Hello all,
I just got invited to the BCG online case experience. Does anyone have experience with this? What'd you recommend as the best way to prepare?
Can anyone who had done the interview share their experiences with me?
Thanks a lot!
Hello all,
I just got invited to the BCG online case experience. Does anyone have experience with this? What'd you recommend as the best way to prepare?
Can anyone who had done the interview share their experiences with me?
Thanks a lot!
Originally answered:
Hi there,
The 8-question test is the new chat bot version of BCG. It is structured in 2 parts:
The main differences compared to the previous version (BCG Potential Test) are the following:
The general logic though is similar to the old test.
I helped several candidates who did the chat bot test and succeeded in it. The main challenges based on their feedback are:
Please feel free to PM me for more info.
Best,
Francesco
Originally answered:
Hi there,
Honestly, the tests are always changing! So, please focus more on what they're testing rather than how they're testing!
For the BCG online assesment, you should be taken through a set of questions, aided by a chatbox. Most multiple-choice questions still require you to enter your reasoning.
Even with a new test, the principles are all the same:
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.
https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/
https://www.shl.com/shldirect/en/practice-tests
https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp
HI Ian, thank you very much for your comprehensive answer - understood. I received the information from BCG that the online case will be handled via a chatbox. There will be eight questions as stated above in my question - further I received the information that the test has a time limit of 25 minutes. — on Jan 13, 2021
Originally answered:
Hello!
Most of the online tests are very similar, and test the same skillset. It´s a good thing, since you can prep for them with a very unified approach. Although this may not seem so at first sight since the formats may differ, what is important here -as well as when solving cases- is the core skillset they are tryng to test. This is common, and the most important skills are:
80-20 analysis: capacity to analize, interpret and extract conclusions quickly and in a agile way from a ton of data -of which not all is useful-
Analytic and critical thinking: many ways tested with graphs, charts and tables, that you need to understand and derive decisions or insights from
Mathematical skills: are always somehow present, for which you need to be fast int he basics
The way to get better is practicing as much as possible with similar exercises -those targeted at the same skillset-. Hence, I would strongly recomment you practice it with the Integrated Reasoning part of the GMAT exam.
There are free exams in the internet that you can use for practice (the one of LBS MBA page, Verits prep, as well as some free trials for courses such as the one of The Economist (https://gmat.economist.com/)
Furthermore, you can leverage the MBB tests (https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/, https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp, and many others)
Hope it helps!
Best,
Clara
Originally answered:
Hey there,
What you are describing is the new Chatbot Interview. I have had several candidates who recently took it and provided some insights as well as BCG consultants who took it 'for fun and calibration.'
The format is different from the previous Online Case, however, the types of questions are the same (math, word problems, logical reasoning, chart interpretation). You are asked to solve a business case of a fictional client.
Consequently, you should prepare in a similar fashion. Your counterpart will be a chatbot, who will ask you subsequent questions, which are sometimes related. As you rightly said, the questions are multiple-choice, open format, where you have to write up to 3 lines, as well as a one-minute video interview.
In order to prepare, use existing materials for the Online Case and focus on
I copy from my own source:
Let me know if you need help with it.
Cheers,
Florian
Originally answered:
Dear A,
Potential test, or sometimes SHL + a logic test based on traffic lights color (two or more traffic lights are connected by codes; each code change a color of the traffic light; one of the code is broken and you have to understand which is the broken one)
There are 2 types of BCG tests:
1. GMAT-like test with questions similar to GMAT
2. Online Test that is based on a case and has the questions closer to PST
So, I would recommend you to:
• Practice GMAT for BCG
1) Keeping your math trained with GMAT exercises is always a good idea. Free resourced can be found online, for example:
http://www.mba.com/global/the-gmat-exam/prepare-for-the-gmat-exam/test-prep-materials/free-gmat-prep-software.aspx
https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat
https://www.mba.com/-/media/files/mba2/assessments/2018/gmat/gmat-handbook-2020-07-10.pdf?la=en&hash=9DCAD3E9A43EEE7B520C84327FBEC6F399A72D82
2) Also tests that usually are for investment banks (with graphs analysis) are a useful. Free resourced can be found online, for example:
https://www.tptests.com/Candidate/practice/Instructions
3) Official BGC Potential test examples: https://www.bcg.com/careers/path/consulting/practice-interview-cases.aspx
Practice PST. You can find some guidance on PrepLounge https://www.preplounge.com/en/bootcamp.php/interview-first-aid/master-the-problem-solving-test/guide-to-improving-speed-in-written-tests-such-as-the-pst
Best,
André
Thank you for the informative answer. Do you know which type of BCG test is being used in Israel? As far as I know, there is 23 questions test with 45 minutes limitation time, while all of the questions are on the same case and different Docs are being provided along the case. Would McKinsey PST tests are good resource for study to BCG test? — on Sep 28, 2020 (edited)
Originally answered:
I took this online case this year and it was nothing like the practice cases on their website. it is very similar to a real case where it will ask you questions and you have to type out your answers and support them. There are numbers questions as well as strategic questions and you will be given graphs and charts. It's literally just a normal case interview but with a robot instead of a person. I don't think mine held any weight on my advancement to the next round as they didn't even acknowledge it in my feedback.
Hi Emery, do you mind sharing more about the test? Any tricks to watch out for or concepts to brush up on ? thanks — on Jan 08, 2021 (edited)
Originally answered:
Hello Mamoun,
Roden is right, so you should go to BCG's website and practice the interactive cases. Besides PrepLounge's resourses will be useful.
Alongside with sharpening your case skills, you could do some math practice, quick reading training and graph interpretation. Provided that you're short on time that would be enough.
Good luck!
If you need any further help, feel free to contact me.
GB
Originally answered:
Yes, the online test is very similar to the interactive case you can find on BCG's website. You'll be given a case scenario and you can choose how you want to proceed with analysing the case. Based on your responses, you'll be shown different exhibits and you have to do some calculations / judgment questions. There are also some follow up questions where you need to explain why you answered the way you did.
Originally answered:
Hi,
You should clarify whether it's:
These are 3 different formats. I recommend reaching out to the interviewer asking for any guidelines / examples. I have examples for each of these formats. Feel free to reach out
Best
(edited)
Originally answered:
I'm curious to know which market you're interviewing for. Typically the firms would send you guidance on the format, especially if it's not a cookie cutter case interview.
I did not sit for this particular test, but a friend very recently did.
This test, which I am sure you know, is different than the regular test that you would do in the BCG office (I think its called the BCG Potential Test?). In a sense I think this resembles more closely to a regular case than a PST.
You will have to do it in a laptop and you are answering questions from a chat bot. You will have <10 questions, which are a combination of multiple choice and explanation (2-3 sentences 'essay', if I can say that) questions, typically based on your choice. You will close with a video interview where you have 1 min will record yourself of the conclusions in the case.
I won't say it is hard, but again questions closely resembling a case without a chance of asking clarifying questions and often times having to choose appropriate answers from a list of choices can be quite confusing (at least for me). I think the best bet to prepare is just to prepare doing regular cases. I doubt the PST practice would be of much help since it is different than the regular BCG potential test.
(edited)
Hi was your friend able to receive feedback regarding the Online Case Experience? — on May 16, 2020
Hi, thank you for sharing. Would you say the question is more toward qualitative rather than quantitative? Is the BCG potential test that different as compared to PST? I feel that there are many different BCG test at different offices. I am scheduled to take BCG test, and I think the format is similar to what your friend's test is. Can you please share how much time did your friend has to solve the 10 questions in the test? Thank you for the info. — Feb on Aug 20, 2020
Originally answered:
Congratulations on getting to the assessment stage. Any tips on writing a cover letter and resume to pass the screening stage?
Thank you
Originally answered:
Hi,
I think now the model is candidates needs to do a small case online with a video summary.
Originally answered:
Hey,
I've also got invited for first round. Last year I had to do a maths test in the office. I think the case study simulation is literally a case study with questions that they give options and you have to pick? Did you attend your university's presentation? I think it was similar to what you did there!
(edited)
Originally answered:
Hi there,
Online assessment tests are more and more used by consulting firms to filter candidates appying for junior positions (fresh graduates). The best way to prepare for it is to practice Integrated Reasoning quesstions from GMAT. Many people found this useful and it prepared them well to passe the online assessment.
I hope it was helpful, please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any question.
All the best,
Mehdi
Hey Mehdi, are there another relevant parts in the GMAT test in order to preper for BCG new case? — on Oct 13, 2020
Originally answered:
Has anyone done the online interactive test with a video recording at the end? Any tips?
Originally answered:
Hi,
I did it once, it was actually pretty fun.
I can confirm that it takes around 45mins.
You are given a case with data, figures, tables, and asked around 20-25 multiple-choice questions. Every choice determines the following question (it's like a multi-end story).
You need both problem-solving and "strategic" skills.
At the end of the case, you are given feedback around all the "dimensions" of the case (should be 5 or 6, like problem-solving, strategic thinking, structure, etc.) and general feedback on how to improve.
When I did it there were two cases you could exercise with and you can try them again and again.
Hope it helps!
Giulia
Hi Giulia, Thank you for the information. Do you have any tips to prepare the test? Some people the BCG test is similar to McKinsey's PST. But some also say it is completely different, and I should focus on practicing doing cases (like normal case interview) to practice. So I am a bit confused which one is the best approach. Thank you! — Feb on Aug 20, 2020
Definitely not similar to McK PST, it's like a case but instead of having a person in front of you that asks questions, give feedback and hand over data and graphs, you have a computer and a multiple choice environment. My advice is to prepare for cases and when you are ready for them, you are ready for BCG online case. Good luck! — Giulia on Aug 20, 2020
Thank you Giulia. Then I will keep on practicing on doing cases as usual to prepare for this BCG online case experience as well. Thank you — Feb on Aug 20, 2020
Originally answered:
Hello Kaschayar,
I have some samples that I am happy to share with you.
Best,
Luca
Originally answered:
The experiences were discussed recently on these forums. You can check it here -
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/bcg-online-case-experience-6407
(edited)
Originally answered:
Hi,
It depends on whethre you are getting the new online test format or still the old one?
If it is the old format, GMAT practice would be quite similar.
However, if it is the new format (AI enabled interacive case with video summary recording), then you should practice differently. For the new format, 3 tips I would suggest:
Best,
Emily
Hi Emily, I am not sure which version of the test I am taking. I will be provided the sample test from BCG next week, so I am assuming that based on the sample test, I will figure out whether it is the old or new version. Thank you for your tips! — Ela on Sep 21, 2020
Hi Ela, do you mind sharing your experience with the test? — on Jan 08, 2021 (edited)
Recently, a friend of mine attended a BCG online case and shared her experience with me so I will do it as well:
The online case took 45 min and contained about 20-25 questions (they were using their laptops). They used a "single choice" system ( you have options a),b),c) and one of them is correct, something like that). In the beginning they got 2 slides full of information and had to answer some questions. Then gradually more and more information has been revealed and more questions had to be answered. Some of the questions were about testing mental math and the usual things like "compute the profitability of x based on the given data". Some focused more on strategic ("qualitative") questions. She mentioned that you have to be fast to answer all questions.
For the start of your preparation you might wanna have a closer look at the BCG app (maybe it's exclusive for invited people, but that should'nt be a problem for you). It could be that the app is providing an example for an online case study.
Hopefully, that helps!
Originally answered:
Hi! See a reply from Vlad in this thread https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-prepare-for-bcg-online-case-1098
Originally answered:
Hi,
here you can find some useful links to simulate PST:
- https://mconsultingprep.com/free-practice-mckinsey-pst/
- https://igotanoffer.com/pages/mckinsey-problem-solving-test
- https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/Careers%20REDESIGN/Interviewing/Main/
Problem%20Solving%20Test%20PDFs/practice-test-A.ashx
Here some free link to practice with the quantitative part of the SHL test
- https://www.gradtests.com.au/test/starttest/TestType/2/TestId/45/practice/1
- https://www.wikijob.co.uk/aptitude-test/verbal-reasoning-practice
- https://www.practiceaptitudetests.com/sign-up/programme/shl
- https://www.shldirect.com/en/practice-tests
Best,
Antonello
Originally answered:
Hi!
PM me and I will send you a few samples!
Originally answered:
Hi A,
I presume that by now you have already done your online test. Any insights on what you retrospectively had done differently while preparing?
Many thanks!
Originally answered:
A lot of people answering this do not seem to understand that in additon to the GMAT style calculations test, or Potetial test (PST -style ) that is taken in some countries, BCG has now introduced an interactive online case study. It'll be best to know what online case study you are referring to.
For the newest one: You do a case, but with a chatbot and it is timed. You have about 9 questions and 25 minutes.
Hi A, do you have any further insights on the newest one? Are you saying PST/GMAT are not really the most helpful while preparing for this? Many thanks! — on Dec 10, 2020
Originally answered:
Hi,
I don't know which office you are preparing for but for Germany and Austria, the online test isn't like the old "GMAT-like" tests. It is rather similar to those interactive cases BCG also gives you on their website: interactive case library :) Also, I was allowed to use a calculator.
I hope this was helpful and good luck with your test!
Hi A, thanks for your comment! Is there any focus you would retrospectively place while preparing for the test? Many thanks! — on Dec 10, 2020
Originally answered:
Hey I'm having my bcg online interactive test in 2 days. Any hint??
I have uploaded 3 fresh real-live MBB Cases from different offices into the Library: ?For Beginner level: Laundry Chain – Revenue Increase https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/beginner/laundry-chain-revenue-increase-215 ?For Intermediate level: Grain Co-operative – Brand Launch https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/intermediate/grain-co-operative-brand-launch-217 ?For Advanced level/the real one and used for final rounds: Non-Profit Museum Revenue Increase https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/advanced/mbb-final-round-case-non-profit-museum-revenue-increase-219 Have you tried to solve them? What do you think - do you have any questions? — Gaurav on Nov 14, 2020
Hi Sodiq. How was the test? — on Jan 08, 2021
Originally answered:
Hi Ian, would you please be able to send me the practice test as well?
Thank you,
Ela
Originally answered:
HI,
Yes Indeed. BCG changed the first round and now there is an online interactive test and then you will be required to do a 1-minute video summary at the end of the test
Originally answered:
Hi, I am also recently invited for the new BCG test. Have you taken it at this point? I would really appreciate your help if you can share any tips and insight. Please send me a message to my inbox.
Thank you,
Feb
Hey, could you message me and let me know how the test went for you? I tried to send you a message but I do not have premium membership. Thanks! — Mariana on Feb 07, 2021
Originally answered:
Hi, how was your online case experience? Hoping you got through it. I also got invited and am preparing for it. If you don't mind, kindly share your experience :)
Hey Anon C, I'm preparing for my online case experience now and am curious how it was for you. Was it at all similar to the old potential tests? What would you suggest I do to prepare? Hope you passed and thanks in advance for any tips:) — on Oct 23, 2020
Originally answered:
Hi,
I am also currently in the recruiting process with BCG and have interview day 1 coming up which consists of two interviews and the online case experience you mentioned. The sample that they sent me to prepare has the same structure and marking scheme as the BCG potential test with similar questions, although perhaps slightly more focused on logic/business sense analysis in addition to the maths aspect. I was invited to do the interview including Online Case Experience before everything was shut down with Corona so I think they may have just changed the name of the test in some offices. I am preparing using BCG Potential test material, PST material and GMAT Quant workbook.
What arouses your interest when you are working / studying / doing another activity (from the CV)? Tell me of a time where you had no idea what you were doing. When did you use an uncommon approach to do something? Have you ever had responsibility for other people? Tell me of a situation where ... Open whole case
Our client is SmartBridge, a nonprofit educational institution offering face-to-face tutoring services. The client operates in the US. The mission of SmartBridge is to help as many students as possible to complete studies and prevent that they drop from the school system, in particular in disadvant ... Open whole case
Espresso Whatelse is an Italian company that produces coffee and espresso machines since 1908. It is the Italian market leader and has a strong presence overall in Europe. In 2019, Espresso Whatelse has increased its revenues but it has seen declining profit margin. Your client wants to understand ... Open whole case
Problem definition: Our client is Korean Car Parts (KCP), a multi-national original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of car parts based in Korea. They've recently seen a decline in profits and have brought us in to understand how to address this falling profitability. Open whole case
The COVID-19 pandemic has killed millions of people worldwide and led to devastating economic impact. A vaccine is one of the biggest hopes for stopping the pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with multiple stakeholders to ensure groups at higher risk of becoming infected and ... Open whole case