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Sova Bain: what is more valuable - timing or accuracy?

Bain SOVA
New answer on Jan 08, 2024
4 Answers
324 Views
Zhan asked on Jan 07, 2024

What is better: 
a) Scoring 80% on the Sova test at Bain in 120 minutes 
or 
b) Scoring 60% in 75 minutes?

Context: I'm taking the Sova test tomorrow and I notice that I am able to solve some questions much more than 40-45 seconds.

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David
Expert
replied on Jan 07, 2024
Case Coach | Bain & Company | PwC M&A Deals Advisory | INSEAD MBA | SG & SEA

Hi there,

I would not think like this. I would see what is the allocated time per question. I will make sure to solve the questions I am certain within the allocated time. I will quickly make an educated guess for the questions I am not sure and quickly move on. Thank you and hope it helps.

 

Cheers,

David

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Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 08, 2024
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

This is a neither/nor answer. You need to be both fast and accurate.

Be careful. The benefit of having no set time limit is actually a disadvantage for most candidates as they don't know how to work with that. It is much simpler if you know how long you can take and execute within that timeframe.

Having designed a guide for the test as well as several practice tests (+ working with my clients for it), the clear answer is you need to be both fast and accurate.

I would approach the test with the time limit in mind and divide the recommended time by the number of questions and add 10% on top as the personal time limit.

All the best,

Florian

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 07, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi Zhan,

The questions you can answer in 40-45 seconds should be answered in 40-45 seconds!

Then, with that “extra” time, use that for your harder questions :)

You do *not* have to sit on a question if it is a quick one.

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 08, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi Zhan!

Finishing overall in a shorter time is not going to earn you more points. 

I recommend you proceed with an 80% confidence level for each question, taking as much time as you need to reach that confidence level. Accuracy is more important than speed in these tests. 

Best,
Cristian

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David gave the best answer

David

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