McKinsey’s Solve assessment

Hi Anonymous,

I agree with what Binika said! The Solve really is less about frameworks and more about how you think when you’re thrown into something unfamiliar. When I first heard about it, I thought it would be very math-heavy, but in reality it feels more like a strategy game where you need to stay calm and make reasonable choices with limited info.

One thing I’d add is not to overcomplicate it. A lot of people freeze up trying to find the “perfect” answer, but that’s not what McKinsey is looking for. They care more about whether you approach the problem step by step and don’t get lost in the noise.

If you want to prepare, I’d spend a bit of time on puzzles or quick mental exercises just to get used to thinking under time pressure, but honestly the best prep is going in relaxed and treating it like a challenge to be solved.

Hope this helps! 😊

Hey!

The Solve assessment is quite different from a traditional case interview, as it’s designed to evaluate how you think through problems rather than test memorized frameworks. You’ll see game-like scenarios where you need to analyze patterns, manage ecosystems, or make decisions with incomplete information. 

The key is to stay calm, think logically, and demonstrate structured reasoning in how you approach uncertainty. Unlike math-heavy tests, it’s more about adaptability, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

For preparation, you won’t find exact practice versions since McKinsey keeps it proprietary, but you can sharpen the underlying skills. Spend some time on logic puzzles, pattern recognition exercises, and quick mental math to improve your comfort under time pressure. 

When working through questions, focus on showing a clear thought process rather than rushing. The assessment rewards consistent reasoning, so practice breaking down problems step by step and making sound decisions with the data you’re given.

Hello There!

The McKinsey Solve assessment is designed to test your problem-solving, numerical reasoning, and logical thinking skills in a time-pressured environment, rather than your prior consulting knowledge. 

The best way to prepare is to practice structured problem-solving, mental math, and interpreting data quickly and accurately. You can use case-style exercises, consulting prep books, and general aptitude test resources to simulate the type of questions you might face. Focus on practicing under timed conditions and clearly explaining your reasoning, as clarity and logical thinking are just as important as getting the “right” answer.

Hi, 

thanks for your question! Since it’s specifically about McKinsey, I’ve re-posted it in the Consulting Forum for you – that’s usually the best place to get first-hand tips and experiences.

https://www.preplounge.com/consulting-forum/mckinseys-solve-assessment-23474

Best,
Charlotte