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Anonymous A
on Nov 09, 2019
Global
I want to receive updates regarding this question via email.

Just finished BCG final rounds- the cases seemed very unstructured?

I had my final round in the last couple of days; I was as prepared as I could be and felt good about the first of two interviews where I got to know the partner and got through a case that the partner created on the spot. It was very unusual as he didn't ask me to do any numbers but got me to go through structures repeatedly (apparently a weakness from my first interview) I did well and got to the answer with confidence and poise.

That said the second interview was way harder. An M&A case prompt that somehow mutated into a high-level profitability case. I was fine with the pivot until the first exhibit was given- at that point, I ran through my various hypotheses but struck out; went back to my structure- but struck out again.

I essentially had to ask for a hint by discussing the apparent contradiction in the direction of the case and how each hypothesis was "for later" and he said- "okay let me give you a hint- xxx" at which point I saw the light and solved the case in 8 minutes. 

I have never gotten stuck in a case before this and to be honest, it's got me rattled when I think about it after the fact. 

Anyways- any opinions? What are my chances given the above? How could I have improved upon the situation?

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Top answer
Francesco
Coach
on Nov 09, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

solving the case without hints is obviously better, but a hint is not necessarily a no-go (at the same time, you may solve the case without hints and still get rejected due to poor behavioral or communication performance).

If you get stuck I usually suggest to:

  • Ask for 30 seconds
  • Repeat the question
  • Repeat the information you found until that moment

If you are still stuck after that, then asking for help is the only thing you can do.

Best,

Francesco

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Deniz
Coach
on Nov 09, 2019
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 600+ Trainees | 900K+ YouTube Views

Hi,

The best-case scenario is to solve the case without any major hints, but I have seen many candidates managed to get offers with a hint as well. Your success would be highly dependent on the performance of others as well.

Best of luck,

Deniz

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Antonello
Coach
on Nov 09, 2019
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,
it not necessarily blocks you from getting the offer. The only other thing you could have done is to take 30 seconds and make a summary of the case: it can help to think about aspects stated before but important only in the last stage of the case resolution.

Best,
Antonello

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Marco-Alexander
Coach
edited on Sep 05, 2021
Former BCG | Case author for efellows book | Experience in 6 consultancies (Stern Stewart, Capgemini, KPMG, VW Con., Hor

…

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Vlad
Coach
on Nov 11, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

If you are saying you never got stuck with a case before - this probably means you naver had a decent case partner. Thus the overall prep level should be questioned.

Best

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