-is-it-gono-go-6792

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mckinsey-imbellus-game-7063

Hi,
it's a gamified test for which different environments are been developed. It's pretty easy and no preparation is needed: only pay attention to time and instructions. It's usually divided into 2 games and you have 1h to complete both of them (you can decide when passing to the next game).
- In the first one you are going to create a balanced ecosystem based on the rules of the environment you choose (e.g. in a mountain scenario you fix a point with certain values of elevation, humidity, wind, ... and then you have to choose animals and plants that can survive each other and in the environment).
- In the second game, you have to defend an object (usually a plant) from the enemies (usually rodents) with the help of slowers (barriers) or killers (predators). I developed some good strategies to handle it, feel free to text me.

Here the introductory McK video about it: https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/mckinsey-digital-assessment

Hope it helps,
Antonello

Hi,
it's a gamified test for which different environments are been developed. It's pretty easy and no preparation is needed: only pay attention to time and instructions. It's usually divided into 2 games and you have 1h to complete both of them (you can decide when passing to the next game).
- In the first one you are going to create a balanced ecosystem based on the rules of the environment you choose (e.g. in a mountain scenario you fix a point with certain values of elevation, humidity, wind, ... and then you have to choose animals and plants that can survive each other and in the environment).
- In the second game, you have to defend an object (usually a plant) from the enemies (usually rodents) with the help of slowers (barriers) or killers (predators). I developed some good strategies to handle it, feel free to text me.

Here the introductory McK video about it: https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/mckinsey-digital-assessment

Hope it helps,
Antonello