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What is the optimal final week PST preparation schedule (Pre-McKinsey PST)?

McKinsey McKinsey PST PST
New answer on Jul 16, 2020
3 Answers
2.1 k Views
Gunner asked on May 09, 2019
MSc Student in Russia

Hello,

I was just informed I have my McKinsey PST in 5 days and I wanted to know what the optimal study schedule is like? I have gone through 3 of the McKinsey pre-PSTs with scores around 15 (small minor mistakes/time management issues). I have been noting what I was doing wrong and have been practicing correcting these. I have also touched on the mental math tool. What else should I stress on?

I'd also like to know on the day of the test (Test is at 5 pm), should I study more or relax?

On the day before the test, should I cram hard?

Given my limited time, what is your advice?

Best Regards

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Anonymous updated the answer on Jun 03, 2019
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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 16, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

I would practice leveraging GMAT.

GMAT unfortunately only gets better with practicing. Good news is that there are many ways of doing so!

There are free exams in the internet that you can use for practice (the one of LBS MBA page, Verits prep, as well as some free trials for courses such as the one of The Economist (https://gmat.economist.com/)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Vlad
Expert
replied on May 10, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

I suggest the following:

Do one full case from the mck website in 60 min. Check your score. The target score is 22 out of 26 correct. If you do 17-18 correct you have great chances to improve it quite fast. If lower - it will take a couple of months

If your score is high:

  • Buy Viktor Cheng test prep program - best materials I've seen so far. Works also for express prep.
  • Practice your math. Check exercises on Cheng website. Key things - multiplication of 2 digit numbers, operations with zeros and division (Learn division table, ie. 1/8 = 12.5%, 8/9 = 88%, Learn up to 8/9)
  • Do the 2nd test and check the score

If your score is low you need fundamental prep:

  • GMAT IR, quant and verbal parts
  • PST-like tests available online

Best,

Vlad

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