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How to get over case training which has plateaued?

Case Interview Case training flatline
Recent activity on May 02, 2018
3 Answers
2.4 k Views
Anonymous C asked on May 02, 2018

Perhaps someone has some insights around this -

I have done a lot of cases and feel as though I am flatlining with performance.

Is there any other training or things to do people recommend to overcome a flat line, and get better? some extra training to do if i have more time?

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Anonymous replied on May 02, 2018

Hey,

In my view, if you flatlining with performance then you need to pinpoint specifically where you feel you are lacking and really try and focus on working on those case elements through specific practice rather than simply repeating general case practice.

All cases can be broken down to individual components that will all contribute together to define your final performance: overall structure, structured communication, analysis and discussion of exhibits, both quantitative and qualitative anslysis, synthesis, business judgment etc.

My advice would be to work on those where you feel the weakest in a structured way first, then jump back in to doing a few cases and repeat the process if needed with a different focus. That should help you overcome your feeling of flatlining and improve your overall case level.

Best,

James

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Sidi
Expert
replied on May 02, 2018
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers

Hi Anonymous,

I think a very similar question has been asked here, and the points raised are very good advice in my opinion: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/not-improving-at-case-interviews-447#a891

I believe a large part of the success in becoming a strong case solver comes down to the quality of the direct coaching that he/she is getting. A small network of 4 to 6 persons, including at least one real (ex-)consultant who has ample real interviewing experience for one of the big firms, will be worth much more than having dozens of practice sessions with random persons who are also inexperienced.

Cheers, Sidi

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Vlad
Expert
replied on May 02, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

First of all - try to get the objective measurement of your performance. It may be the case that you think you have plateaued but in reality, you have lots of things to improve. The sources of the objective assessment and feedback might be:

  • MBB Consultants giving you a mock session
  • Coaches on prep lounge
  • Very experienced candidates who have passed the 1st rounds

Ask them proactively for the hard cases.

Secondly - I will look at unusual cases and the cases that most of the candidates miss

I have answered this question here:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hardest-cases-to-excel-in-1648

Finally - don't stop practicing, especially before the interview. Solving cases is a mechanical skill and it has a tendency to go away (same as muscles:)

Best!

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