Is it worth to travel for BCG and Mckinsey tests?

and Bain BCG McKinsey
New answer on Oct 19, 2023
6 Answers
3.1 k Views
Alex asked on Jun 10, 2019

Hi guys,

I live in a European country, where we don't have offices of BCG nor Mckinsey, but i've applied to the nearby country and got invited for the test in both of them.

What do you think is that worth to spend money for living and flight? It's probably gonna cost me 1-2k euro

I am broke right now, so i was thinking about taking a loan for that, so is that worth it?

What if i don't pass, then the money will be wasted

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Benjamin
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 19, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

As others have mentioned - typically the firm will cover the travel costs. But even if they did not, I personally would pay for the travel for the chance to do a F2F

  • It is much easier to build rapport F2F
  • It shows your dedication/interest in the role

Hope this helps to provide perspective!

Was this answer helpful?
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 11, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Alex,

MBB normally cover all travel expense, thus as mentioned you may first of all discuss with HR if that’s an option. They will probably aggregate the test with interviews so that if you pass them you can directly have a first round interview as well.

Even if that’s not an option, personally I would still go for the tests (aggregating in days close to each other to limit costs). I would prefer to pay for the trips with the risk of wasting the money rather than keep the money and live with the idea of “What if I went and succeeded?”.

Best,
Francesco

Was this answer helpful?
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 14, 2019
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi Alex,

Face to face is ALWAYS better - no matte rwhat try and make this happen. As already noted, you should eitherbe reimbursed, be directed to book directly in their systemm or have the flights booked for you. (Accomodation in a very nice hotel should also be covered if it's an overnight situation)

Was this answer helpful?
Daniel replied on Jun 10, 2019

Hi,
don't think about not passing, that's the wrong attitude:-) If you're well-prepared, you can pass it. Regarding the travel expenses, I can confirm MBB cover them. And if they invite you from a different country, they think you're a good candidate. So don't put yourself off.
Best,
Daniel

Was this answer helpful?
2
Anonymous A updated the answer on Jun 10, 2019

MBB usually covers your travel expenses.
Just ask HR and they'll give you information.

When I was invited, one MBB covered also all my travel expenses from another country + hotel (which was also around 1k€)

(edited)

Was this answer helpful?
1
Anonymous updated the answer on Sep 07, 2020

Hi A,

First of all, get rid of the negative attitude. The thing you should concern about is good preparation, they have already invited you, so, this is your chance. You might ask HR about the situation as well.

Besides, MBB usually cover all travel expences, as said before.

I wish you luck in test passing.

Best, Andre

(edited)

Was this answer helpful?
0
Benjamin gave the best answer

Benjamin

Premium + Coaching Expert
Content Creator
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
356
Meetings
6,438
Q&A Upvotes
33
Awards
5.0
28 Reviews
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely