Mckinsey problem solving game and JA position

Question

Hello everyone,

I had applied at McKinsey last year for the Associate (PEPI practice) and was invited to take the game-based test. I took too much time in the ecosystem game (around 63 minutes) and still only 7 species survived (I took the top-down approach and calculated the calories so I know 7 species survived).

In the plant defense game, I had only 12 minutes and I messed up as I did not have much time to complete that portion and as expected I got the rejection.

I had faced technical difficulties while taking the assessment. My laptop was a bit old and the game required high graphics so it was not loading properly.

Now after 10 months since the last rejection I have applied for the Junior Associate position (generalist) and HR told me that since I have taken the online assessment in the last 12 months so I will not be requested to take the online assessment again which means that they will take the previous score into consideration which I obviously do want to happen. I asked HR to resend the test as I thought a candidate has to do the test every time he/she applies and I got the below-mentioned reply:

"Dear XXX

Thank you for your email.

We’ve identified that you’ve completed Solve Game in the last 12 months. In that case, you won’t be requested to take the assessment again.

Your performance in the assessment will be considered along with the rest of your application. I would like to assure you that the application will be reviewed thoroughly and the Solve Game score is one data point of many used in our screening process".

I emailed them again explaining the technical issue I faced last time and then I got the below-mentioned reply:

"Upon checking our system there are no support tickets submitted by you during the assessment you took previously that would indicate your technical issues.

According to our policy, I’m afraid in that case we are not able to offer a reset. You won’t be requested to take the assessment again.

Please note the Solve Game score is one data point of many used in our screening process. Your performance in the assessment will be considered along with the rest of your application".

Questions:

1 - Does anyone know how much percentage does the online assessment has in the overall application?

2 - I was rejected straight away after completing the online assessment test last year and HR had told me that my test score was not up to the mark. Should I even keep the expectations as I already know my test score is really bad? Why didn't HR directly reject me like last time?

3 - In the above-mentioned emails from HR, she has emphasized that the test score was only one component and the application will be reviewed thoroughly. Does anyone know who has got the really bad score and is still invited for the interviews?

I have an EM referral and am already in touch with a recruiting manager and had a phone call with her as well before applying as EM connected me with her and we had a good chat.

Answer 1

Hi there,

1 - Does anyone know how much percentage does the online assessment has in the overall application?

This is not publicly available unfortunately, plus different countries may use the test in different ways. For example, in some countries the test was used in a testing phase for a while and not really used for screening.

2 - I was rejected straight away after completing the online assessment test last year and HR had told me that my test score was not up to the mark. Should I even keep the expectations as I already know my test score is really bad? Why didn't HR directly reject me like last time?

Not sure about that, but assuming you had a 12 month ban, why didn’t you wait for that to pass? That’s the strategy I would recommend to follow also now to avoid issues. You can align with the person referring you if that’s possible, and if so, ask HR if you can wait the additional 2 months to complete a new application and do the test again. If that’s not possible given you have already applied, I am afraid you cannot do much in terms of the test.

3 - In the above-mentioned emails from HR, she has emphasized that the test score was only one component and the application will be reviewed thoroughly. Does anyone know who has got the really bad score and is still invited for the interviews?

You may have situations where you get a bad score and you are invited, however that’s when the test is used in a testing phase in a country for your case and/or when the test is conducted together with 1st round interviews and perform very well with them.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 2

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation.

Ultimately, this is out of your hands so you just need to sit tight and see what happens. I understand your desire to have control over the situation but you simply don't.

In terms of your question 1-3 (which are all the same question), we really can't say. If you have an EM referral and a strong resume you honestly should be ok.

You need to leave it now. Just thank her for providing the information and cross your fingers. Expect to have the interview and case prep accordingly, but also prepare mentally for no interview as well.

Good luck to you!

Answer 3

Hello!

What a journey!

To your questions, none is gonna be able to tell you with full certainty how much the test weights.

However, what is clear is that if you make good interviews, you are in, period.

The fact that is not eliminatory it´s a great thing, and normally does not apply to the bulk of candidates. For instance, when McK does workshops with students (there there is a highly competitive selection), usually it´s the case you are mentioning: 1st round and test are considered all together.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 4

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your experience with the McKinsey Solve!

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

Generally speaking, nobody will be able to provide a quantifiable answer to the share of the McKinsey Solve in the overall assessment since it is, as the recruiter told, literally just one additional data point. In case the McKinsey Solve confirms the observations made, it will not yield a lot of meaning, in case the McKinsey Solve refutes the observations made, chances are high the discrepancy will be discussed in further detail.
I would highly advise you not to worry too much about why they did not reject you right away - you have the chance to convince them of yourself! As such, I would advise you to focus all your energy on a thorough preparation instead of contemplating about your chances (which you will never know upfront).

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your upcoming McKinsey interviews, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

Answer 5

At this point your best bet is to give the process your best shot. While there is no definitive answer, the game does not matter as much as the actual interview itself. So if you can get a first round interview make sure you focus on acing that.