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Training problem-solving skills for McKinsey PSG

Imbellus McKinsey PST Problem Solving PSG
New answer on Aug 31, 2023
5 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Jul 25, 2023

Hi, everyone! Can you suggest ways to train problem-solving skills for PSG quickly (other than solving as many McKinsey PST practices and other MBB tests)? I am hoping it would help with passing the game. I plan to buy the McK Imbellus Combo guide; but other than that, what are your suggestions on how to train those skills in problem-solving ASAP (in 1-2 weeks)? I am from an International Relations background, so I sense that my problem-solving skills are not yet at their strongest. (For context: I tried solving PST official practices and got 15/26 in spending 3 hours on it). 
Also, I haven't seen a lot of people with poli-sci/humanities backgrounds get into McK, so I am guessing it's because of the better problem-solving skills of math/finance/engineering students. That's why I am not so confident about my prob-solv skills. 

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Cristian
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updated an answer on Jul 26, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

Your confidence might be the biggest issue. It doesn't help to think little of your own skills because it can turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

I also have a poli-sci background and actually some of the best people I knew in McK also shared a similar background. 

Realistically, if you don't have a lot of time, getting a guide is probably the best way around it. 

If you do have the time, then I'd suggest you work on actually developing the skills they assess for rather than try to ‘game’ the game. 

The skills are the same that you're going to be tested for in the interview - th basic skills that consultants are expected to handle. You can read more about these here as well:


Best,
Cristian

(edited)

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Ian
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replied on Jul 25, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I personally love MConsultingPrep's simulation - it lets you literally play the same over and over.

My main advice is:

  1. Learn how to case. Period (business knowledge/acumen, problem solving, charts/exhibits, etc.)
  2. Apply these learnings to the test itself.

It sounds like you want some sort of magic bullet here…frankly you just need to put in the work. You spent 3 hours to get 15/26. So, spend another 3 to get 18/26. And so on.

Such is life! If you're still struggling:

  1. Make sure you are digesting every single answer + explanation 1 by 1
  2. Consider getting a coach to help you through the thinking
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Sophia
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replied on Jul 26, 2023
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| 6+ years of coaching

Hello,

My advice on this is that practice makes perfect - so solving a bunch of practice tests (+ in exam conditions) is exactly the way to go! I've also heard good things from other candidates about coach Francesco's practice materials for these tests - I'd recommend reaching out to him too.

Don't worry about your background and initial result - these online tests are highly idiosyncratic and very few people are naturally good at them from the get-go, it definitely takes some time to adapt to the test format and question logic. Nothing about your background suggests you wouldn't have great problem-solving skills!

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Francesco
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replied on Jul 26, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Can you suggest ways to train problem-solving skills for PSG quickly? I plan to buy the McK Imbellus Combo guide; but other than that, what are your suggestions on how to train those skills in problem-solving ASAP.

Thanks for considering my course!

Regarding extra practice material: there are quite a few that are present in the course for free, including practice questions for the new Redrock case section (as shown in the guide, the drills in that part are closer to the PST but not exactly the same).

If you need more help please feel free to PM me, I will reply within 12 hours.

Best,

Francesco

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Clara
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replied on Aug 31, 2023
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Precisely for the high amount of questions (1) asked by my coachees and students and (2) present in this Q&A, I created the “Economic and Financial concepts for MBB interviews”, recently published in PrepLounge’s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/prep-guide/economic_and_financial_concepts_for_mbb_interviews).

After +5 years of candidate coaching and university teaching, and after having seen hundreds of cases, I realized that the economic-related knowledge needed to master case interviews is not much, and not complex. However, you need to know where to focus! Hence, I created the guide that I wish I could have had, summarizing the most important economic and financial concepts needed to solve consulting cases, combining key concepts theorical reviews and a hands-on methodology with examples and ad-hoc practice cases.

It focuses on 4 core topics, divided in chapters (each of them ranked in scale of importance, to help you maximize your time in short preparations):

·        Economic concepts: Profitability equation, Break even, Valuation methods (economic, market and asset), Payback period, NPV and IRR, + 3 practice cases to put it all together in a practical way.

·        Financial concepts: Balance sheet, Income statement/P&L and Performance ratios (based on sales and based on investment), +1 practice case

·        Market structure & pricing: Market types, Perfect competition markets (demand and supply), Willingness to pay, Pricing approaches, Market segmentation and Price elasticity of demand, +1 practice case

·        Marketing and Customer Acquisition: Sales funnel, Key marketing metrics (CAC and CLV) and Churn, +1 practice case

Feel free to PM me for disccount codes for the guide, and I hope it helps you rock your interviews!

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Cristian

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