Getting Started
Structuring
Math in Case Interviews
Business Concepts
You've taken the first step by deciding to prepare thoroughly for your case interview –great choice! 🎉 Before you dive into intense prep, it’s important to have a clear plan. A structured approach will help you stay on track and use your time effectively. This "Preparation Plan" gives you a general roadmap for how to best prepare for your case interview.
1. Set Realistic Goals
The first step in your preparation is to set clear and achievable goals. 🏁 Consider:
- What do I want to achieve? Do you want to improve your analytical skills, become better organized, or feel more confident with interview questions? Define your goals clearly to stay focused.
- How much time do I have? Create a realistic schedule that lets you study continuously without feeling overwhelmed. Make sure to consider your other commitments.
2. Develop a Customized Learning Strategy
With clear goals in mind, it is now time to develop an individual learning strategy. Think about how you want to structure your preparation:
- Identify basics and concepts: Determine which fundamental skills, frameworks, and concepts you need to know. These should be the foundation of your plan and should come first.
- Plan practice sessions: Decide how to split your time between theory and practice. Schedule specific practice sessions where you work on cases—first alone, then in simulated interviews.
- Track your progress: Set regular check-ins in your plan to review your progress. This helps ensure you’re on the right track and allows for adjustments if needed.
💡 Pro tip: Check out all the skills, frameworks, and business concepts you’ll need for your case interview prep!
3. Create a Schedule
⏰ A schedule helps you to keep track of your progress and ensure that you cover all the important areas:
- Weekly planning: Break your preparation into weekly chunks and decide which topics to cover when. Allow enough time for deep dives and practice.
- Build flexibility: Include buffer times in your schedule to handle unexpected challenges. This lets you adjust your strategy without stress. Also, make sure to schedule breaks.
4. Consider Motivation and Flexibility
A long-term plan only works if you always stay motivated and react flexibly to changes:
- Motivation strategies: Think about how to stay motivated throughout your preparation. Small rewards and regular breaks can help keep you engaged.
- Adjust your strategy: Be ready to tweak your plan if certain methods aren’t working as expected. Flexibility is key to maximizing progress and reaching your goals.
5. Get to Know PrepLounge Resources
Before you start practicing, get familiar with PrepLounge’s extensive resources. Check out our Case-Library and our Case-Interview-Basics to prepare effectively.
