Hello,
I am a medical doctor with zero previous experience in consultancy but applied for a position at Bain. I have been asked to complete the SOVA assessment. What are resources that I can use that aren't too wordy? I don't have a lot of time to prep so I need something that gives me just the information I need.
Thanks
Hi there,
Lucky for you the McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so you really can leverage the practice tests for all of them in order to prepare:
The best way is to really find online tests / questions and practice. Regardless as to whether is a new or old test, the principles are mostly the same:
Think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.
You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.
You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.
PRACTICE TESTS
The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.
CHART/GRAPH INTERPRETATION
Best Rote Practice
Rocket Blocks
Best Practice Strategy
1) Read the Economist (especially the daily graph and Financial Time frequently
2) Ask case partners to focus particularly on your chart-reading skills (i.e. by providing you with cases with many charts) - Bain and Deloitte cases tend to be chart heavy
Graph Interpretation Tips
1) Read the title - and understand it
2) Read the legends - and understand them
3) Remind yourself of the objective / hypothesis in the case, to see where this might fit
4) Find the differences - where does the line graph plummet or spike? Which column is a lot smaller or bigger than the others? Where does change occur? The differences are what matter
5) Talk outloud while interpreting - first, it helps you think and process your thoughts, second, it lets the interviewer provide guidance and course correct if needed.
(edited)
Hi there,
Congrats! This sounds like a good opportunity.
If you don't have a lot of time, your best bet is to go for one of the guides that are sold online. They are probably the most effective tools for giving a crash course on how to perform well on the test.
If I were you though, I'd do two things:
1. Reach back to Bain HR and tell them that you're going through a difficult time now personally and professionally and that you are not prepared to take the test at this moment. Assure them that you're very interested in the role and that you'd just need two weeks in order to be able to take the test. I'm pretty sure they're going to grant you that.
2. Use this extra time not only to prepare for SOVA, but also to apply to multiple other firms. If you want to get a job in consulting, especially under the current economic climate it's essential that you diversify. Here's a guide on how to do this:
Last but not least, feel free to also google for examples of SOVA. There are quite a few free resources online as well. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you :)
Best,
Cristian
Step 1: Understand what SOVA assessment is. Explore online sources, PrepLounge Q&A, YouTube etc. etc.
Step 2: Acknowledge that since time is less - your prep might not be up to the mark. If after Step 1, you realise that the road is going to be too long - then it is best to reach out to Bain HR and get an extension from them. You can be clear that you need more time to prep. Most of the time math is the main thing that takes up prep time.
Step 3: Do practice tests as much as possible. Numerous sources available online including PrepLounge.
Hi there,
First of all, congratulations on the invitation from Bain!
I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:
You can find more on this topic here: Speed reading techniques.
If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming Bain interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.
Best,
Hagen
Hello,
I second Ian's point that the online assessments from MBB all test similar capabilities, so I would leverage training materials for all of them. Here on PrepLounge, I believe coach Francesco has some great materials for McKinsey PST prep that might be helpful - feel free to DM me if you'd like to learn more.
