How many rounds are there, with how many case interviews per round?
Are some case interviews just market sizing?
Are some done on campus?
Is fit seperate or part of the case?
expert
Expert with best answer
What does the complete application process look like for an undergrad applying to Bain's London office from Cambridge?
1 answer
Hi there,
Here is an overview of the full process:
Online tests: these are sent to all applicants as part of the pre-screen - standard CEB/SHL tests, Quantitative + Verbal reasoning
First round interviews: 2 interviews, one with an AC or SAC, one with a Consultant or Case Team Leader. First interview is a pure market sizing + competency, second interview is just one full business case (but if you finish the case early and depending on the interviewer, could also have a small competency element at the end).
Final round interviews: 3 interviews with Managers and Partners. 2 standard interviews with full business case + competency. One interview is a "written case" - you essentially get a pack of information and some questions to solve, and are provided a blank slide deck to fill out. Part of the exercise is math, the other part is making a recommendation based on various facts from the pack.
In terms of location, no interviews are done on campus. First round interviews are either in the London office or over Video Conference if the candidate is too far away (usually outside of Europe). Final round interviews are always in the London office (i.e. Bain will fly you out from wherever you are to attend the interviews).
Hope this helps!
Alessandro
Related BootCamp article(s)
Getting Up to Speed
In order to repeatedly demonstrate prerequisite skills under the pressure of a real case interview, you need to learn the basics and practice cases.
Interviewer-Led vs Candidate-Led cases
Case Interviews can be led by the candidate or by the interviewer: In Candidate-led cases the main challenge is the structure. In Interviewer-led cases the main challenge is to adapt quickly
Related case(s)
LubricantsCo, a very successful Asian premium producer of lubricants in their native region, would like to further increase their revenue and profit. The product range ranges from lubricants in the automotive sector (e.g. motor and gear oil) to industrial applications (e.g. fats, heavy-duty oils). ... Open whole case
You have inherited the “Old Winery” from your grandfather, a winery which has been family owned for five generations and can be dated back to the 16th century. Half of the eleven hectares are used to grow white grapes, the other half to grow red grapes. They are grown in the conventional way, i.e. ... Open whole case
Tell me of a situation where you had an opinion and no one seemed to agree with you. What was your goal when you decided to join university / work / clubs / a sports team? Did you have a goal that you were not able to reach? What did you do? What do you want to be remembered for and how are you a ... Open whole case
What arouses your interest when you are working / studying / doing another activity (from the CV)? Tell me of a time where you had no idea what you were doing. When did you use an uncommon approach to do something? Have you ever had responsibility for other people? Tell me of a situation where y ... Open whole case
Tell me about a difficult situation you had to cope with. Tell me of a task which you didn’t like doing and explain why you performed it nevertheless. Why do you do things? What do you like doing most / What is your favorite hobby? Walk me through a situation where you showed leadership skills. Open whole case
Crack the McKinsey PST by PrepLounge 
Crack the McKinsey PST by Gaurav 
Crack the McKinsey PST by Riccardo 
How to Crack the McKinsey PST by PrepLounge 
Master the BCG Potential Test by Francesco 
Master the BCG Potential Test by Gaurav 
