Are there any tips for BCG online case assessment?
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Are there any tips for BCG online case assessment?
Overview of answers
Hi there,
The new BCG Online Case (also called the Chatbot Interview) is structured in 2 parts:
- 8-10 questions to be taken in 25-30 minutes
- 1 video interview question at the end, where you have to provide a recommendation
The main differences compared to the previous version (BCG Potential Test) are the following:
- 8-10 questions instead of 23
- 25-30 min instead of 45
- Calculators allowed
- Presence of open questions
- Video sum up at the end
The main challenges based on the candidates I helped are the following:
- Time. Questions are not particularly difficult, however you will feel time constraints also due to the fact you don’t know how difficult the next questions could be - thus how much time they may require
- Chatbot interaction. Unlike a test like the McK PST, you cannot proceed “at your own pace”. You will have to follow the evolution of the test as questions are revealed one by one
- Math. Candidates often find the math quite challenging given the time constraint
If you want to prepare in the best possible way, I created a guide exactly for that.
This guide will:
- Show you the perfect strategy to answer the 5 types of questions in the Chatbot
- Offer you a clear strategy to optimally structure the One-Way Video Assessment
- Provide insider information from previous applicants who succeeded the Online Case
- Structure a clear preparation plan based on 6 FREE PSTs and Potential Tests
- Replicate the same experience of the interview thanks to 2 FREE Complete Chatbot Cases (Casey-style)
And much more ;)
You can download the guide instantly here:
https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/bcg-online-case-secrets-69
If you have any questions please feel free to PM me.
Best,
Francesco
Please take the following suggestions with the caveat that all aspects of the chatbot case may not be similar across geographies/timeline (I did mine in NA earlier this year)
You'll get a link to a practice Casey case once you're scheduled to interview - if you don't, ask the recruiters for it. Do the practice case at least 1-2 times, once early on so you can get an idea of what the questions and answers would look like. It will also help you familiarize yourself with working with a bot instead a a live case.
The math can be a little tricky, in the sense you can come across things like weighted averages etc. which you might not get in a typical case. Be concise in the qualitative parts of the case, you'll get an idea of how concise from the answers of the practice test. This will save you time for the more complex questions.
Keep track of the time. Even if you have doubts on your math or other parts of the case, make your analyses and recommendations based on the math you've done and the results you got. The video part at the end is usually recording yourself while you make your recommendations based on your analyses - so write important things down as you work through the case. Again, be concise. It's only a minute long, but you'll have the opportunity to try twice.
Hi!
I recommend trying some mock examples (that you can find online) and focus on your math before taking it.
Do have a look at previous discussions here on PrepLounge on how to best prepare for the test. You might also find other useful resources.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Anto
All of these tests are very similar
Format? Somewhat. Content and what's required from you ability-wise? Not at all.
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.
Helpful Prior Q&As: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/has-anyone-taken-the-bcg-2021-potential-test-if-so-could-you-share-your-experience-which-industry-is-covered-9154
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/bcg-potential-test-how-to-prepare-in-6-months-8794
(edited)