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Each Firm's Entrance Assessments / Written Tests - List

Accenture and Bain BCG Big Four - Strategy Deloitte KPMG McKinsey Oliver Wyman strategy& T2
New answer on Oct 03, 2021
5 Answers
1.9 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Sep 29, 2021

Hi guys! I've been practicing cases on PrepLounge for a week now, and I plan on applying for MBB/Big4/T2 firms later in October as an experienced hire. I know that certain firms have entrance exams/assessments (eg. McKinsey has the Imbellus assessment for applicants). 

Since I couldn't really find a comprehensive list anywhere during my preparation, I wanted to gather info on: a) whether a specific firm even has entrance assessments, and if so, b) what type of assessment it is? 

I've written a couple of the well known ones below (based on this bootcamp article I found: https://www.preplounge.com/en/bootcamp.php/interview-first-aid/master-the-problem-solving-test/which-companies-are-currently-using-written-tests )

But if the community could help fill in the blanks for the other well known firms, I believe it may be a tremendously helpful thread for all new users/applicants moving forward (myself included!).

Company: (Entrance Assessment Y/N) (Name/Type of Assessment)

- McKinsey: (Y) (Imbellus for 2021+ applicants, replacing the old PST)

- Bain: (Y) (Bain Math Test)

- BCG: (Y) (BCG Potential Test)

- Oliver Wyman: (Y) (Numerical Reasoning Test)

 

(please help fill in rest below as able, based on your knowledge)

- Deloitte (including Monitor Deloitte):

- PwC (including Strategy&):

- EY (including EY-Parthenon):

- L.E.K:

- Accenture Strategy:

- KPMG:

- Kearney:

- ZS Associates:

- (Feel free to expand the list with any other firms you may have personal experience with, I will update the list as new info is provided!)

Thank you all, and I'm looking forward to learning from everyone's input! :)

(edited)

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 01, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I love this organization here and the way you're approaching this! I can tell you're going to make a great consultant :)

Now, here's where I'll tell you you're over-engineering this.

I totally and completely understand the desire to keep track of this, but, ultimately, the question should be “What do I need to know in order to optimally prepare”.

Apart from the McKinsey Imbellus, all of these tests are very similar. You should be preparing for two tests: 1) The McK Imbellus and 2) Every other test

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

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Francesco
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Content Creator
replied on Sep 30, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Here are some tips for MBB:

  • McKinsey
    • Imbellus is now used globally. All the candidates I helped in 2021 had to do it when they had a test, although I guess there may still be some exceptions
  • BCG 
    • The BCG Online Case (Casey Chatbot+Video Interview) has substituted the Potential Test in many countries. The test is sometimes conducted together with the first round interview
    • In some countries, there are some additional tests used (Pymetrics and/or math tests)
  • Bain
    • Bain is using different tests in different offices. Some common platforms they use include:
      • HireVue
      • Sova
      • TestGorilla
    • Bain also uses a written case in final rounds in some countries (eg China)

Best,

Francesco

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Florian
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replied on Sep 30, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

McKinsey: The Imbellus is now the standard globally.

BCG: Online Case Assessment = Casey Chatbot Case, which replaces the old Online Case/ Potential Test. It has been rolled out almost globally by now. Some offices have you go through the Pymetrics or a one-way video interview.

Bain: Bain is a bit trickier; they use a variety of assessments across offices from SOVA to video interviews to Pymetrics.

In any case, HR will usually tell you in time what assessment to expect.

Cheers,

Florian

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Pedro
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replied on Oct 03, 2021
30% off in March 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

I can add that EY-Parthenon is using a test in a limited number of countries. It's a problem solving / math type of test.

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Agrim
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Content Creator
replied on Oct 02, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting

I believe you are over-preparing and over-thinking.

Your actual test will be the one that HR/recruiting tells you in the invitation email. Except McK Imbellus and BCG online case - most other tests are in the same range - math, logical reasoning, pattern recognition, psychometric, verbal etc. etc. Better to practice in 3 categories - Imbellus, Online case, and the rest.

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