How do I get better at structuring math within 2 weeks?

Hi there,

How to structure math in a case

1. Have a seperate "math" scrap sheet of paper
2. Grab a new sheet of paper every time you're entering a new phase of the case...number and title it
3. Use tables to organize numbers
4. Write out the equation before doing the math
5. Never forget to write down units
6. Circle key numbers AND write down the "so what"

How to practice math

Most casebooks have a section on math...but I wouldn't rely on this for your prep.

1. 100% Recommend Rocket Blocks
2. Online "Drills": (Sites like JetPunk and Preplounge)
3. In addition to that, you can ask other PrepLoungers to case you on math-heavy cases. You can also search for those case types here and work through them yourself.

Some key math formulas/concepts:

• Breakeven
• NPV (with + without growth, perpituity + 1-2 years from now)
• % Change
• ROI
• Margin
• Markup
• Inventory turnover

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Some great answers from a variety of angles have already been asked. Check these out!

Mental Math

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mental-math-help-7962

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/is-quick-mental-math-a-skill-that-can-be-learned-5210

Conceptual/Contextual Math

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/materials-for-practicing-conceptual-case-math-8016

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/math-concepts-6951

Hi there,

1) What can I do to improve it within this short amount time? 

First of all, you need to understand/ clarify what you are doing wrong. “Bad at math structuring” is a generic term.  Possible issues include:

1. You misunderstand the objective and answer the wrong question
2. You don’t ask the right clarifying questions
3. You freeze and are unable to ask for help to the interviewer when needed
4. You have not done enough math drills, thus you have seen a limited amount of math problems and cannot quickly identify the optimal structure
5. You get confused when you get a large amount of information

Without knowing the exact issue it is not possible to fix the problem (much as in a full case), so the advice you will get will be generic and not tailored.

If you need help, I do a session specifically on complex math problems and how to improve your skills there,  please feel free to PM for more details.

2) Will they automatically reject me if I get the math part wrong but everything else right?

It depends on what / how you do it wrong, but this could definitely happen

3)  If I can't improve it within 2 weeks, will it be a good idea to postpone my interviews to practice more on math? If so, how do I ask to postpone it?

Definitely ask to postpone if you don’t feel ready. You could mention you would appreciate it if you could have more time to prepare due to personal reasons. Consulting companies are flexible and if possible they will accommodate.

Best,

Francesco

Step 1: Do not panic. I repeat - do not panic. There is no reason to panic. No one is dying. It is just an interview for ‘a’ job.

Step 2: If possible - try to push the interviews. If not possible, still do not panic. 2 weeks is still decent time.

Step 3: Do a math structuring focused diagnostic session with a coach here on PrepLounge. This is not the first time I am encountering someone with issues in structuring math. However, the root cause can be lot different. For some of my coachees who felt they were bad at structuring math - their actual problem lay elsewhere. This was uncovered only after the diagnostic.

Step 4: Post some of the questions here - in which you faltered on math structuring. Give us some context, and also provide your solution. The experts here will help you uncover lots of nifty tricks.

Step 5: Do math-heavy case practice with peers on PrepLounge

Step 6: Do not panic. I repeat - do not panic. There is no reason to panic. No one is dying. It is just an interview for ‘a’ job.

Hi!

I suggest you read Preplounge's bootcamp article on market sizing? It's a good foundation.

https://www.preplounge.com/en/bootcamp.php/case-cracking-toolbox/identify-your-case-type/market-sizing

Then you should also read the coaches' suggestions in this thread:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-practice-structuring-math-11750

If after this you still struggle with math structuring, maybe you should consider scheduling a coaching session focusing solely on that. Don't want to make a pitch here, but coaches are helpful when you can't progress anymore on your own (and need results fast). Of course, happy to help on that topic.

Hello, there! First of all, breathe. Things are never as bad as they seem. 

Second of all, yes, you can always postpone the interview. You should show up on the interview date positive and confident in your abilities. You can improve on all dimensions if you want. All you need is time and the right kind of support. 

Third of all, I assume that by math structuring you're referring to breaking down the math problem into logical steps. Realistically, the only way you can get better is by exposing yourself as much as possible to different types of problems through practice. Then make sure you are clear on what data is at your disposal and what problem you are trying to solve. Once the problem is clear, try working backwards from there, i.e., to find x out, what information do I need, how does it relate to the information I have already. Happy to help with a few practical cases. 

I think the solution here, as in almost everything, is prep, prep, prep. And no reason to panic: if in 2 weeks I (and any consultant) can do a DD you surely can learn to be a bit more structured. 

Do get in touch for some focused preparation and some tip & tricks (I would need to see you in action and improve your specific style instead of giving any random advice). 

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