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Is PST still a thing?

McKinsey PST PST
New answer on May 13, 2020
6 Answers
1.6 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Sep 29, 2019

I've heard from multiple friends who directly went through the interview without first having to do PST. Is PST still a thing?

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Deniz
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 29, 2019
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 400+ Trainees | Free 15-min Consultation Call

Hi,

Yes, to the best of my knowledge (based on what I hear from my trainees), McKinsey is still asking candidates to take PST globally. I heard a few exceptions where some candidates were not required to take PST as they were lateral hires.

Best,

Deniz

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Deniz on Sep 29, 2019

To follow-up on this, I have asked around and I confirm that in some offices (e.g. London), some candidates are not asked to take PST, and instead to take a test which incorporates different scenarios (via gamification)

(edited)

Anonymous replied on May 13, 2020

Dear A

Some offices still using PST test, but some - has already using the Imbellus test. The details depend mostly on your geography

Best,
André

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Ian
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Content Creator
replied on May 13, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Some use PST, and some use Imbellus. In general, always safest to ask HR questions around what to expect for your interview - this is the best way to be sure!

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Anonymous replied on Sep 29, 2019

It depends on the location of the office you are applying for.

There are offices that already have the PST in place, others have substituted it with a much easier online test.

To be sure, I would advise you to directly ask HR people of the office you are applying for, so that you can prepare at your best.

Finger crossed for your application!

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Francesco
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Content Creator
replied on Nov 08, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

the PST is currently used by McKinsey only in some offices. In the US and UK, McKinsey is currently using the Imbellus test as preliminary screening, while in other offices (eg Italy) they use an SHL test.

Best,
Francesco

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Sidi
Expert
replied on Sep 30, 2019
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers

The PST has been abolished in several offices of McKinsey. It is definitely not used anymore in Germany, and also in the US I believe. But it differs across countries & geographies. best is to ask recruiting teams of your target office(s).

Cheers, Sidi

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