Consulting Q&A – Ask Questions about Your Career

In this overview, you will find all the questions asked so far by the PrepLounge community. Anyone can ask questions and write answers. Our coaches are also happy to share their expertise. If you like an answer, give it an upvote so that it rises to the top. Here you can also find our guidelines and FAQs for the Consulting Q&A.

How does the Consulting Q&A work?

Anyone can ask a question
Anyone can write an answer
Upvotes let answers rise to the top
Sort by
Last Activity
Newest question
Newest answer
Answer upvotes
Most views
Most relevant
Limit Selection
Answered
Your Tag Subscriptions

Inquiries about interviewer-led case interviews

hypothesis Interviewer-led McKinsey The Role of the Hypothesis in Consulting
Most recent answer on Mar 13, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 12, 2024) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 12, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Two major things for you: First: Get a coach - it changes everything Second: Read this article - Candidate-Led Cases: What to Expect With Example Cases I've been checking out different resources for interviewe ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
113
Views
85
Total Upvotes
on Mar 13, 2024 on Mar 13, 2024
Last Activity

Structuring and Hypothesizing

analysis hypothesis Structure
Most recent answer on Dec 31, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 31, 2023) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Benjamin
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 31, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, Actually, if you take a step back and think about it, the principles of structuring actually apply to both of them. To answer both well, you need a MECE approach for both. And it needs to be relevant and tailored.  ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
2.3 k
Views
13
Total Upvotes
on Dec 31, 2023 on Dec 31, 2023
Last Activity

Improving Final Round Performance

BCG Final Round hypothesis partner practice tips The Role of the Hypothesis in Consulting
Most recent answer on Nov 30, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 28, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 28, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Thanks for sharing, sorry to hear about the rejection. I replied below to your points: 1) How can I practice prioritizing and deciding what to focus on? How does using a hypothesis help? Depending on the promp ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
358
Views
94
Total Upvotes
on Nov 30, 2023 on Nov 30, 2023
Last Activity

Need Help: Handling Confusion in MBB Interviews

approaching a case confusion hypothesis MBB Cases
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 30, 2023) is from:
Sidi
Expert
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Sidi
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 30, 2023
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi Anonymous! If you get lost in the middle of cases, this is a surefire indicator that you are not structuring your cases very well. A good structure makes it practically impossible to get lost along the way, because i ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
286
Views
69
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

Preparing from the basics

1stround BCG Case Interview BCG McKinsey and Bain fast math Framework hypothesis mental math numerical Structure
Most recent answer on Mar 10, 2023
The best answer (on Mar 08, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 08, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Q: I am looking for advice on how to prepare.  In terms of general preparation, I would recommend the following: Define a calendar for your preparation. Identify how many hours you have before your interview a ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
657
Views
61
Total Upvotes
on Mar 10, 2023 on Mar 10, 2023
Last Activity

Leading with a hypothesis

BCG Case Interview hypothesis
Most recent answer on Jan 31, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 30, 2023) is from:
Moritz
Expert
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos
Moritz
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 30, 2023
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos
Hi there, You take a few things for granted here, so let's back up. If your goal is to solve the case, and the structure is your analytical blueprint for doing so over the next 40 minutes, then every element in your str ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
487
Views
52
Total Upvotes
on Jan 31, 2023 on Jan 31, 2023
Last Activity

Two case mechanics questions

Case final recommendation hypothesis
Most recent answer on Aug 31, 2022
The best answer (on Sep 28, 2018) is from:
Guennael
Expert
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews
Guennael
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 28, 2018
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews
When you state your first hypothesis does not really matter - and as others have pointed out (Vlad recently I think), you can very well pass the case without ever stating one. Having said that, there's some logic to say ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
2.1 k
Views
3
Total Upvotes
on Aug 31, 2022 on Aug 31, 2022
Last Activity

Being hypothesis driven and solving case effectively

hypothesis
Most recent answer on Sep 27, 2021
The best answer (on Sep 26, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 26, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Honestly, the hypothesis-led approach is outdated.   Rather, you need to have a hypothesES-driven or, rather, and objective-driven approach. Your entire framework is a set of hypotheses and views as to how to solve a pr ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.5 k
Views
57
Total Upvotes
on Sep 27, 2021 on Sep 27, 2021
Last Activity

Considering macro trends during hypothesis

hypothesis MBB
Question edited on Sep 05, 2021
The best answer (on Sep 05, 2021) is from:
Marco-Alexander
Expert
Former BCG | Case author for efellows book | Experience in 6 consultancies (Stern Stewart, Capgemini, KPMG, VW Con., Hor
Marco-Alexander
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 05, 2021
Former BCG | Case author for efellows book | Experience in 6 consultancies (Stern Stewart, Capgemini, KPMG, VW Con., Hor
3
Answers
2.0 k
Views
9
Total Upvotes
on Sep 05, 2021 on Sep 05, 2021
Last Activity

Hypothesis Testing

Bain BCG hypothesis hypothesis testing McKinsey
Most recent answer on Jul 23, 2021
Anonymous A asked on Jul 23, 2021
Ola, I have been practicing cases for a while. However, I still need to improve my  hyphothesis testing ability. Any tips/resources on how to practice hypothesis testing ? Grazie
2
Answers
1.4 k
Views
0
Total Upvotes
on Jul 23, 2021 on Jul 23, 2021
Last Activity

Necessary to state ‘my hypothesis is’?

hypothesis
Most recent answer on Jul 03, 2021
The best answer (on Jul 03, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 03, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, I personally am "against" the phrase "my hypothesis is". There should be many hypotheses, at many levels, throughout your framework and the case.  Let's take my "Chinese Chess" case as an example: https:// ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
723
Views
64
Total Upvotes
on Jul 03, 2021 on Jul 03, 2021
Last Activity

How to be "hypothesis driven"? What does is really mean?

hypothesis
Most recent answer on May 25, 2021
The best answer (on May 24, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on May 24, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, While I do highly recommend you get coaching for this (your question is essentially asking "How do I solve a case well"), I can provide some initial guidance here. Hypothesis-driven - We are no longer sing ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
1.9 k
Views
64
Total Upvotes
on May 25, 2021 on May 25, 2021
Last Activity

Stating a hypothesis

hypothesis
Question edited on Apr 03, 2021
The best answer (on Apr 03, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 03, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Honestly, the hypothesis -led approach is outdated. Rather, you need to have a hypothesES-driven or, rather, and objective-driven approach. Your entire framework is a set of hypotheses and views as to how to solve a p ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
697
Views
50
Total Upvotes
on Apr 03, 2021 on Apr 03, 2021
Last Activity

At what point in the case does the interviewee state hypothesis?

hypothesis
Most recent answer on Feb 27, 2021
The best answer (on Feb 23, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 23, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Victor Cheng is wrong :) His method was great in the past but is outdated. Your instinct to wait until you get further informaiton is correct. However, remember that your framework is essentially a set of ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
1.3 k
Views
76
Total Upvotes
on Feb 27, 2021 on Feb 27, 2021
Last Activity

Develop Hypothesis

hypothesis issue tree MECE Issue Tree
Most recent answer on Feb 21, 2021
The best answer (on Feb 19, 2021) is from:
Henning
Expert
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate
Henning
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 19, 2021
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate
Why don't you start with a very high level and MECE hypothesis, and then you can use that to further drive your brainstorming: The resort should react by maximizing revenue from the core business, while investing to e ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
868
Views
22
Total Upvotes
on Feb 21, 2021 on Feb 21, 2021
Last Activity

Stating the hypothesis

hypothesis
Most recent answer on Aug 31, 2020
The best answer (on Aug 24, 2020) is from:
Sidi
Expert
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Sidi
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 24, 2020
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi! And another round of the ever-repeated identical question... ;) So let me repeat what I already explained in multiple posts before: Stating a hypothesis for the overall problem only makes sense if you really hav ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.6 k
Views
25
Total Upvotes
on Aug 31, 2020 on Aug 31, 2020
Last Activity

Do you think it is necessary to say "my hypothesis is..." out loud?

hypothesis
Most recent answer on Aug 03, 2020
The best answer (on Jul 30, 2020) is from:
Sidi
Expert
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Sidi
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 30, 2020
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi! Apparently this myth never dies... *sigh* ;) I have written this earlier, but let me repeat it: Claiming that the statement of a hypothesis is a requirement at the start of a case is fundamentally wrong. In fa ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.6 k
Views
52
Total Upvotes
on Aug 03, 2020 on Aug 03, 2020
Last Activity

Hypothesis

hypothesis
Most recent answer on Jul 17, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Jul 13, 2020
Hi, Stating your hypothesis in the very beginning of the case is a great way for .... REJECTION. Why? Interviewer wants to test your approach to structuring. Will he be able to test if you just state one hypothesi ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.4 k
Views
30
Total Upvotes
on Jul 17, 2020 on Jul 17, 2020
Last Activity

How to state hypothesis accurately

hypothesis
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2020
The best answer (on Mar 31, 2020) is from:
Luca
Expert
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached
Luca
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 31, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached
Hello, At the beginning of the case you can not really make a detailed hypothesis, you have just to give your interviewer the idea that you know where to investigate. I suggest to just make a general hypothesis to jus ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.5 k
Views
10
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2020 on Mar 31, 2020
Last Activity

Should I state my hypothesis explicitely at the begining of the case?

hypothesis Structure
Most recent answer on Mar 10, 2020
The best answer (on Feb 22, 2020) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 22, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, First of all - it's not mandatory. I would say - use the hypothesis if you are really good at solving the cases. If not - use the basic approach There are two ways to use the hypothesis: First - presenting a ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
1.3 k
Views
6
Total Upvotes
on Mar 10, 2020 on Mar 10, 2020
Last Activity
1 - 20 of 35 results
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely