McKinsey Early Access Imbellus Test...Am I screwed?

BCG McKinsey and Bain Interview McKinsey McKinsey McKinsey & Company Problem Solving Test
New answer on May 24, 2021
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Anonymous A asked on May 21, 2021

Hi, everyone. As part of McKinsey's "Early Access" 2021 pre-MBA program, I ended up taking McKinsey's Problem Solving Game, the Imbellus Test. Given McKinsey stating that "(...) all MBA candidates interviewing for Summer Associate positions in North American offices will play the game this fall, so taking it now puts you a step ahead during this busy time", I played the game casually and simply to get a flavour of what to expect in a few months, finishing in far less time than allocated. (Emphasis mine.)

However, I am now hearing that we will only have the opportunity to play the Imbellus Test once, even if it was part of McKinsey's Early Access. If so, this was never made clear in any of McKinsey's communications, such that the common notion that "any experiences during the early-MBA programs are non-predictive of the fall-recruiting cycle" was completely violated.

Imagine getting into a top school, taking a loan and budgeting hundreds of thousands of dollars, and then getting rejected by McKinsey because of a f*cking videogame.

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Francesco
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replied on May 22, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you had issues with the Imbellus.

I am not 100% sure I understood the situation. You said they sent you the link for the Imbellus in advance, offering the opportunity to do the test earlier for pre-selection. Did they mention that this was a “trial” and you could have taken the test again in the Fall? Otherwise I am afraid it was implicit you could have not taken it multiple times (unless you got rejected and wanted to apply again after the ban).

Best,

Francesco

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Ian
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replied on May 22, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I'm definitely sorry to hear this, but I must say it's kind of clear you misinterpreted their statement right?

"taking it now puts you a step ahead during this busy time"...this means take it now or later, but we recommend taking it now.

I am very sorry (though I hope you still did well enough to get through). That said, I think this could be a bit of a lesson for you as well: In any professional interaction, no matter what is said, you should always assume you are being graded/observed. Always perform your best.

If you're really concerned you failed the test, you may want to message them explaining that you misunderstood. However, this is risky. I doubt they would let you take it again, and I think it risks making you look worse.

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Clara
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replied on May 24, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

I have the same doubts are Francesco, can you clarify?

Cheers,

Clara

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Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

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