Advice for BCG Study Plan | Interview/Online Case

I would say to not straightaway assume that you have the green light. If there was a green light - the language in both communications would have been consistent.

From what I know about the ME recruiting process - generally the interviews start within 2-4 days after your online assessment.

Thus I would recommend to focus on both elements - case and online case.

However, would recommend you put more focus on the case interview component since that has more variability and is generally more challenging.

I can help you out with demystifying the online case - it is not terribly difficult - even if you have been out of touch from casing.

Hey there,

Congrats first of all!

1. Not entirely clear. Some offices run both in combination, others use the online case as a single screening device.
2. Depends on your timeframe. Be aware that the skills needed for the online case are exactly the same as for the case interview itself. Reach out and I can give you a general prep plan that you can tailor to your needs
3. See answer 2. Only choose coaches with a BCG background
4. No, since both will happen in short succession and the skills are the same

All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

Hi Sabrina,

Congratulations!

Should I assume I have the greenlight (that I will get interviewed)?

Yes and no. Plan/hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. You may not get interviewed depending on your online performance (and the office).

That said, you need to behave as if you do have the greenlight, as you'll only be properly prepared for the interview if you start now!

How should I approach my case prep/making a study plan for it? (I have cased before, but have not cased in a long time, so my skills are weak. I have spent this week going through sample BCG online cases - courtesy of Francesco's guide :) - as well as drills on the areas I am weakest in).

Given you have purchased the package, get a session with a coach ASAP! Ask them to create a tailored preparation for you.

I would also recommend 1 session with an “elite” coach (i.e top 5). They have more materials and will be able to provide critical advice.

• With how much frequency should I case? (Also, am a CoachingPlus participant - bought the 5 package).

I generally recommend anywhere from 2 to 5 cases per week, with no more than 2 in a day. Save your cases/performance and review them periodically. Case others in cases that you struggled with (you can learning by casing as well as being cased).

• Should I prioritize passing the online case first? The interview second?

I would not. Prepare for the interview. Fun tip: Getting case ready is literally preparing you for the online case (the online case is a combo of the GMAT and a case…prepare for casing, and you'll be just fine)

Hello Sabrina, congrats on that interview! And congrats on your perseverance, I am glad it paid off. 

To your questions, my two cents:

• Unfortunately no. The online case is a filter, so if you don’t pass it, you won’t be interviewed
• Regading the prep plan:

You have 2 main workstreams ahead:

1. FIT INTERVIEW

The "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34)

It provides an end-to-end preparation for all three MBB interviews, tackling each firms particularities and combining key concepts review and a hands-on methodology. Following the book, the candidate will prepare his/her stories by practicing with over 50 real questions and leveraging special frameworks and worksheets that guide step-by-step, developed by the author and her experience as a Master in Management professor and coach. Finally, as further guidance, the guide encompasses over 20 examples from real candidates.

You can see plenty of reviews from candidates who purchased it already.

Furthermore, you can find an expert article in PrepLounge case regarding FIT preparation:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/behavioral-interview-questions

Finally, on top of  the article, you can find25 free cases in the PrepL case regarding FIT preparation:

Intro and CV questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/introduction-and-cv-questions-fit-interview-preparation-200

Motivational questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/motivational-questions-fit-interview-preparation-201

Feel free to PM me for disccount codes for the Integrated FIT Guide, since we still have some left from the launch!

The "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34)

2. BUSINESS CASE

If you have extra time, you can have a soft start and warmup by some readin of the classics: Viktor Cheng, "Case in point" book, etc. however, the real prep starts with:

1. Practice cases with partners asap, as many as you can do.Find experienced partners who can provide a good feedback

2. Practice your math skills, both in your cases and with ad hoc exercisess, such as:

1. ​Multiplying double digit numbers

2. Leveraging math tools (Mimir math for iOS), Math tool on Viktor Cheng website to practice

Furthermore, you should practice as much as you can, and ensure that you cover:

1. Profitability cases- basic profitability framework.

2. Idea generation cases: for any specif issue

3. Growth cases: market penetration, new product launch, product mix change, etc.

4. Pricing cases

5. M&A cases

6. Valuation cases

7. Value chain cases

Given you are under this much time contraint, consider working with a coach to foster speed and ensure you have a tailored plan to be very targeted. PM me interested!

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Which role are you applying for?

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