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.

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Experience with McKinsey PST round?

BCG Potential Test Case Material First Round first round interview Good resources I'm preparing to McK coming next week Johannesburg Preparations math test McKinsey Mckinsey London McKinsey PST Nairobi prep preparation Problem Solving Test PST PST ; McKinsey
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on May 24, 2017) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
gave the best answer on May 24, 2017
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, I suggest the following: 1) Do 1 case from mck website in 60 min. Check your score. Target score is 22 out of 26 correct. If you do 17-18 correct you have great chances to improve in 3 days. If lower - reschedul ... (read entire answer)
18
Answers
26.9 k
Views
60
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
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How to ensure MECE?

Case Interview Framework MECE prep
Most recent answer on Aug 31, 2022
The best answer (on Jun 07, 2016) is from:
Achyut
Achyut gave the best answer on Jun 07, 2016
Hi Levia, happy to answer your question again! This is a great question IMO and I think one of the biggest challenges to implement especially in a pressure interview situation where no common frameworks seem to fit. ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
24.5 k
Views
25
Total Upvotes
on Aug 31, 2022 on Aug 31, 2022
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Difference between a structure and a framework

approaching a case beginner Case Interview prep Structure
Most recent answer on Aug 30, 2022
The best answer (on Jan 21, 2017) is from:
Peter
Expert
Ex-Bain & Company Case Team Leader * Placed 40+ MBB candidates as Partner in Europe's leading top-tier Consulting recruiting firm
Peter
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 21, 2017
Ex-Bain & Company Case Team Leader * Placed 40+ MBB candidates as Partner in Europe's leading top-tier Consulting recruiting firm
They're often used interchangeably in the real world, but they tend to have more specific meanings when it comes to case studies: A structure is the logic and approach by which you crack your problem. As every probl ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
13.2 k
Views
16
Total Upvotes
on Aug 30, 2022 on Aug 30, 2022
Last Activity

Quant skills

Case Calculations Case Interview Interview Math problem McKinsey prep preparation profitability analysis Quantitative skills
Most recent answer on Jun 22, 2022
The best answer (on Sep 03, 2017) 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 Sep 03, 2017
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Moji, it seems your issue is not the math computation, but rather how to structure the math part once you receive a question (that is, the logic behind that you should apply). This means you should not work on your ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
7.3 k
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69
Total Upvotes
on Jun 22, 2022 on Jun 22, 2022
Last Activity

BCG Germany Interview Process

BCG prep
Question edited on Sep 05, 2021
The best answer (on Nov 08, 2019) is from:
Antonello
Expert
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Antonello
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 08, 2019
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Hi, I confirm that case preparation for BCG is the "classical" one. It will be important instead to be prepared about the fit interview to motivate "why BCG" and for some insights about the local office. Feel free t ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
1.9 k
Views
2
Total Upvotes
on Sep 05, 2021 on Sep 05, 2021
Last Activity

Bain written case

1st round analytical test Bain Bain & Company BAIN test bainmoscow Case GMAT LEK materials math test MBB needed partner prep second round written case writtencase
Most recent answer on Mar 01, 2021
The best answer (on Jan 31, 2017) is from:
Ignacio
Expert
MIT MBA | Bain & Co | Ex-Google | 4+ year coaching experience
Ignacio
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 31, 2017
MIT MBA | Bain & Co | Ex-Google | 4+ year coaching experience
My top tips for the written case are: The trick to written cases is to have a filtering system to find the data you need from the worthless data, and of course, recognising that not all the data is useful. Written c ... (read entire answer)
16
Answers
34.7 k
Views
66
Total Upvotes
on Mar 01, 2021 on Mar 01, 2021
Last Activity

How many mock cases until I am "ready"?

Case Case Interview case interview preparation case partners Case Prep case studies Cases practice Practice cases prep
Most recent answer on Jan 23, 2021
Anonymous gave the best answer on Jul 10, 2018
Are you a proud member of the Cabal of Case Commandos? Let’s have a frank and thoughtful conversation about this. When I look through PrepLounge’s Meeting Board on any give ... (read entire answer)
13
Answers
21.7 k
Views
64
Total Upvotes
on Jan 23, 2021 on Jan 23, 2021
Last Activity

How many cases do you do?

Cases consultingprep prep
Most recent answer on Jan 23, 2021
The best answer (on Sep 24, 2019) 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 Sep 24, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Anonymous, quality is more important than quantity, but in general most of the candidates who get offers do between 30 and 100 cases. There are several factors influencing the ideal number for a person, including: ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
2.6 k
Views
3
Total Upvotes
on Jan 23, 2021 on Jan 23, 2021
Last Activity

How to prep for life at MBB

MBB prep
Most recent answer on Dec 27, 2020
The best answer (on Dec 26, 2020) 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 Dec 26, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, First, congratulations on the offer! And, fantastic question. The journey isn't over once you get past interviews...it has only just begun :) MOST IMPORTANTLY: Know that no-one can perfectly prepare for ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
2.5 k
Views
70
Total Upvotes
on Dec 27, 2020 on Dec 27, 2020
Last Activity

Engaging the interviewer. How?

Case Case Interview Personalfit prep preparation
Most recent answer on Nov 27, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Jul 20, 2016
Good question. It's actually really hard to give general advice on. Again, a bit like going on a date - how can I make sure he/she likes me? All social rules and norms apply -- what kind of candidate would you like if ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
14.1 k
Views
27
Total Upvotes
on Nov 27, 2020 on Nov 27, 2020
Last Activity

Not improving at case interviews?

approaching a case Case Case Interview case interview preparation Case Prep Case training flatline McKinsey McKinsey Final Round Practice cases prep preparation
Most recent answer on Nov 17, 2020
The best answer (on Apr 18, 2018) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
ex-Manager - Natural and challenging teacher - Taylor case solving, no framework
Benjamin
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 18, 2018
ex-Manager - Natural and challenging teacher - Taylor case solving, no framework
Hello Shaan, You are pointing a problem that most candidate are facing after a first round of preparation. Somehow you manage to sometime solve the case, but you haven't yet understood in details what make you succeed ... (read entire answer)
16
Answers
20.9 k
Views
68
Total Upvotes
on Nov 17, 2020 on Nov 17, 2020
Last Activity

EXTENDED: © PrepLounge DEAL: Purchase CoachingPlus and Double Your Premium Membership for Free!

Case Interview deal prep preplounge
Recent activity on Sep 10, 2020
The best answer (on Sep 01, 2020) 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 01, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
This is fantastic! What an opportunity for candidates! Highly recommend you all jump on this. I have never seen this offer before :)
4
Answers
1.9 k
Views
29
Total Upvotes
on Sep 10, 2020 on Sep 10, 2020
Last Activity

When to start with preparation for an interview in consulting?

Case Interview consulting prep preparation
Question edited on Aug 29, 2020
The best answer (on Aug 26, 2017) 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 Aug 26, 2017
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Jonas, in my experience, preparing for a consulting interview so that you can land at least an offer will require 150-200 hours starting from zero on your own. This should cover: Define a calendar on how to pre ... (read entire answer)
11
Answers
12.2 k
Views
19
Total Upvotes
on Aug 29, 2020 on Aug 29, 2020
Last Activity

Applying to other offices (countries) after a rejection

Application MBB prep preparation
Most recent answer on Aug 10, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Sep 16, 2016
Hi Abhay, hi Ben, Thanks for your follow-up questions. Frankly, there is so much uncertainty about this process -- not only can it be different across firms and regions, but it can also considerably differ within firm ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
20.0 k
Views
43
Total Upvotes
on Aug 10, 2020 on Aug 10, 2020
Last Activity

What is the best way to prepare for a first case interview here at PrepLounge?

Bain BCG Case Case Interview case interview preparation Case Prep Cases consulting MBB Mck McKinsey New newbie Practice cases prep preparation preplounge start students theory
Recent activity on May 27, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Feb 26, 2018
1. Read the fundamentals (cosentino, cheng, MBA consulting club books) 2. Practice 10-15 cases with peers 3. Have first check-in with expert to nip in the bud any vices in your form 4. Practice 10 more cases with ... (read entire answer)
38
Answers
29.9 k
Views
91
Total Upvotes
on May 27, 2020 on May 27, 2020
Last Activity

How to analyze interviewer feedback?

Case Case Interview expert Feedback interview feedback prep
Most recent answer on Apr 28, 2020
The best answer (on Apr 16, 2020) is from:
Anrian
Expert
Ex Kearney Senior Manager | Ex McKinsey Engagement Manager | Interviewer & Case Coach at McKinsey (200+ Real Interviews)
Anrian
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 16, 2020
Ex Kearney Senior Manager | Ex McKinsey Engagement Manager | Interviewer & Case Coach at McKinsey (200+ Real Interviews)
Hi Levia, I was also not an organized person in keeping track of various feedbacks during my prep day. Largely, I agree with all the points shared by Achyut and Aws. If you can practice that discipline, that would b ... (read entire answer)
12
Answers
10.6 k
Views
48
Total Upvotes
on Apr 28, 2020 on Apr 28, 2020
Last Activity

Tips on how to approach interview prep for a lawyer

Bain & Company BCG beginner Case Interview law grad McKinsey prep strategy&
Most recent answer on Mar 02, 2020
The best answer (on Sep 08, 2017) 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 Sep 08, 2017
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Geunhak, I agree with Hugo, for most non conventional backgrounds (everything different from business/engineering with some years of experience, not coming right after an MBA), the main question mark for the interv ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
5.6 k
Views
15
Total Upvotes
on Mar 02, 2020 on Mar 02, 2020
Last Activity

Prep work for a role in Management Consultancy

certificate prep
Most recent answer on Jul 06, 2019
The best answer (on Jul 06, 2019) 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 Jul 06, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi BusterRyan, I replied to your questions below. 1) It really depends on your goals but in general people stay in consulting 2-3 years before moving to something else. If that’s the case for you, the MBB brand woul ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
1.7 k
Views
4
Total Upvotes
on Jul 06, 2019 on Jul 06, 2019
Last Activity

Reveal or conceal existing offer from MBB competitor?

Bain BCG Case Interview counter offer MBB McKinsey offer Personal Fit Personalfit prep preparation Real interview question
Recent activity on Sep 24, 2018
The best answer (on Jun 20, 2018) 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 Jun 20, 2018
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi Anonymous! I have a clear view here: just be open and honest! And if they ask why you would choose them over BCG, there is no problem with stating something like: "I am not entirely sure yet, but I know that I th ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
13.3 k
Views
30
Total Upvotes
on Sep 24, 2018 on Sep 24, 2018
Last Activity

Once an analyst, can you opt out of cases on ethical grounds?

Bain & Company BCG McKinsey prep
Recent activity on Sep 12, 2018
Anonymous gave the best answer on Sep 12, 2018
I agree with Vlad - this is absolutely fine and is actually a formalised process at Bain. This is not frowned upon in any way. When I first joined, as part of "kick-off staffing chat" all new joiners were asked if the ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
2.0 k
Views
2
Total Upvotes
on Sep 12, 2018 on Sep 12, 2018
Last Activity
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