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)
Originally answered:
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:
Best!
Originally answered:
Hi Anonymous,
I did the non-Potential test 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:
https://www.wikijob.co.uk/aptitude-test/numerical-practice
http://bit.ly/2nHrBaW
Hope this helps,
Francesco
(edited)
Originally answered:
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:
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
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
Originally answered:
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:
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:
And yes, I got the offer. So I hope it helps you.
Cheers!
(edited)
Originally answered:
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,
Originally answered:
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
Case Interviews can be led by the candidate or by the interviewer: In Candidate-led cases the main challenge is the structure. In Interviewer-led cases the main challenge is to adapt quickly
All major firms like McKinsey, BCG and Bain use tests to assess a candidate's analytical skills. However the design of those tests can differ a lot.
Apply these tips and tricks for outstanding mental math shortcuts to impress your interviewer in your next case interview.
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