Are caseinterview.com (Victor Cheng) coaching sessions any good?

Hey there, 

I have found that case interviews of today have really evolved since the days of  Victor Cheng's material. I feel that the cases and solutions provided will not adequately prepare you for the nuances and complexities that are in todays case interviews, particularly on the case leadership needed for candidate led cases and the conceptual width and depth needed for McKinsey's interviews

When I was a McKinsey coach and interviewer, I could always tell who the candidates were that used Victor Cheng vs those that went levels beyond and invested in proper coaching and preparation. And those candidates that only relied on Victor Cheng's material often lacked the depth and preparation required to excel in interviews and fell short. It really was noticeable

I do think they may be fine to start of with for beginners to get introduced to case interviews, but even still - I think experienced coaches would do a better job of ensuring you learn the right case practices and habits and reinforce them early on

Feel free to reach out and I can provide more examples and information on this topic

All the best! 

Hey Dmitry, 

I tried Victor Cheng's coaching sessions myself, and they were helpful as a starting point. His frameworks and methods are solid for building a foundation, but it's true that some aspects might feel a bit outdated compared to newer consulting trends. The key is that case interviews are all about practice—working with peers, coaches, or in mock interviews to refine your skills. Victor Cheng's coaching is good for beginners, but for more advanced practice, exploring diverse coaching options and real-world practice partners is essential.

Best, Alessa

Hi Dmitry,

Victor Cheng’s materials, like LOMS and Case Interview Secrets, are solid foundational tools, especially for beginners. However, as you've heard, some aspects of his approach can feel a bit rigid or outdated compared to the more nuanced and flexible expectations of firms today. His coaches may lean heavily on his frameworks, which could limit adaptability.

On the other hand, platforms like PrepLounge often offer a wider variety of coaches with diverse styles and current industry insights. Many PrepLounge coaches (myself included) tailor their sessions to your unique strengths and help you refine your approach to align with modern expectations, focusing on both structure and creativity.

If you’re already familiar with Victor Cheng’s methods, it might be more valuable to work with a coach who can push you beyond the basics, focusing on real-time feedback and helping you craft your personal problem-solving style. 

Hi Dmitry,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, I think that most of Victor Cheng's material is indeed outdated nowadays. Considering the bookable coaches work under his name, I'd be very surprised if they would coach you with different concepts.
• Moreover, even though I might be a bit biased as a coach on this platform, I think that PrepLounge provides a lot of transparency about the coaches' success, which makes it relatively easy for potential coachees to decide on their preferred coach. As the most experienced coach in terms of consulting, interviewing, and coaching experience, I'd be more than happy to help you succeed in your upcoming application processes.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

My honest view: If you’re going to work with a coach, hire someone who has interviewed candidates at your target firms in the last 3–5 years and has done so extensively (at least 3+ years).

Interview processes, case types, and evaluation criteria evolve frequently, so recent experience is key.

Best,

Alberto

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Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: StayPro - Consumer Growth Strategy

Hi Dmitry,

As Thabang and Alessa mentioned, today’s case interviews often require more flexibility and depth than traditional frameworks alone can provide. At PrepLounge, you’ll find a diverse group of experienced coaches, including former MBB consultants, who can help you navigate your unique goals and challenges. Our coaches tailor their sessions to align with modern consulting trends and your personal needs, whether you’re refining your problem-solving skills or preparing for a specific firm.

You can also connect with peers on our platform to practice cases together, giving you the interactive, hands-on preparation that makes all the difference. Take a look around, we’re sure you’ll find the right coach or practice partner to help you succeed!

Best,
Charlotte