McKinsey First Round rejection

improve Interview McKinsey
New answer on Mar 27, 2021
5 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Mar 26, 2021

Hello,

I have recently been rejected at the first round of McKinsey because I didnt have the level in the maths section of the case as well as their structuring. I have done a loooot of cases already. I dont want to give up my chances but could you tell me what I can do to improve me structuring and case math skills?

Thank you

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Francesco
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Content Creator
replied on Mar 27, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

I agree with the other coaches - your questions are a bit too generic.

Problems in the math part for example could be:

  • Wrong math
  • Very slow math
  • Lack of structure presenting the math
  • Lack of connection of the math results with the goal
  • Took wrong numbers/made wrong assumptions

The same thing is true for structuring. Without knowing the specific issue, it is not possible to provide good suggestions.

If you know already which areas you could improve, I would recommend you edit the question or ask a new one with the specific parts you find challenging so that we can help you more.

If instead you are unsure about which are the improvement points, I agree with Ian that a coach could be a good investment.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

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Clara
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replied on Mar 27, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Sorry to hear about that :/

It´s impossible to give you a good answer without having worked with you as a candidate. Have you considered working with a coach?

Furthermore, what have other candidates told you as feedback when practicing with them?

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Ian
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updated an answer on Mar 26, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

You need a coach.

Sorry to be to blunt, but we don't know what you need to do without assessing you. You are not able to assess yourself (we are bad judges of ourselves).

If you didn't pass the 1st round, there is more than just 1 issue with your casing and you need a fundamental step change/mindset shift!

"I have done a looooot" of cases. Quality over quantity my friend. Someone who prepares well/smart can do 10 cases and get in. I've seen countless people who have done 100 cases that just aren't very good!

(edited)

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Ken
Expert
replied on Mar 27, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

You will typically get a lot of good advice on this forum but you will need to be much more specific on the feedback you have received and interpretation of your performance. Being familiar with cases is a good start but you need to a deeper understanding of what McKinsey is looking for in each section of the case for you to improve your chances next time.

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Gaurav
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replied on Mar 26, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hey there!

You always can write me a message! I've helped a lot of people in their preparations for case interviews, so don't hesitate.

Cheers,

GB

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Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

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