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Best resource to practice logical patterns for Bain's SOVA test?

Bain's numerical and verbal sections are very similar to the GMAT. However, the logical section is vastly different, and even very different and much more difficult than logical patterns in other aptitude tests like SHL.

Any recommended resources to prepare this section properly?

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Top answer
Ian
Coach
on May 12, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

I love MConsultingPrep's resource here.

All of these online 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.

Vasilis
Coach
on May 11, 2023
x-BCG Dubai, x-Recruitment lead for BCG, Case Interview Expert (350+ interviews, 100% recommendation rate), Ops Manager @ Uber

I recommend using a combination of resources to practice logical patterns for Bain's SOVA test.

Official Bain SOVA Practice Test: The best resource to prepare for the SOVA test is the official practice test provided by Bain. This practice test is specifically designed to help you familiarize yourself with the types of questions and logical patterns that will be tested on the actual exam. You can find the official practice test on the Bain website.

Logical Reasoning Books: Another useful resource is to refer to logical reasoning books that cover different types of logical patterns and provide practice questions to test your skills. Some good books to consider include "The PowerScore LSAT Logical Reasoning Bible" by David M. Killoran, "Cracking the LSAT Premium" by The Princeton Review, and "The LSAT Trainer" by Mike Kim.

Online Practice Tests: There are several online platforms that offer practice tests for logical reasoning, which can be useful for honing your skills. Some good platforms to consider include 7Sage, Khan Academy, and GMAT Club.

Study Groups: Forming a study group with other aspiring consultants can also be beneficial, as you can exchange ideas, work through difficult questions together, and learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses.

Overall, the key to success in the SOVA test is to practice as much as possible, and to expose yourself to different types of logical patterns. By using a combination of resources such as official practice tests, logical reasoning books, online platforms, and study groups, you can build the skills and confidence you need to perform well on the exam.

on May 11, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

There are a few resources online if you google for them that provide a good overview of what to expect from the test. Some website also offer mock examples. 
 

it’s critical that you practice indeed. The more tests you do, realistically the better you’ll handle the actual test. 

Best,

Cristian

Anonymous A
on May 11, 2023
Was hoping for a more specific answer than “Google it”.
on May 11, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach
Fair :) But if you’ve exhausted everything that it’s out there via google, then realistically there isn’t much more
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