How to prepare for BCG online case?

Question

Hi everybody!

I have been invited to BCG first round, which will consist of two face-to-face cases and one online case. What should I expect from the online case? Is it somehow similar to McKinsey PST/SHL? How should I prepare for it?

I will interview at the italian office in Milan, if that matters.
Thanks for your help

(edited)

18 answers

Sort by

Upvotes
Date ascending
Date descending

Preparation material for the BCG quant test

Hi,

There are 2 types of BCG tests:

GMAT-like test with questions similar to GMAT
Online Test that is based on a case and has the questions closer to PST

I have uploaded both test samples here (Online test is about airlines). I've also added BCG written case sample (Next round) and Bain written case:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zor4m49eyx5qxal/AABeUN6mtiGkWhEklRjszX2Oa?dl=0

(ask me for a password)

As for particular recommendations for online test:

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 articles 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 resources 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 remember calculator is allowed on BCG test. Make sure you know how to simplify calculations and use it fast

Best!

Thank you Vlad! — Andrea on May 30, 2018

Further answer to this question

Hi,

There are 2 types of BCG tests:

GMAT-like test with questions similar to GMAT
Online Test that is based on a case and has the questions closer to PST

I have uploaded both test samples here (Online test is about airlines). I've also added BCG written case sample (Next round) and Bain written case:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zor4m49eyx5qxal/AABeUN6mtiGkWhEklRjszX2Oa?dl=0

As for particular recommendations for online test:

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 articles 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 resources 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 remember calculator is allowed on BCG test. Make sure you know how to simplify calculations and use it fast

Best!

Can I have the password for the dropbox? — Rikke on May 30, 2018

can I have the password for the Dropbox pls — Owura on Jun 27, 2018

Password? — Jakub on Jul 03, 2018

Hello Vlad! Is it possible to get the dropbox password? Thanks! — Saeb on Jul 17, 2018

Could please have the password as well? Thanks. — Christina on Aug 09, 2018 (edited)

Show 28 more comments

Originally answered:

I will have the BCG numerical test soon for the Milan office. Do you have any suggestions? It is not the BCG Potential Test, but one focused on numbers and logic.

Hi,

There are 2 types of BCG tests:

GMAT-like test with questions similar to GMAT
Online Test that is based on a case and has the questions closer to PST

If you are talking about the first test - it's just a copy of GMAT. You buy the latest GMAT Official Guide on Amazon and practice as much as possible.GMAT also has a programm that you can install on your computer with the full tests. It's important - you practice the full parts of the test with strict GMAT timing.

For the 2nd type of the test you should build the following skills:

1) Math and formulas:

Interest rates calculations
Compound margin
NPV using the Rule of 72, Perperuity
CAGR using the Rule of 72
Currencies exchange calculations
Speed, time, distance calculations
Equations, systems of equations
Ratio & Proportions
Solving the problems by calculating the area of the triangle
Profit / breakeven formula
Correlations, outliers (being able to spot on the graphs, tables)

2) Fast math skills

Rounding up and down
Learn how to multiply double digit numbers (google fast math tips)
Learn the division table up to 1/11 (i.e. 5/6 = 83.3)
Learn how to work with zeros (Hint: 4000000 = 4*10ˆ6)

Use math tools (Mimir math for iOS), Math tool on Viktor Cheng website to practice

3) Working with tables and graphs and deriving conclusions

Study "Say it with Charts" book
Check all available MBB presentations and publications. Practice to derive conclusions and check yourself with the actual ones from the article / presentation
GMAT IR part (Official guide and Manhattan prep)
Learn basic statistics (Any GMAT or MBA prep guides)

Some examples of BCG tests here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zor4m49eyx5qxal/AABeUN6mtiGkWhEklRjszX2Oa?dl=0

Good luck!

(edited)

Originally answered:

Bcg online test

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 articles with industry terms could significantly improve the 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 resources 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 remember calculator is allowed on BCG test. Make sure you know how to simplify calculations and use it fast

I have uploaded both test samples here (Online test is about airlines). I've also added BCG written case sample (Next round):

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zor4m49eyx5qxal/AABeUN6mtiGkWhEklRjszX2Oa?dl=0

Best!

Please may I have the password for the dropbox so I can access these materials? Thank you — Emma on Sep 10, 2018

Can you also share the password with me? Many thanks in advance:) — Florian on Mar 27, 2019

could you share the password with me? thank you! — Anonymous on Apr 09, 2019

Can I have the password as well? Thank you so much — Aarathi on May 05, 2019

Originally answered:

I will have the BCG numerical test soon for the Milan office. Do you have any suggestions? It is not the BCG Potential Test, but one focused on numbers and logic.

Francesco

Expert

Content Creator

updated his answer on Jun 25, 2020

#1 Expert for Coaching Sessions (2.900+) | 1.200+ Reviews with 100% Recommendation Rate | Ex BCG | 7+ Years Coaching Experience

Hi Anonymous,

I did the numerical test (not the Potential Test, but the other one based on numerical and logic) in the Milan office some years ago (2011) and got confirmation that last year (2017) was still the same; the test consisted of two parts:

Numerical test. Very similar to the SHL numerical part. Paper-based, each question had 5 or 10 possible answers. Questions were not hard, but time was really short.
- Resources: You can train online on SHL type cases with a strict time constraint. You can find an example of a SHL numerical test at the following link:

https://www.wikijob.co.uk/aptitude-test/numerical-practice

Logic test based on traffic lights colours. Technically speaking, the test is called Fault diagnosis. In the test, two or more traffic lights are connected by codes; each code changes a colour of the traffic light; one or more of the codes are broken and you have to understand which are the broken ones. It was a bit complex to understand the logic initially, but once understood it the test was not particular difficult.
- Resources: You can find an example of a Fault diagnosis test at the following link:

http://bit.ly/2nHrBaW

Hope this helps,

Francesco

(edited)

Show 3 further answers by Francesco

Bcg online test

Hi Domen,

quoting a previous answer, for the preparation I would recommend the following:

Practice as much as you can on Potential test simulations. You should be able to find online the Med-Lines case, either on a PrepLounge or on Scribd (just google that). After that, Igotanoffer has several others you can purchase online
Once completed the BCG test simulations, move to PST practice. You can find a good number of PST test online for free. PST is different from the Potential test (the structure is not the same, in the Potential test you get penalized for wrong questions while in the McK PST you don’t, etc), but it is definitely closer to that than pure GMAT questions.
Do all the simulations with a time constraint. Then, after each test, report all the mistakes you did in the test. You will likely find mistakes have something in common (eg, wrong math; too much time wasted on some questions; wrong interpretation of graph; etc). Then work on these categories one by one. Many people do these simulations concentrating only on the final score and don’t spend time categorizing the type of mistakes, thus not improving their performance.

Math practice, graph interpretation and quick reading training can also be useful. You can find some more comments on that at the following link:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/online-analytical-tests-483

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Originally answered:

Having BCG online test in 3 weeks, how should i organize my preparation time?

Hi Lior,

I agree with Marc, it would be a good habit for you to keep doing case interviews as the test is in three weeks – 15 hours in general should be sufficient to prepare for the BCG test (10 hours for 10 different test simulations + 5 hours to review potential mistakes and redo the parts of the test where you did mistakes). The best preparation is of course based on BCG sample tests; I agree PST could be a good back up, although they have a different structure, in case you run out of the proper tests.

Below you can find some additional tips on test preparations:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/online-analytical-tests-483

Best,

Francesco

(edited)

Hello Francesco, I haven't found any sample test for BCG Potential test (besides the one sent by email by BCG before the 1st round). Do you know where we can find some? Thank you! Marine — Marine on Oct 01, 2017

Further answer to this question

Hi Anonymous,

the potential test is different from the McKinsey PST/SHL, although, as mentioned below, PST could still be a good practice.

For the preparation I would recommend the following:

Practice as much as you can on Potential test simulations. You should be able to find online the Med-Lines case, either on a PrepLounge or on Scribd (just google that). After that, Igotanoffer has several others you can purchase online
Once completed the BCG test simulations, move to PST practice. You can find a good number of PST test online for free. PST is different from the Potential test (the structure is not the same, in the Potential test you get penalized for wrong questions while in the McK PST you don’t, etc), but it is definitely closer to that than pure GMAT questions.
Do all the simulations with a time constraint. Then, after each test, report all the mistakes you did in the test. You will likely find mistakes have something in common (eg, wrong math; too much time wasted on some questions; wrong interpretation of graph; etc). Then work on these categories one by one. Many people do these simulations concentrating only on the final score and don’t spend time categorizing the type of mistakes, thus not improving their performance.

Math practice, graph interpretation and quick reading training can also be useful. You can find some more comments on that at the following link:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/online-analytical-tests-483

Finally, you have to take into account you get penalized for wrong answers in the Potential test, so you should adapt your strategy accordingly.

Best,

Francesco

Thank you very much! One last question: will I be allowed to use a calculator during the test? — Walter on Dec 09, 2017

Hi Walter, that depends by the country. The best thing would be to ask to the HR department, so that you can prepare accordingly — Francesco on Dec 11, 2017

Originally answered:

I will have the BCG numerical test soon for the Milan office. Do you have any suggestions? It is not the BCG Potential Test, but one focused on numbers and logic.

Hey,

My advice would to be for you to practise mental math (divisions, multiplications, percentages, approximations) as much as possible. This type of tests are mainly about interpretation, accuracy and speed, so you should try to be comfortable with these three dimensions.

A nice way to practise is to take a P&L from a company and start playing with their figures: e.g., what would be the % impact in profitability if transport costs decrease by X; what's the % of staff costs over revenues, etc.

Best

Bruno

Originally answered:

Bcg online test

Hi Domen,

Adding onto what Francesco wrote.

I recently took the BCG test (just 2 weeks back). Although i was told about the test only the evening before my round 2 interviews, so I didn't had much time to prepare.

My key take away (after a last minute panic and google search on how to beat BCG test) are:

Time yourself -45 minutes can fly quickly
The test has two cases and more informations will be made avilable to you as you go on
Each question was linked to the previous one in either qualittive or quantitative way
Use the calculator -(take yours and practice onit, I was given a big calculator and I did spend a lot of time on just getting used to it)
I selected multiple answers which were -none of the above (this may sound normal, but I am coming from education background where I have taken at least 4 Multiple answer format test each year, and rarely that has been the answer.
Read the graphs carefully and make sure you understand the questions so that you don't solve something which is not needed.

And yes, I got the offer. So I hope it helps you.

Cheers!

(edited)

Originally answered:

Having BCG online test in 3 weeks, how should i organize my preparation time?

Hi Lior,

As Francesco and Marc highlighted, a good mix between interview cases and test preparation is ideal but please keep in mind that you're not getting the interview chance if you don't pass the test.

As for the test: BCG sample tests are the greatest prep source but I personally don't believe PST is the best back-up. This is because BCG tests sometimes fall into pure math like geometry questions (no business context at all) - and this is why I think the GMAT quant questions are a better source of questions. Additionally, there is also an "infinite" amount of questions to train ;)

I'd suggest you to do 2-3 sample tests to check what are your strengths and weaknesses - be honest to yourself and try to close whatever gaps you might have.

Wish you the best of luck!

Best

Guilherme

Marco-Alexander

Expert

replied on Oct 13, 2019

Former BCG | Case author for efellows book | Experience in 6 consultancies (Stern Stewart, Capgemini, KPMG, VW Con., Horvath, zeb)

Hi Anonym,

I worked at BCG until recently.

If you like, we can have a call on it? Feel free to write me.

Best regards

Marco-Alexander

Hey Marco-Alexander! I got shortlisted for an associate job at BCG and will be sitting the online test soon. Are there any tips you could give me on how to prep for it please? Thank you in advance! — Jessica on Mar 18, 2020

Originally answered:

Hello, does anyone have samples of BCG's online case test? any tips :) ?

Find "BCG online test pdf" on Google. There are a few tests with limited questions that is similar to the real test.

My tips from my recent BCG test: practice quick, logical thinking.

For example, here are a few question types from what I recall:
- Choose the most important data for the analysis
- From a few variables, create a formula a calculation to get the required data (e.g Revenue = 100.x / (y - 50z) )
- Do you think that we can calculate X from all the data available? (Requires you to think about what data you have, and can you calculate X with the data)
- Other questions required you to interpret exhibits, make calculations... Not math-heavy, but logic-heavy
- What action is the most impactful to achieve the business's objective? (Test your business sense and logical thinking)
- True / False

Do some McKinsey PSTs can help. Make sure that you read the questions carefully.

Originally answered:

Having BCG online test in 3 weeks, how should i organize my preparation time?

Hello, I am also preparing for the BCG online test, let me give you some tips:

1.- Continue solving interview cases, because after the test they can (sometimes) not give you enough time to prepare for the first round.

2.- In terms of preparation, focus on accuracy at first and then on speed. You can practise using also PST, even though they do not have the same dynamics.

3.- You have enough time to prepare, so get started now practising mental math skills and also interpreting graphs from BCG Perspectives or McK Quarterly to get used to interpreting raw data.

Take care,

Andre

Expert

Content Creator

replied on May 18, 2020

Professional full-time coach|50+ happy clients in 12 months|Ex Roland Berger PM & Recruiter|Networking to get interviews

Hi,

Vlad explained it very nicely

Originally answered:

BCG online case (European office)

Hi Sebastin,

first of all congrats on the invitation to write the test! how did you do? do you mind sharing tips on how best to prepare for the test and wIat i can expect when writing the test! Thanks

Clara

Expert

Content Creator

replied on Jun 23, 2020

McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+130 students coached |Discount for 1st session!

Hello!

It´s indeed very similar go GMAT, this would be where I would focus.

In particular, 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/)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Related case(s)

BCG Questions

Solved 25.7k times | Rating: (4.5 / 5.0) |

Difficulty: Intermediate | Style: Fit interview | Topics: Personal fit

What arouses your interest when you are working / studying / doing another activity (from the CV)? Tell me of a time where you had no idea what you were doing. When did you use an uncommon approach to do something? Have you ever had responsibility for other people? Tell me of a situation where ... Open whole case

MBB Final Round Case - Smart Education

Solved 7.1k times | Rating: (4.6 / 5.0)

Difficulty: Advanced | Style: Interviewer-led (McKinsey style) | Topics: Growth strategy, Market analysis, Market entry, New product

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 disadvant ... Open whole case

Espresso, Whatelse?

Solved 5.8k times | Rating: (4.6 / 5.0)

Difficulty: Advanced | Style: Interviewer-led (McKinsey style) | Topics: Market analysis, Operations strategy, Pricing, Profitability analysis

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 understand ... Open whole case

Motivational questions – FIT interview preparation

Solved 1.7k times | Rating: (4.5 / 5.0)

Difficulty: Intermediate | Style: Fit interview | Topics: Personal fit

During this exercise, we will deep-dive in 4 of the most common Motivational questions asked in FIT interviews: Why Consulting? Why this particular company? (McKinsey, Bain, BCG, others) Why this particular location? *Particularly relevant to people re-locating or choosing an office not ... Open whole case

Coronavirus Times - COVID-19 Brainteaser

Solved 1.5k times | Rating: (4.6 / 5.0)

Difficulty: Beginner | Style: Brain Teaser | Topics: Brain teaser

You and your family are faced with a challenging set of decisions. Due to coronavirus, your partner has taken a 20% paycut and you are worried you may lose your job. In addition, while daycare is still open, you are worried that sending your two children there will increase the risk of them bringing ... Open whole case

score 38 · Accepted Answer · 2018-09-09T09:07:42+00:00

Originally answered:

Hello, does anyone have samples of BCG's online case test? any tips :) ?

Best Answer

Vlad

Expert

Content Creator

replied on Sep 09, 2018

MBB Referrals / McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / #1 in Q&A upvotes / Harvard Business School

Hi,

I have uploaded both test samples here (Online test is about airlines). I've also added BCG written case sample (Next round) and Bain written case:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zor4m49eyx5qxal/AABeUN6mtiGkWhEklRjszX2Oa?dl=0

(PM me for a password)

As for particular recommendations for online test:

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 articles 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 resources 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 remember calculator is allowed on BCG test. Make sure you know how to simplify calculations and use it fast

Best!

Hi, do you mind sharing with me the password? Im taking the test in 2 days so really need all the help I can get! :) — Yan Yi on Sep 16, 2019

Hi Vlad! Do you think you could PM me the password? :) — Olle on Sep 23, 2019

Hi Vlad, Could you please send me the password ? — Tristan on Oct 12, 2019

Thanks so much Vlad. Really appreciate the guidance. — Michael on Oct 15, 2019

Hi Vlad, could you please send me the password for the dropbox folder? :) I'm taking the BCG test next Friday. — Daniel on Oct 19, 2019

Show 55 more comments

Show 4 further answers by Vlad

Cookie and Privacy Settings

How to prepare for BCG online case?

Hello, does anyone have samples of BCG's online case test? any tips :) ?

Preparation material for the BCG quant test

I will have the BCG numerical test soon for the Milan office. Do you have any suggestions? It is not the BCG Potential Test, but one focused on numbers and logic.

Bcg online test

I will have the BCG numerical test soon for the Milan office. Do you have any suggestions? It is not the BCG Potential Test, but one focused on numbers and logic.

Bcg online test

Having BCG online test in 3 weeks, how should i organize my preparation time?

I will have the BCG numerical test soon for the Milan office. Do you have any suggestions? It is not the BCG Potential Test, but one focused on numbers and logic.

Bcg online test

Having BCG online test in 3 weeks, how should i organize my preparation time?

Hello, does anyone have samples of BCG's online case test? any tips :) ?

Having BCG online test in 3 weeks, how should i organize my preparation time?

BCG online case (European office)

Related BootCamp article(s)

Fast Math: How to Master Mental Math

Which companies are currently using written tests ?

Interviewer-Led vs Candidate-Led cases

Related case(s)

BCG Questions

MBB Final Round Case - Smart Education

Espresso, Whatelse?

Motivational questions – FIT interview preparation

Coronavirus Times - COVID-19 Brainteaser

Similar questions

Cookie and Privacy Settings

How to prepare for BCG online case?

Related BootCamp article(s)

Fast Math: How to Master Mental Math

Which companies are currently using written tests ?

Interviewer-Led vs Candidate-Led cases

Related case(s)

Similar questions

Related companies

Get started now - for free

Log in now