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Timing for math portion of case

case math case structure Case Timing Math problem quant problems Quantitative skills Structure timing
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 29, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 29, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
You're not going to like the answer :) There is no set time.  The interview is a conversation. What matters is not going at a certain speed through it. There is nothing that needs to be ‘finished’. You don't need to ‘cr ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
252
Views
60
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

Best time of the year to apply for MBB at Consultant/Associate level

timing
Most recent answer on Mar 18, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 15, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 15, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Wow, that's a huge question that only triggers more questions from my side.  The biggest two are  1. are you applying for a starting role or as an experienced hire 2. what region are you applying to If you're applying f ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
143
Views
82
Total Upvotes
on Mar 18, 2024 on Mar 18, 2024
Last Activity

How much time to present the initial structure?

timing
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2022
The best answer (on Sep 19, 2022) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 19, 2022
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hi there, I think the misunderstanding might be in the difference between a framework derived for McKinsey vs. a framework created for other consulting interviews. At the core, McKinsey wants to see creative ideas commu ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
550
Views
93
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2022 on Sep 30, 2022
Last Activity

Are we allowed to take a moment before making final case recommendation?

Case Interview final recommendation timing
Question edited on Jan 23, 2022
The best answer (on Jan 10, 2022) is from:
Paul
Expert
PL-level BCG experience (6 years)|Interviewer at BCG| 6/6 personal + 95%+ candidates offer success rate
Paul
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 10, 2022
PL-level BCG experience (6 years)|Interviewer at BCG| 6/6 personal + 95%+ candidates offer success rate
Hi there, You should during the whole case interview, strategically distribute the requests for time (e.g. during framework or during difficult questions and/or conclusion), assuming the interviewer will allow you to ha ... (read entire answer)
11
Answers
1.7 k
Views
104
Total Upvotes
on Jan 23, 2022 on Jan 23, 2022
Last Activity

How many clarifying questions are appropriate and when should they be asked?

Actively preparing for interviews at McKinsey and BCG asking questions BCG BCG Case Interview brainstorming brainstorming questions Candidate-led interviews Case Interview case question case questions case structure case study Clarifying questions Interview interviewer led issue tree MBB McKinsey Open question order of operations preparation questions rule of thumb Structure timing
Most recent answer on Aug 06, 2020
The best answer (on Aug 09, 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 09, 2020
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi Anonymous! You touch on an important point here. Many candidates don't understand what distinguishes the clarifying questions at the start from later analysis-related questions (asking for market data. financials, ... (read entire answer)
12
Answers
9.8 k
Views
102
Total Upvotes
on Aug 06, 2020 on Aug 06, 2020
Last Activity

Current Tier 2 mgmt consultant, was planning to apply & transfer to MBB in April... should I apply now, or wait?

Application BCG Bain McKinsey covid19 MBB Mckinsey operations timing
Most recent answer on May 23, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on Apr 08, 2020
Hi, Is there any specific reason why you need to stick to the timeline of applying by Apr and starting in Sep? If not, given the current situation, my opinion would be to sit tight and wait out a bit. Becasue if yo ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
2.3 k
Views
41
Total Upvotes
on May 23, 2020 on May 23, 2020
Last Activity

Spending 3 minutes writing out my initial structure - is this too long?

Framework timing
Recent activity on Jan 08, 2019
The best answer (on Jan 08, 2019) 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 Jan 08, 2019
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi Anonymous, this is a very typical concern that candidates have when building their case skills. However, it is extremely important that you understand that putting yourself under time pressure while practicing is a ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
2.4 k
Views
4
Total Upvotes
on Jan 08, 2019 on Jan 08, 2019
Last Activity

Right timing to apply (end of year)

Application timing
Recent activity on Dec 08, 2018
The best answer (on Dec 07, 2018) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 07, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, No one is forgotten since each application is a line in CRM. You should apply whenever you are ready or when there is an application window (For grads, MBAs). If you apply in December - most probably they will inv ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
2.3 k
Views
1
Total Upvotes
on Dec 08, 2018 on Dec 08, 2018
Last Activity

Maximum wait time for offer

Bain BCG First Round MBB McKinsey offer timing
Recent activity on Apr 20, 2018
The best answer (on Apr 20, 2018) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 20, 2018
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Anonymous, congratulations for your offer! Based on my experience in Europe, most of the time you have a 1-2 week period to accept an offer; that may be different in other countries though. You may be able to expan ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
3.5 k
Views
8
Total Upvotes
on Apr 20, 2018 on Apr 20, 2018
Last Activity
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