Hello, do you have any suggestion to prep OC&C Online Test (Associate Consultant role at London Office)
Here is the information provided. Do you have some materials to do proper prep?
Hi there,
UPDATED: a past Q&A where I provide links to practice tests: Should I prepare for PST(and other similar test) | PrepLounge.com
Lucky for you the OC&C test, 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: https://www.rocketblocks.me/
Best Practice Strategy
1) Read the Economist (especially the daily graph and Financial Time frequently
https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2020/05/29/america-first
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!
Ex-Bain here, ready to help!
Part 1
As Ian was anticipating, these tests are normally very similar one to another.
The objective is to evaluate your skills while putting you under pressure with time management. Hence, you should not underestimate it. You can find abundant material online that you can use to practice and become more comfortable with the type of questions. Here's some useful links with free tests:
Part 2
They may ask you 2 questions from a pool of motivational and PEI questions. I would for sure prepare the following:
Best of luck with your preparation,
Francesca
The OC&C Online Test for the Associate Consultant role at the London Office consists of two parts: a numerical-based multiple-choice assessment and a written assessment.
For the numerical-based assessment, it's important to practice your quantitative skills, including basic math, data interpretation, and problem-solving. You can find online resources and practice tests that simulate the types of questions you may encounter in this section. Focus on improving your speed and accuracy in answering numerical questions within a given time limit.
In terms of the written assessment, it's crucial to demonstrate your interest in consulting, attention to detail, analytical skills, and communication abilities. To prepare for this section, I recommend practicing your business writing skills, such as structuring clear and concise responses, presenting logical arguments, and effectively communicating your ideas.
Yes - for the first part you can expect typical GMAT questions disguised as business problems. Former McKinsey PST tests are a good starting point for practice. Reach out and I'm happy to share some examples.
For the second, you can expect situational or behavioural questions. You can brainstorm for some with a coach or even ChatGPT. Alternatively, try to speak with OC&C consultants who recently joined (most should be willing to help). Here's how to identify and connect with them:
Best,
Cristian
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Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies
(edited)
Fully agree with Ian here!
This answer is very generic and didn't really share any free resources at all like Francesca above. Downvoted
Sorry to hear you feel that way. Quite busy with paying candidates so, with limited working hours and mental capacity I have to focus on them. As you would also do. Please remember that any free Q&A is going to be a very small subset of the paid offering across coaches. For example, I actually have 2 of the past OC&C tests! Additionally, Preplounge doesn't let us share competitor links - Francesca is likely to be reached out to by Preplounge admin. Please see my updated Q&A for a link to one from the past that lists NINE resources. (which I have been told I can no longer post). Just remember, reality is often more than what meets the eye :)