1. Dashboard 1
  2. Consulting Q&A 2
  3. What is the problem solving test version at Bain? 3
3

What is the problem solving test version at Bain?

Bain Bain & Company GMAT Problem Solving Test

I heard that there is no specific problem solving test at Bain, only a kind of GMAT test (not like Mckinsey PST or BCG potential test).

I heard that there is no specific problem solving test at Bain, only a kind of GMAT test (not like Mckinsey PST or BCG potential test).

 Recent activity on Aug 31, 2018
1.7 k Views
3 answers
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best Answer
Book a coaching with Alessandro

100% Recommendation Rate

81 Meetings

909 Q&A Upvotes

USD 159 / Coaching

Choose a time slot
View profile of Alessandro

Hi there,

The written case which Vlad talks about is actually given at Final Round interviews, so comparing it to the PST is not particularly helpful.

You are right - Bain does not have a pre-interview problem solving test which is rolled out globally. However, local offices have started experimenting with their own "PST-like" versions - for example, our Africa offices are doing this. In other offices (e.g. London), Bain only currently uses a pre-screen quant/verbal test (think CEB SHL test, which you can find lots of examples online).

Hope this clears some things up!

Alessandro

Hi there,

The written case which Vlad talks about is actually given at Final Round interviews, so comparing it to the PST is not particularly helpful.

You are right - Bain does not have a pre-interview problem solving test which is rolled out globally. However, local offices have started experimenting with their own "PST-like" versions - for example, our Africa offices are doing this. In other offices (e.g. London), Bain only currently uses a pre-screen quant/verbal test (think CEB SHL test, which you can find lots of examples online).

Hope this clears some things up!

Alessandro

4

Written case is still the first round on many markets — Vlad on Sep 06, 2018

Book a coaching with Vlad

97% Recommendation Rate

388 Meetings

7,422 Q&A Upvotes

USD 299 / Coaching

Choose a time slot
View profile of Vlad

Hi,

Bain has a written case. Though it's not a test, it has somehow similar in nature to McKinsey PST. Basically, it has 2 parts:

  • Case information you have to go through
  • Slides with missing info you have to complete

I've uploaded the example here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zor4m49eyx5qxal/AABeUN6mtiGkWhEklRjszX2Oa?dl=0

(PM me for a password)

Since each question in a written case has an exact correct answer, the success criteria is the number of questions answered correctly.

The best way to prepare is the following:

  1. Prepare both McKinsey and BCG type tests - it helps
  2. Check if the calculator is allowed. If not - you have to train mental math. I posted the main tips here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/tips-to-do-big-multiplications-in-my-mind-726#a1422
  3. Prepare for a regular case interview - it helps a lot. Basically, prep lounge website is about it
  4. Practice reading cases fast and prioritizing the information. I found useful two sources:
  • Written cases you'll be able to find in google or in case books. I've seen a couple in "Vault Guide to the Case Interview" and "Insead Business Admission Test"
  • Harvard cases - either buy or try to find online. You can find a couple of MIT cases here for free: https://mitsloan.mit.edu/LearningEdge/Pages/Case-Studies.aspx Unfortunately free cases don't have the prep questions.

Good luck!

Hi,

Bain has a written case. Though it's not a test, it has somehow similar in nature to McKinsey PST. Basically, it has 2 parts:

  • Case information you have to go through
  • Slides with missing info you have to complete

I've uploaded the example here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zor4m49eyx5qxal/AABeUN6mtiGkWhEklRjszX2Oa?dl=0

(PM me for a password)

Since each question in a written case has an exact correct answer, the success criteria is the number of questions answered correctly.

The best way to prepare is the following:

  1. Prepare both McKinsey and BCG type tests - it helps
  2. Check if the calculator is allowed. If not - you have to train mental math. I posted the main tips here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/tips-to-do-big-multiplications-in-my-mind-726#a1422
  3. Prepare for a regular case interview - it helps a lot. Basically, prep lounge website is about it
  4. Practice reading cases fast and prioritizing the information. I found useful two sources:
  • Written cases you'll be able to find in google or in case books. I've seen a couple in "Vault Guide to the Case Interview" and "Insead Business Admission Test"
  • Harvard cases - either buy or try to find online. You can find a couple of MIT cases here for free: https://mitsloan.mit.edu/LearningEdge/Pages/Case-Studies.aspx Unfortunately free cases don't have the prep questions.

Good luck!

1 Book a coaching with Vlad

Hi Vlad, — MJ on Feb 13, 2019

Hi Vlad, I received an invite for Bain's pre-screening test. How can I best find out if a calculator is allowed on the test? As far as I know, it is an online test that I can perform at anytime in the comfort of my home. However, I have heard that some needed to turn on their cam and mic for facilitators to monitor them during the test. Is it best for me to clarify with the recruiter? Looking forward to hear from you soon. — MJ on Feb 13, 2019

Book a coaching with Francesco

100% Recommendation Rate

2,884 Meetings

6,340 Q&A Upvotes

USD 349 / Coaching

Choose a time slot
View profile of Francesco

Hi Ben,

the answer depends on the office you are applying for. In Brazil for example Bain is using a test that is a mix between the GMAT and the BCG Potential test, with 15 questions for each part. I would recommend verifying with HR for the specific office you are applying for.

Best,

Francesco

Hi Ben,

the answer depends on the office you are applying for. In Brazil for example Bain is using a test that is a mix between the GMAT and the BCG Potential test, with 15 questions for each part. I would recommend verifying with HR for the specific office you are applying for.

Best,

Francesco

0 Book a coaching with Francesco

Related BootCamp article(s)

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

Written tests such as the PSTs

Top tier consulting firms have started using PSTs to test for in-depth analytical skills needed to be successful as a consultant on a day-to-day basis.

How to Read Charts and Data in Case Interviews

We explain and give tips on how to understand and analyze graphs, charts and data presented by interviewer to candidates in case interviews.

Quiz

Case Studies

The case study is the most important element of the case interview, which you'll have to nail in order to get into strategic consulting. Here you can learn the specific skills and concepts necessary to solve them.

Related case(s)

Bain case: Asian lubricants producer

Bain & Company
Solved 128.8k times
Bain case: Asian lubricants producer 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). According to preliminary examinations, further growth potentials in the Asian core market are rather limited. Thus LubricantsCo would like to investigate options to internationalize in the passenger car business – also outside the premium segment which is given priority. Therefore your consulting firm was instructed to elaborate a market entry strategy for the European market.  
4.6 5 28346
| Rating: (4.6 / 5.0)
Difficulty: Beginner | Style: Real Case, Candidate-led (usual style) | Topics: Growth strategy, Market analysis, Market entry

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

Bain Case: Old Winery

Bain & Company
Solved 54.3k times
Bain Case: Old Winery 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. they are not organically farmed and certified. The vine stocks are in a good condition regarding age and care. Overall, only ¼ of the harvest is made into wine by the winery itself; the rest is sold. Your grandfather never wanted to change the image of the winery and left the managerial and administrative task to a young and energetic wine-maker. Due to the not so well-known brand , the demand for the “Old Winery” wine is currently rather low. You do not intent to run the winery operatively, given your limited knowledge of wine making, but find the idea of owning a winery exciting. Your plan is to give the winery some fresh impetus.
4.4 5 1426
| Rating: (4.4 / 5.0)
Difficulty: Intermediate | Style: Real Case, Candidate-led (usual style) | Topics: Growth strategy, Market analysis, Market sizing, Mergers & Acquisition

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

Bain Questions

Solved 23.7k times
Bain Questions 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.
4.6 5 289
| Rating: (4.6 / 5.0) |
Difficulty: Intermediate | Style: Fit interview | Topics: Personal fit

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

MBB Final Round Case - Smart Education

Solved 3.5k times
MBB Final Round Case - Smart Education 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 disadvantaged areas. The client is considering starting operations for its services in the Chicago area. They hired us to understand if that makes sense. Due to the nonprofit regulation, SmartBridge should operate on its own in the market, without any partnership. How would you help our client?
4.6 5 130
| Rating: (4.6 / 5.0)
Difficulty: Advanced | Style: Interviewer-led (McKinsey style) | Topics: Growth strategy, Market analysis, Market entry, New product

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

Powered Wheelchairs

Solved 1.1k times
Powered Wheelchairs We have been hired by the CEO of Comfort Chairs, a company that manufactures complex powered wheelchairs. Comfort Chairs has headquarters in Sweden with manufacturing in Sweden and sales all over Europe. The company enjoys a strong market position and is known for being a pioneer in its industry. It was recently acquired by a leading global private equity firm that is interested in driving the international growth of Comfort Chairs. Especially, the US market looks very interesting. The CEO has hired you to help him with two things: 1. Determine the size and the growth of the US market for complex powered wheelchairs. 2. Analyze whether entering the US market is attractive.
4.5 5 31
| Rating: (4.5 / 5.0)
Difficulty: Advanced | Style: Candidate-led (usual style) | Topics: Market entry, Market sizing

We have been hired by the CEO of Comfort Chairs, a company that manufactures complex powered wheelchairs. Comfort Chairs has headquarters in Sweden with manufacturing in Sweden and sales all over Europe. The company enjoys a strong market position and is known for being a pioneer in its industry. It ... Open whole case

Similar questions

Looking for a CV review before applying to consulting at Tier-1 firms in their Middle East offices. (MBB, Kearney, OW)
what are some of good questions to ask in the end of the interview about the company?
Categories of case questions
Best internships for getting an interview (Non-target school) for entry level (Non-MBA) roles at MBB in India?
Need guideline for starting a career in consulting
How to be the best BA at McKinsey
How to Answer "Why Consulting?" in Interviews
What is the difference between McK, BCG and Bain – so called “MBB” firms?
Unexpected question at a case interview
Received McKinsey's offer!
Ask new question

Related companies

Career and application at Bain & Company