is it a must to do Mckinsey PST and BCG Potential test for MBA? or in some offices you just start with cases? and do you think PST and Potential test are harder than cases? Thanks
Hello!
First things first, PST is now mostly substituted by Imbellus in most locations.
Some points about Imbellus:
It´s fun and there is not really a "way" to prep for it.
My advise would be to be fresh when you do it and pick a right enviroment -during my BCG test in their office there was construction in the patio and the screen was even shaking-.
Then, regarding whether it is or not compulsory, again depends:
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
Thank you Clara — on Jun 11, 2020
Hi Anonymous,
No, the McKinsey PST is not a must. As far as I remember there is no overall specific global rule for that, but usually the PST is oftenly used for non-business and/or non-quantitative backgrounds.
The PST is not simple given also the time pressure you have, but it's not rocket science either - it's mainly a matter of diligent preparation, nothing else. If you need help on that, let me know and we can arrange a session to detail out a game plan for you to successfully tackle the PST. Before that however, clarify with your HR contact at McKinsey if you will have that at all!
Hope this helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!
Robert
Thank you. — on Jun 10, 2020
Hi there,
you may or may not have to do the tests according to the office you are applying to. Moreover:
Both the PST and the Potential Test are relatively difficult. If you have to do any of them the best thing is to prepare on examples of similar tests, you can find one I personally created for the Potential Test at the following link:
https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/bcg-potential-test-1-13
Best,
Francesco
Hi, it depends on the office, on your GMAT and on the referral you have. Very often if your application is accelerated by a consultant you can skip directly to the first round.
About the McK test, most of the offices have left the PST and they use SHL or Imbellus test.
Best,
Antonello
Hello,
It depends on the office, but it could be avoided especially if you have a good GMAT result. It could be anyway replaced by a gamified test, Imbellus. Feel free to write me if you want more information on that test.
Best,
Luca
Thanks — on Jun 11, 2020
Hi,
No. Not at all.
Best,
André
Thank you Andre — on Jun 11, 2020
Hi,
It's not required. Moreover, PST is replaced with Imbellus in many countries. But still not required for MBAs
Best
Thanks — on Jun 11, 2020
Hi there,
It is definitely not a must (I didn't do it). However, it doesn't hurt to check with HR / your school recruiter!
Thanks — on Jun 11, 2020
Hello,
In the Dubai office, the McK PST is not needed from MBA students coming from target schools (ie. INSEAD, HEC, etc.)
Hope this helps
Khaled
Thanks. — on Jun 10, 2020
Hi,
it's not mandatory
David
Thanks. — on Jun 10, 2020
We explain and give tips on how to understand and analyze graphs, charts and data presented by interviewer to candidates in case interviews.
QuizAll 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.
Top tier consulting firms have started using PSTs to test for in-depth analytical skills needed to be successful as a consultant on a day-to-day basis.
GOT - Got your Offer Training 
BCG Potential Test/Online Case #2 by Gaurav 
BCG Potential Test/Online Case #1 by Francesco 
Prep Guide for McKinsey PST by PrepLounge 
McKinsey PST #3 by Riccardo 
McKinsey PST #2 by Gaurav 
McKinsey PST #1 by PrepLounge 
