Hi,
I have a quick question concerning the percentage rate you need to have in order to pass the BCG potential test: I have heard that if you drop below a certain level it does not matter whether you performed well during the case interviews. Is that true? Or is it just another parameter they take into account when evaluating your overall performance? Thanks for your answers!
Milan
Hi,
You'll never know the exact number since there is a range of factors that influence the cut-off:
Best,
Rather high. Never seen someone above the cutoff not being invited.
Sorry for asking again but just want to make sure I understand correctly: Does this mean that ultimately it comes down to your performance in the potential test? So that if you score well there and you don't completely screw up the case studies they will invite you to the second round (but not vice versa)? — Milan on Jan 24, 2018
Just to clarify: There is a cut-off but in case one performs exceptionally well you might still get a pass. On the other hand, even if you perform above the cut-off rate you might not get to the next round depending on how well you performed.
Then I still ask myself whether this cut-off is rather low (i.e. 40-50% and then you basically still need to be better but you wouldn't get kicked out automatically) or rather high (80-90%, so when you score above that it just depends on your case interview performance)?!
The potential test is used as one of the parameters for the selection process. It is used both to rank-order candidates and as a "soft" cutoff rate.
By soft I mean that it can be overriden by interviewing partners. Unfortunately can't share thresholds.
Andrea
Just to confirm. Cutoff is fixed, exceptions need to be justified.
All major firms like McKinsey, BCG and Bain use tests to assess a candidate's analytical skills. However the design of those tests can differ a lot.
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
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 ... Open whole case
Our client is SmartBridge, a nonprofit educational institution offering face-to-face tutoring services. The client operates in the US. The mission of SmartBridge is to help as many students as possible to complete studies and prevent that they drop from the school system, in particular in disadvant ... Open whole case
Espresso Whatelse is an Italian company that produces coffee and espresso machines since 1908. It is the Italian market leader and has a strong presence overall in Europe. In 2019, Espresso Whatelse has increased its revenues but it has seen declining profit margin. Your client wants to understand ... Open whole case
During this exercise, we will deep-dive in 4 of the most common Motivational questions asked in FIT interviews: Why Consulting? Why this particular company? (McKinsey, Bain, BCG, others) Why this particular location? *Particularly relevant to people re-locating or choosing an office not ... Open whole case
You and your family are faced with a challenging set of decisions. Due to coronavirus, your partner has taken a 20% paycut and you are worried you may lose your job. In addition, while daycare is still open, you are worried that sending your two children there will increase the risk of them bringing ... Open whole case
Structure Anything 
BCG Potential Test/Online Case #2 by Gaurav 
BCG Potential Test/Online Case #1 by Francesco 
