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Solve timeline

How long do you usually have between submitting application and getting solve link, getting solve link and needing to complete it (hopefully you can book a time a week or so out?), and then hearing back?


Thank you 

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Top answer
Daniel
Coach
on Apr 27, 2025
Ex-McKinsey, Bain & Kearney | 5+ yrs consulting, coaching & interviewing | 95%+ candidate success

Hi,
Waiting period: I have seen with my candidates usually 1–2 week waiting period after applying to get the Solve link, but depends on geography, office, current demand. 

Booking: Don't worry, you can typically book the Solve test up to a week out.

Results and next steps usually come 1–2 weeks after completing Solve.

Good luck!

Pedro
Coach
edited on Apr 26, 2025
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

It really depends on the office and specific time of the year, but can take as long as 6-7 weeks. If I had to pick an interval, I would say 4-6 weeks in general, sometimes +/- 1 week.

Mattijs
Coach
on Apr 27, 2025
Free 15m intro call | First session -50% | Bain| Hiring team | 250+ successful candidates

Hi,

It's depending on the office, team of the year (hiring season vs holiday) and open positions. I would say it takes 2-8 weeks.

Good luck with your preparations.

Mattijs

on Apr 29, 2025
1st session -50% | Ex-McKinsey, Ex-Coca-Cola Strategy |Offical McKinsey Case Coach | +250 coaching sessions

Hi,

Waiting time is usually: 2-3 weeks, but it is office and time of application period dependent (did you apply for a analyst role post graduation?) busy times will create a backlog of usually another 2-3 weeks. 

Next step in process: Another 2-3 weeks usually, but again depends on office and time period of application.

Bottom line: VARIES alot - so if you do have the recruiting teams contact details - send an email and ask.

 

Good luck!

Thabang
Coach
on Apr 30, 2025
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | McKinsey Top Coach & Interviewer | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)

Hey there, 

This varies widely across regions, and also time of year. 

In some of my candidates, I've seen this being as fast as 1 day (as in literally the day AFTER they applied). But most commonly, I'd say about a week or two. Then in the more unfortunate and longer cases, between 1-2 months

All the best

on Apr 28, 2025
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Varies widely. 

I'd say a week is the most common one I hear, but it can be even a month or more. 

Follow-up with them after a few weeks if you haven't heard back.

Best,
Cristian

Alessa
Coach
on May 02, 2025
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free

Hey there!

Typically, the timeline for consulting applications is as follows:

  1. Application to Solve Link: It can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the firm’s schedule and recruitment cycle.
  2. Solve Link to Completion: Yes, you can usually book your Solve link (or assessment) a week or so out, but availability may vary.
  3. Hearing Back: After completing the Solve, feedback typically takes 1-2 weeks, though it can vary by firm.

Good luck with your process! Feel free to reach out if you need any more help.

Best,
Alessa

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