The reason why BCG potential test is so difficult is because of the time constraint.
So what I did was work on any questions from the BCG potential test I could find and try to solve them super quickly. For example, this question should be solved in 30 seconds
"One of the biggest global airlines has decided to buy new aircrafts. The ratio of first class, business and economy seats in the new aircrafts will be 1 to 3 to 8 and the total number of seats will be 240.
Average ticket prices for popular destinations are expected to be €700 for first class, €300 for business and €150 for economy. The average duration of these flights is 3 hours.
First and business customers get free Wi-Fi on board but economy customers need to pay €2 / hour to use Wi-Fi.
Assuming that only 5% of economy customers use Wi-Fi all the time, what are the expected revenues from a flight to a popular destination using a new aircraft at its full capacity?
€56,048
€56,016
€56,480
€56,160"
Good luck on the test!
Was this answer helpful?
35
Joseph Arturious
on Oct 21, 2018
this is really tricky because you end up solving the whole problem, but if you just calculate the cost of wifi only one answer would qualify...
Jada
on Feb 13, 2019
I went about this the wrong way. Joseph's approach makes a lot of sense.
Temi
on Feb 14, 2019
56,048
Anonymous I on May 27, 2019
thanks !
Edmundo
on Jul 29, 2019
First -> 20 seats, business -> 60 seats, economy -> 160 seats
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello!
Seems like BCG is really active globally, since many people are asking about various steps of the process with them.
The online quant test are indeed very similar among them and hence, better to prep.
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/)
The old McKinsey PST, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.
Seems like BCG is really active globally, since many people are asking about various steps of the process with them.
The online quant test are indeed very similar among them and hence, better to prep.
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/)
The old McKinsey PST, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.
MBB | 100% personal interview success rate (8/8) and 95% candidate success rate | Personalized interview prep
The online tests across companies 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.
The online tests across companies 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.
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi,
Try to find as many people in your country as you can who have done the test. Ask them for the topic, industry and questions they remember. For example in one of the countries there was a test about airlines and reading a couple of articles / company reports / wikipedia artticles with industry terms could significantly improve performance
Try to practice tests with strict time-management. McKinsey PST from the official web site and all mck and bcg -like tests you can find online
Additional recource can be GMAT Integrated reasoning from the official guides and apps if you feel that you are not p[erforming well
As far as I remebmer calculator is allowed on BCG test. Make sure you know how to simplify calculations and use it fast
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
I agree with Vlad, I reported below some additional tips based on a previous post:
One of the most important thing to do well in the case is to do at least a couple of Potential tests before the actual test date. Unlike the McK PST, there are not so many available online, but you should be able to find a few at least.
Commit to a time for each question, and go on if you surpass that time. If you do not set discipline, you will end eating too much time for some questions (these tests sometimes are actually structured to have some questions it is better to skip and review at the end). If time and test allows, you can then go back to the questions at the end.
Practice a lot of math before – it is normally a key component of all the tests
Practice graph interpretation: take some random graphs, give yourself 30 seconds and check if you can get the main insides from them. Then repeat till when you get a sufficient level of accuracy
Practice quick reading and quick understanding of key information only: get a Harvard Business School case, give yourself 2 minutes and check how much information you can absorb. Then repeat till when you get a sufficient level of accuracy
Finally, you have to take into account you get penalized for wrong answers in the Potential test, so you should adapt your strategy accordingly.
That being said, BCG has been rolling out a new BCG Online Case (also called the Chatbot Interview) since 2019. It is a 8-10 questions test 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)
As an extra bonus, I am currently offering the BCG Potential Test #1 (worth $39) and Graph Analysis Cheat Sheet (worth $29) for free with the guide. That may change in the future so hurry up if you are interested ;)
If you need additional support or have any questions on the guide please feel free to PM me, I will reply within 12 hours.
If possible, don’t print the sample tests; rather, do the simulations on your computer. The day of the test you won’t be able write notes near the questions or turn pages. If you practice on a paper version, you will find different dynamics the day of the interview that could impact your performance. You should also do all the simulations with atime constraint
After each test write down the mistakes you did. You will probably find that the mistakes have something in common – eg wrong math, too much time wasted on some questions, wrong interpretation of graph
Work on each area of improvement. Many candidates do these simulations checking only the final score and don’t spend time analyzing the mistakes - thus they don’t improve
Once you have done all the BCG test simulations, move to PST practice. You can find a good number of PST tests online. The PST is different from the Potential Test – in the PST there are multiple cases, the types of questions are different and you have more time available. However, it may still help to improve your performance
As additional notes:
Remember you are penalized for wrong answers - you should adapt your strategy accordingly
Aim to identify the main areas of improvements already with the first test - the typical ones are math, graph interpretation and ability to absorb information quickly
Try to distribute the tests between the day you start practicing and the day of the test for constant learning – avoid to do them just at the end
If you want to practice on a real example of a BCG Potential Test, you can find the one I prepared below:
For most of these tests, the GMAT, especially the integrated reasoning provides a good proxy. Check out GMATClub and other free resources at Veritas, Manhattan Prep and The Economist to prepare for this type of questions and way of thinking.
For most of these tests, the GMAT, especially the integrated reasoning provides a good proxy. Check out GMATClub and other free resources at Veritas, Manhattan Prep and The Economist to prepare for this type of questions and way of thinking.
BCG | Kellogg MBA |82% Success rate| 450+ case interview| 5+ year consulting | 30+ projects in ~10 countries
Hi there, our preplounge experts shared great materials about this topic previously. I believe they will be helpful for you. You can see their posts at the following links:
I've done the BCG on-line test at the end of Sept within my university (Politecnico).There was no numerical test, only a study case with 23 questions / 45 min (or less).
Each question had multiple choice answers, and you had info material whit charts and data to read from - no calculator allowed.
Personally I found it tricky and quite difficoult, especially for the small amount of time available. After all I achieved a great "mark" and now I am through the recruiting process.
Currently working as an innovation consultant within a boutique consulting firm
Hi,
Good luck for the test! Currently, I'm also preparing for the same version (50min - 53 question). PM me and I can send you a test sheet of this version what I found online last week!
Best,
Abraham
Was this answer helpful?
6
Florian
on Jul 27, 2020
Hi Abraham, I can not PM you due to premium function. We can exchange material via florian - winters () t - online .de
Abraham
on Jul 27, 2020
sent you the email
Meng
on Aug 09, 2020
Hi Abraham, I'm currently for BCG test. Would it be possible for you to kindly share with me the material via 375016447()t - qq.com? REALLY APPRECIATE IT!
BCG test includes 23 questions and you will be given about 45 minutes to complete it. This means you will have two minutes to solve each question on average.
The BCG online case is very similar to a regular case the only difference being that your direction in the business case is guided by the questions being asked. So it will be similar to an "interviewer-led" case format. There are a lot of resources online for case solving and all you need to do is Google. If you want to sharpen your case skills in general I would recommend Victor Cheng's Case Interview Secrets by Victor Cheng and his book.
However, since the BCG Online Case is also a single-choice test, you can also use this format to your advantage. You’ll receive+3 points for correct answers and -1 for wrong answers. Currently, the inofficial cut-off score is below 70-75%.
Message me if you have any other specific questions and all the best!
Best,
André
Was this answer helpful?
4
Florian
on Jul 24, 2020
Thanks Andre! They told me the Test will be 53 questions in 50 min. What do you think is the best strategy? More questions and potentially more errors or less questions and less errors? But it sill is similar to GMAT and has lengthy questions
BCG test includes 23 questions and you will be given about 45 minutes to complete it. This means you will have two minutes to solve each question on average. The BCG online case is very similar to a regular case the only difference being that your direction in the business case is guided by the questions being asked. So it will be similar to an "interviewer-led" case format. There are a lot of resources online for case solving and all you need to do is Google. If you want to sharpen your case skills in general I would recommend Victor Cheng's Case Interview Secrets by Victor Cheng and his book. However, since the BCG Online Case is also a single-choice test, you can also use this format to your advantage. You’ll receive+3 points for correct answers and -1 for wrong answers. Currently, the inofficial cut-off score is below 70-75%.
SO:
1) Keeping your math trained with GMAT exercises is always a good idea. Free resourced can be found online, for example:
The BCG online case is very similar to a regular case the only difference being that your direction in the business case is guided by the questions being asked. So it will be similar to an "interviewer-led" case format. There are a lot of resources online for case solving and all you need to do is Google. If you want to sharpen your case skills in general I would recommend Victor Cheng's Case Interview Secrets by Victor Cheng and his book.
However, since the BCG Online Case is also a single-choice test, you can also use this format to your advantage. You’ll receive+3 points for correct answers and -1 for wrong answers. Currently, the inofficial cut-off score is below 70-75%.
Message me if you have any other specific questions and all the best!
Best,
André
Was this answer helpful?
0
Anonymous on Jul 09, 2020
Hello A!
The BCG online case is very similar to a regular case the only difference being that your direction in the business case is guided by the questions being asked. So it will be similar to an "interviewer-led" case format. There are a lot of resources online for case solving and all you need to do is Google. If you want to sharpen your case skills in general I would recommend Victor Cheng's Case Interview Secrets by Victor Cheng and his book. Message me if you have any other specific questions and all the best!
Time is the biggest factor when it comes to those tests (BCG you have to answer like 25 questions in 40 minutes), so you should have had some practice skimming text and be really good at mental math. Practice with some math tools or piece of paper. In most cases I don’t think you are allowed to bring a calculator, and even so you will save much time using mental math. You get 3 points for a correct answer, 0 for no answer and minus 1 point for a wrong answer, so don't just guess.
Hope I could help you. Best of luck!
(edited)
Was this answer helpful?
3
Yerke
on Jan 25, 2017
Hey Norah. I have BCG potential test from igotoffer. Last year, I did gmatlike test, then written case. BCG Moscow office cancelled potential test. I am not sure whether it is true for all offices.
No longer active account
on Jan 28, 2017
Thank you all :)
Andra
on Jul 06, 2017
Hi Yerkenaz, do you still have an example of BCG potential test?
Marco-Alexander
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Sep 05, 2021
Former BCG | Case author for efellows book | Experience in 6 consultancies (Stern Stewart, Capgemini, KPMG, VW Con., Hor
McKinsey Senior Associate, coached and interviewed applicants extensively, strong experience in interviewer-led cases
Hi, congrats on getting the test invite. I would recommend first of all doing the free tests floating around the web and then proceeding to the McKinsey PST papers - there are quite a lot of them online.
The main thing here is to understand the concept of the test - time pressure, quick math (revise your percentages, fractions, rule of 72, compounded growth rate) and very speedy reading and understanding.
They also have negative marking as opposed to some other tests.
Good luck!
Was this answer helpful?
2
Anonymous replied on Dec 13, 2015
Hello!
One year ago (November 2014) the structure was as follows:
1st round: paper-based numerical test SHL-like + the dreaded "traffic lights" test . You have to pass both to continue the selection process
2nd round: just before or after the interviews you'll be required to take a computer-based test similar to McKinsey's PST
I hope that helps,
Giuseppe
Was this answer helpful?
2
S.
on Feb 02, 2018
Hi Giuseppe, do you have any suggestions for the SHL test? I have it in 12 days.
I just took the BCG potential test last month (Jakarta office). It was 45 minutes to solve 23 questions.
Was this answer helpful?
1
Andra
on Jul 06, 2017
Hi, I hope your account is still active. I scheduled for BCG potential test next week in Jakarta office. Do you mind if you share more detail about your test? Thank you
Wardhana Sasangka
on Jul 07, 2017
It has been a while since I took that test. Do you have any specific question regarding the test?
Andra
on Jul 07, 2017
Ah yes, do you have any study materials or sample for this test? How difficult is the test compared to other written test such as McK PST? (if you have taken any)
Wardhana Sasangka
on Jul 07, 2017
I think I have few sample questions from various sources (mostly from google). I can send it to you later today (let me know your email address). I find that the BCG test is more difficult than McK PST for three reasons. First, they will deduct a point if you answer wrongly. Second, most (if not all) questions are related. Later questions often requires the right answers from former questions. Third, the questions are displayed on a computer.
Andra
on Jul 07, 2017
Great! please check your message
Gina
on Dec 10, 2017
Hello Wardhana and Andra, my name is Gina and I'm scheduled for the BCG test next week and I was just wondering if you could share any materials or sample questions with me? Any materials would be highly appreciated! :)
John Oakton
on Aug 04, 2018
Hi Gina, Andra and Wardhana, like you guys I am also scheduled to take the BCG test in Jakarta. May I please know how you guys chose to study for it and how difficult it was. Also whether you guys passed or failed it.
If you have already started your preparation for case interviews and good at reading charts, analytical thinking, and mental math, then BCG potential is an additional of probably an hour as what you should plan for.
Basically, to prepare you can use some mock potential test, and after every test just look into solution to see where you have gone wrong. 3-4 mock test it would be enough for you to prepare for the potential test.
In case you have already started your preparation for case interviews and good at reading charts, analytical thinking, and mental math, then BCG potential is an additional of probably an hour as what you should plan for.
Basically, to prepare you can use some mock potential test, and after every test just look into solution to see where you have gone wrong. 3-4 mock test it would be enough for you to prepare for the potential test.
My advice to you is not to focus on small differences in the tests, but to remember that the format and concept of testing within the company is always quite similar. Therefore, it is worth training based on previous online tests. You should develop your critical thinking, ability to work with information, and make quick decisions, find a way out of situations and deepen your knowledge in business.
Basically, to prepare you can use some mock potential test for Bain, BCG, PST (McKinsey), or GMAT and I would recommend you after every test check the solution to see where you have gone wrong, so you will improve your results very quickly.
Do you need any further help?
You have inherited the “Old Winery” from your grandfather, a winery that has been family-owned for five generations and can be dated back to the 16th century.Half of the eleven hectares are used to grow white grapes, the other half to grow red grapes. They are grown in a conventional way, i.e. they
... (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 disadv
... (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 understa
... (Open whole case)
Our client is a BlissOttica, an Eyewear Manufacturer that is looking to reach a 10% increase in profits. How would you help our client?
... (Open whole case)
[PLEASE NOTE: This is a technically difficult case and should only be completed by those coming in as a Technology specialist, i.e. recruiting for McKinsey Digital, BCG Platinion, etc.]Our client is a multinational oil and gas company. While they are vertically integrated and have upstream, midstrea
... (Open whole case)
Get to know the BCG Online Case and learn how to approach this specific Boston Consulting Group Test when you want to start your careere in Consulting.
This website uses cookies to enable essential functions like the user login and sessions.
... (Read more)We also use cookies and third-party tools to improve your surfing experience on preplounge.com. You can choose to activate only essential cookies or all cookies. You can always change your preference in the cookie and privacy settings. This link can also be found in the footer of the site. If you need more information, please visit our privacy policy.
Data processing in the USA: By clicking on "I accept", you also consent, in accordance with article 49 paragraph 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR, to your data being processed in the USA. The USA is not considered to have adequate data protection legislation. If you need more information please view the individual settings.
this is really tricky because you end up solving the whole problem, but if you just calculate the cost of wifi only one answer would qualify...
I went about this the wrong way. Joseph's approach makes a lot of sense.
56,048
thanks !
First -> 20 seats, business -> 60 seats, economy -> 160 seats