It has been almost 3 weeks since doing the PSG at Mckinsey and I haven't heard back

Hello Dard,

They are most probably reviewing your application in combination with your performance at the PSG.

What you need to know about the PSG, is that there is no specific number you need to reach in order to pass or a specific amount of correct answers you need to give. 

It helps McKinsey evaluate some specific characteristics they are looking for. Based on that, your performance along with your profile is reviewed and if they believe that you can potentially be a good addition to the company, then they will proceed with the interviews.

Having said that, please try to relax and wait for them to reach out. I know it is very very stressful, but unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to speed up the process.

Good luck and please let us know how it went if you feel like it:)

Uncertainty about recession impacts is affecting a lot - also consulting recruiting processes. You just have to wait for the response in this case. 

In the meantime, keep applying to other firms (as it will likely take a longer time to hear back too) and continue practicing your case interview skills. When you do hear back positive news, your first round interview might only be days away then so you want to be prepared.

Hi there,

“What should I do in this case?” - The only thing you can do is to sit tight and wait. Unfortunately, you don't have another option here. Would refrain from reaching out again because there's really nothing to gain.

“Do they mean the submission of the test or the application itself?” - They could be referring to either but it's only rough guidance and there's always outliers. Either way, they're well within the stipulated time frame.

It may not be what you want to hear but that's how it is. Now it's time to focus on being productive and not the waiting.

Best of luck!

Moritz

Honestly, the variability is quite high, meaning that in some instances it can take above one month to hear back from the PSG test.

Hi Dard,

Q: They told me “Our typical response time is within 2-6 weeks from the time of your submission”. Do they mean the submission of the test or the application itself?

Usually they let you know within 2 weeks from the test but I helped candidates that occasionally heard back after 1 month or more. So it could be either. 

The response time is not necessarily correlated with the performance (the longest I heard so far was almost two months and the candidate passed).

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi Dard,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• It's been almost 3 weeks since you completed the McKinsey Solve and haven't received a response yet. According to their email, your application is under review and they typically respond within 2-6 weeks from the time of your submission. The submission they referred to may be the McKinsey Solve or the application itself, it's unclear.
• Either way, it is important to focus on what is under your control at the moment, especially your performance in the upcoming case study and personal experience interviews. I would highly advise you to continue preparing for these, as once you pass the screening, you may receive an interview invitation soon.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

(edited)

Hello Dard,

Sorry to hear about the situation!

The waiting time does depend a lot on the specific office/position/applicant pool - maybe Copenhagen office has a higher wait time for some pool of applicants.

Best course of action should be to stay positive, but don't bank on it. Start looking at other companies, make applications, commence interview prep. 

All the best!

Rushabh

Hi there,

You have your answer! You need to wait 2-6 weeks.

And, honestly, it may even take longer (they rarely stick to timelines they tell candidates).

Ultimately nothing you do with change anything and this is out of your control

Focus on what you can control.

Network with other firms

Apply to other roles

Case prep in order to maximize your chances when you get an interview with McKinsey OR other firms.

Hi there, 

Usually at the start of the year there's a bit of a backlog that they work through, that's why it takes longer. 

Then, in terms of what they're assessing - most offices actually assess your results from the PSG together with the application documents (CV, cover letter, referrals). They look at all of them together when deciding whether to progress you to the next round. Very few offices actually do it sequentially (i.e., only sending the test if you passed the application documents phase). 

Best,

Cristian