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McKinsey problem solving game: completely lost track of time.

BCG Imbellus McKinsey McKinsey Imbellus McKinsey problem solving game
New answer on Aug 21, 2021
5 Answers
6.3 k Views
Anonymous A asked on May 29, 2020

Hi,

I took the Imbellus test today as a part of McKinsey Early Access program, and I totally bombed it. It had two parts (Ecosystem creation and Migration test). During the test I thought that the timer shown above is only for part 1 of the test and I took 55 minutes to complete test 1, left with 5 minutes for part 2. Hence, I totally missed the entire part 2 of the test. I can't believe I made such a careless mistake.

Could someone please help me understand what will be the consequences? I'm really worried.

(edited)

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
 replied on May 30, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Sorry to hear about what happened!

Some pieces of advise for future candidates.

It´s much better than the old test used to be.

  • It's a gamified test
  • Divided into 2 games, 1h to complete both of them:
    • 1st one is a game about keeping an ecosystem balanced
    • 2nd one is a defense game

It´s fun and there is not really a "way" to prep for it.

My advise for future applicants who may read this post would be to be fresh when you do it and pick a right enviroment -during my BCG test in their office there was construction in the patio and the screen was even shaking-.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Anonymous A on May 30, 2020

Thanks Clara
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
 replied on Jun 01, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

it doesn’t seem very promising to be honest. Did they provide information on the time on each section before starting the test? They usually make it clear the time is split into two parts

Although frustrating, the only thing you can do is to wait for the results now, as trying to guess won't really be useful.

Best,

Francesco

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Anonymous A on Jun 01, 2020

Thanks Francesco
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
 replied on May 29, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I understand the need for clarity, but we can't really say anything here that will make you feel better.

It's easier said than done, but you just need to forget about it as best you can and wait for the results. It's literally wasted time thinking about it right now - focus on preparing for round 2 and/or your other interviews.

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Anonymous A on May 29, 2020

Thanks Ian

Anonymous replied on May 29, 2020

Hi A,

I'm sure you can understand it by yourself that given time wasn't spread in a balanced way. Time will show your result and, unfortunately, my answer is not a magic pillar that says you that everything will be fine.

Best,

André

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Anonymous A on May 29, 2020

Thank you for the response, Andre. Could you please share your opinion based on other such experiences about the gravity of the situation and the worst that I should expect?

Anonymous B replied on Aug 21, 2021

Same mistake here. Did you passed?

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Anonymous C on Nov 14, 2021

Same here! Did you two pass?

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