BCG Online Case Experience

Hi there,

One of the questions from last year's test asks you to figure out the increased profit margin when merging 2 entities.

Entity A has x profit margin and x % of market share. Entity B has y profit margin and y profit share.

 The “trick” here is that you need to do the weighted average. A lot of people think they can just add or average out the profit margins.

This question also requires you to add the economies of scale that comes from being a larger entity.

Hope this helps!

P.S. “Free” answers are always going to be less thorough than paid answers (i.e. coaching). We'd love to answer every question in great detail, but the honest answer is we are busy and have to prioritize our time!

P.P.S. I actually have access to tests from the last few years so I do know a number of the real questions asked.

Hi there,

Answering to 1,2,3,4: the new BCG Online Case (also called Chatbot Interview) is a new 8 questions test BCG started to use in 2019 and now expanded globally. It is structured in 2 parts:

• 8 questions to be taken in 25 minutes
• 1 video interview question at the end, where you have to provide a recommendation

There are some variations in some countries, which is why sometimes you hear it is a 10-questions test in 30 minutes. The 8 question format is the most common though.

The main differences compared to the previous version (BCG Potential Test) are the following:

1. 8 questions instead of 23
2. 25 min instead of 45
3. No negative points
4. Calculators allowed
5. Presence of open questions
6. Video sum up at the end

The general logic though is similar to the old test.

I helped several candidates who did the chatbot test and succeeded in it. The main challenges based on their feedback are:

1. Time. Questions are not particularly difficult, however you will feel time constraints also due to the fact you don’t know how difficult could be the next questions - thus how much time they may require.
   • Implication --> Try to practice PST and/or BCG Potential Tests with a strict time constraint
2. Math. Candidates usually find the math challenging
   • Implication --> Many candidates said the old BCG Potential Test is the one resembling the most the math required
3. Chatbot interaction. Unlike a test like the McK PST, you cannot proceed “at your own pace”. You will have to follow the evolution of the test. In that sense, it is not dissimilar from the old BCG Potential Test, where information was revealed step-by-step
   • Implication --> Practice on PST/Potential Tests working questions by questions, without skipping any

Answering to 5: there is no fit interview at this stage if you have the test only.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Hello!

Most of the online tests are very similar, and test the same skillset. It´s a good thing, since you can prep for them with a very unified approach. Although this may not seem so at first sight since the formats may differ, what is important here -as well as when solving cases- is the core skillset they are tryng to test. This is common, and the most important skills are:

80-20 analysis: capacity to analize, interpret and extract conclusions quickly and in a agile way from a ton of data -of which not all is useful-

Analytic and critical thinking: many ways tested with graphs, charts and tables, that you need to understand and derive decisions or insights from

Mathematical skills: are always somehow present, for which you need to be fast int he basics

The way to get better is practicing as much as possible with similar exercises -those targeted at the same skillset-. Hence, I would strongly recomment you practice it with the Integrated Reasoning part of the GMAT exam.

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/)

Furthermore, you can leverage the MBB tests (https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/, psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests, and many others)

Hope it helps!

Best,

Clara

Dear A,

Potential test, or sometimes SHL + a logic test based on traffic lights color (two or more traffic lights are connected by codes; each code change a color of the traffic light; one of the code is broken and you have to understand which is the broken one)
 

There are 2 types of BCG tests:

1. GMAT-like test with questions similar to GMAT
2. Online Test that is based on a case and has the questions closer to PST

So, I would recommend you to:

• Practice GMAT for BCG 

1) Keeping your math trained with GMAT exercises is always a good idea. Free resourced can be found online, for example:
http://www.mba.com/global/the-gmat-exam/prepare-for-the-gmat-exam/test-prep-materials/free-gmat-prep-software.aspx 
https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat

https://www.mba.com/-/media/files/mba2/assessments/2018/gmat/gmat-handbook-2020-07-10.pdf?la=en&hash=9DCAD3E9A43EEE7B520C84327FBEC6F399A72D82

2) Also tests that usually are for investment banks (with graphs analysis) are a useful. Free resourced can be found online, for example:
https://www.tptests.com/Candidate/practice/Instructions

3) Official BGC Potential test examples: https://www.bcg.com/careers/path/consulting/practice-interview-cases.aspx

Practice PST. You can find some guidance on PrepLounge https://www.preplounge.com/en/bootcamp.php/interview-first-aid/master-the-problem-solving-test/guide-to-improving-speed-in-written-tests-such-as-the-pst

Best,
André

Hi there,

First of all, congrats on getting to the online test round and good luck!

The best way to prepared is to find online tests / questions and practice. Regardless as to whether is a new or old test, the principles are mostly the same:

• Time management (need to think quick)
• Business knowledge/context (incl key formulas)
• Critical thinking (answers that are very similar to each other...clues "hidden" in the text)
• Ability to interpret data/charts

Think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/

https://www.shl.com/shldirect/en/practice-tests

https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp

Hello!

The online quant test are indeed very similar among them and hence, better to prep. 

I would strongly recomment you practice it with the Integrated Reasoning part of the GMAT exam.

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/)

The old McKinsey PST,  Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/

https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

First, good luck!

Second, think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/

https://www.shl.com/shldirect/en/practice-tests

https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp

Hi there,

The online tests across companies are very similar

Format? Somewhat. Content and what's required from you ability-wise? Not at all.

The best way is to really find online tests / questions and practice. Regardless as to whether is a new or old test, the principles are mostly the same:

• Time management (need to think quick)
• Business knowledge/context (incl key formulas)
• Critical thinking (answers that are very similar to each other...clues "hidden" in the text)
• Ability to interpret data/charts

Think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/

https://www.shl.com/shldirect/en/practice-tests

https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp

Hi there,

I helped candidates who had to do the chatbot and others who had to do a different test (quant-based – 40min for 20 questions - more GMAT style). I would recommend to clarify with HR, they should be able to let you know the format.

In case you have to do the Chatbot, I reported some info below.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The BCG Online Case (also called Chatbot Interview) is an 8-10 questions test BCG started to use in the last years and now expanded globally. It is structured in 2 parts:

• 8-10 questions to be taken in 25-30 minutes
• 1 video interview question at the end, where you usually have to provide a recommendation in 1 minute

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The main challenges based on the candidates I helped are the following:

1. Time. The questions are not particularly difficult, however you will feel time constraints also due to the fact you don’t know how difficult the next questions could be - thus how much time they may require
2. Chatbot interaction. Unlike a test like the McK PST, you cannot proceed “at your own pace”. You will have to follow the evolution of the test as questions are revealed one by one
3. Math. Candidates often find the math quite challenging given the time constraint

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

You can find 10 key tips to prepare for the test here:

▶ 10 Must-Know Tips to Master the BCG Online Case

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

If you want to prepare for the Online Case in the best possible way, I created a software simulation replicating specifically the chatbot and one-way video interview.

It includes the following and more:

• 2 Software Simulations of the Chatbot. These are live chatbots simulating exactly the same chatbot environment of the test (meaning you will receive questions by an actual chatbot with a flow equivalent to the one of the test).
• 2 PDF Simulations of the Chabot. These are additional tests Casey-style, meaning you will have 4 different Casey Chatbots to train.
• 2 One-Way Video Interviews. These come with Artificial Intelligence reports, so that you can see how the Video Software will perceive your performance in terms of voice, speech clarity, energy and more.
• Free access to 6 PSTs and Potential Tests for further practice.
• Deep explanation of all the 5 types of questions asked in the BCG Online Case thanks to the complimentary 144-page guide.

You can get access to the software simulation and guide instantly here:

▶ BCG Online Case Software Simulation

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Hi there,

You should indeed expect the Casey chatbot.

In terms of preparation:

All of these online tests are very similar

Format? Somewhat. Content and what's required from you ability-wise? Not at all.

The best way is to really find online tests / questions and practice. Regardless as to whether is a new or old test, the principles are mostly the same:

• Time management (need to think quick)
• Business knowledge/context (incl key formulas)
• Critical thinking (answers that are very similar to each other...clues "hidden" in the text)
• Ability to interpret data/charts

Think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

I did not sit for this particular test, but a friend very recently did.

This test, which I am sure you know, is different than the regular test that you would do in the BCG office (I think its called the BCG Potential Test?). In a sense I think this resembles more closely to a regular case than a PST. 

You will have to do it in a laptop and you are answering questions from a chat bot. You will have <10 questions, which are a combination of multiple choice and explanation (2-3 sentences 'essay', if I can say that) questions, typically based on your choice. You will close with a video interview where you have 1 min will record yourself of the conclusions in the case.

I won't say it is hard, but again questions closely resembling a case without a chance of asking clarifying questions and often times having to choose appropriate answers from a list of choices can be quite confusing (at least for me). I think the best bet to prepare is just to prepare doing regular cases. I doubt the PST practice would be of much help since it is different than the regular BCG potential test.

Hi,

There are 2 types of BCG tests:

1. GMAT-like test with questions similar to GMAT
2. Online Test that is based on a case and has the questions closer to PST

I have uploaded both test samples here (Online test is about airlines). I've also added BCG written case sample (Next round) and Bain written case. PM me for a password:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zor4m49eyx5qxal/AABeUN6mtiGkWhEklRjszX2Oa?dl=0

As for particular recommendations for online test:

1. Try to find as many people in your country as you can who have done the test. Ask them for the topic, industry, and questions they remember. For example in one of the countries there was a test about airlines and reading a couple of articles / company reports / wikipedia articles with industry terms could significantly improve performance
2. Try to practice tests with strict time-management. McKinsey PST from the official web site and all mck and bcg -like tests you can find online
3. Additional resources can be GMAT Integrated reasoning from the official guides and apps if you feel that you are not p[erforming well
4. As far as I remember calculator is allowed on BCG test. Make sure you know how to simplify calculations and use it fast

Best!

I'm curious to know which market you're interviewing for. Typically the firms would send you guidance on the format, especially if it's not a cookie cutter case interview.

Hi there,

Q: If anyone can share what specifically was difficult (ex. complex math setup, many calculations, or just time constraints) that would be  helpful 

The main issues I have received feedback on are:

1. Time constraint
2. Complex math setup

In case you want to prepare more, you can find 6 chatbot tests Casey-style below, including 4 Live Chatbots and AI One-Way Interview simulations (full disclosure: I am the author;) ). They all include math questions and tips to prepare for them:

▶ BCG Online Case Software Simulation

Best,

Francesco

Hi,

I think now the model is candidates needs to do a small case online with a video summary.

Hi Sally,

From my experience with the BCG recruitment process, it varies a lot depending on the office location you have applied to. 

In some offices like the Middle East, the online case interview is an evaluative step i.e. you need to pass it before you move on to the interviews. 

In some European offices, the online case interview is evaluated together WITH the interviews i.e. your performance across the interviews AND the online case will be evaluated together. 

In either case, if someone from the business team is reaching out to you for a quick call to ask questions about the business - this could indicate that your profile is interesting and they would like to give you a chance to ask some questions to learn more about the business. This would not by itself be an interview.

If selected for the interviews, there are typically 2 rounds of interviews with 2 interviews each. The first rounds are typically virtual and the second rounds are typically in person - but this varies a lot per office. It would be best to contact your recruiter directly to clarify this.

Hope this helps, feel free to reach out to me if you need any clarification!

All the best!

Rushabh

Hi Sally,

Well done on passing the chatbot! In terms of your questions:

1)  So, is this like a first step interview? Or really for me to ask questions. How should I prepare?

It could be one or a mix of the following:

1. Call to provide information on the process/position to be sure you are aligned 
2. Call with fit questions. Questions usually include the following:
   1. Tell me about yourself
   2. Why consulting
   3. Why us
   4. Why hire you
3. Case interview. Usually the case is shorter than the standard ones you will have later on in the process

From what you shared, it seems in your case is option 1. If you didn't receive additional information, if you want you can clarify the exact format with HR.

For general tips on how to prepare for the interview, you can check this:

▶ How to Prepare for a Consulting Interview

2) What usually happens afterward? An in-person case?

If everything is fine, you should move to the next round in the process. Whether it will be in-person or not depends on the office.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

Some good answers are already here, however, one important thing is missing.

You should always be in the know about what is going on at every step of the recruiting journey. Hence, reach out to your HR contact and ask them what this step is about. 

It sounds like it is just going to be an informal chat, where you will discuss

• the role and the company
• the interviewing logistics and process
• (your motivation)

However, as mentioned, to avoid any surprises, clarify beforehand!

All the best,

Florian

Hi Sally,

Congrats on passing the initial screening!

You need to take their guidance here. It's possible it will be another “screening” in the form of an HR call (beahvioral). It's also possible it would be a full interview (case + fit).

Regardless, you need to be fit + case prepping (no matter what comes next).

Here's some overall prep reading: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

Some case prep reading: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

Some fit prep reading: https://www.preplounge.com/en/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question

Hello!

Hasn´t changed much actually even since the time I did it myself!

• Takes overall 45 min
• It´s done with a laptop
• Emcompasses about 20-25 questions
  • It´s a test on a "business case", single choice system
  • You are given information both in texts and in figures (e.g., graphs, table)
  • Requieres both match skills and "strategic" skills

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Hello!

Good luck with that test, I know they are intimidating (they were the most intimidating part of the whole recruiting process for me). 

I would strongly recomment you practice it with the Integrated Reasoning part of the GMAT exam.

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

Hi, I think the online case study assessment is going to be a 23 question test (multiple choice, 45 minutes) that tests verbal and numerical reasoning skills. You can Google BCG potential test for an example.

Hey,

I've also got invited for first round. Last year I had to do a maths test in the office. I think the case study simulation is literally a case study with questions that they give options and you have to pick? Did you attend your university's presentation? I think it was similar to what you did there!

Hi there,

The online tests across companies are very similar

Format? Somewhat. Content and what's required from you ability-wise? Not at all.

The best way is to really find online tests / questions and practice. Regardless as to whether is a new or old test, the principles are mostly the same:

• Time management (need to think quick)
• Business knowledge/context (incl key formulas)
• Critical thinking (answers that are very similar to each other...clues "hidden" in the text)
• Ability to interpret data/charts

Think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/

https://www.shl.com/shldirect/en/practice-tests

https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp

Hi Ela,

First, good luck!

Second, think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/

https://www.shl.com/shldirect/en/practice-tests

https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp

Hello !

I am a bit confused: did you pass the test yet? The math/quant one?

I am asking since, if you did not, might be this task. 

Cheers,

Clara

Has anyone done the online interactive test with a video recording at the end? Any tips?

hi 

every interaction you have with the team - take it as some form of evaluation your candidacy. In any case, the interaction with RD is more of an informal first step - more of an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have about the firm, practice l, people etc. ask good questions. Prepare answers to some basic standard questions - why consulting, why that particular office. And you should be good. 

good luck 

The experiences were discussed recently on these forums. You can check it here - 

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/bcg-online-case-experience-6407

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/does-anyone-have-experience-on-bcgs-online-case-experience-not-potential-test-6347

Hi Ela,

As my colleagues have already mentioned the best option would be practicing GMAT and PST Test.  

Make sure you can do simple calculations and mental math without a calculator, understand account formulas, and use key business terms. 

Good luck!

 André

Hi! See a reply from Vlad in this thread https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-prepare-for-bcg-online-case-1098 

Recently, a friend of mine attended a BCG online case and shared her experience with me so I will do it as well:

The online case took 45 min and contained about 20-25 questions (they were using their laptops). They used a "single choice" system ( you have options a),b),c) and one of them is correct, something like that). In the beginning they got 2 slides full of information and had to answer some questions. Then gradually more and more information  has been revealed and more questions had to be answered. Some of the questions were about testing mental math and the usual things like "compute the profitability of x based on the given data". Some focused more on strategic ("qualitative") questions. She mentioned that you have to be fast to answer all questions.

For the start of your preparation you might wanna have a closer look at the BCG app (maybe it's exclusive for invited people, but that should'nt be a problem for you). It could be that the app is providing an example for an online case study.

Hopefully, that helps!

Hi,

It depends on whethre you are getting the new online test format or still the old one?

If it is the old format, GMAT practice would be quite similar. 

However, if it is the new format (AI enabled interacive case with video summary recording), then you should practice differently. For the new format, 3 tips I would suggest:

• Get farmiliar with consulting / business terms; the AI chatbot likely would be looking for some key words in your answer, in order to determine how it would judge your answer and how it proceeds to the next step
• When you open the link within the case, better to open with multiple tabs. It would be easier to toggle between the tabs and compare, than clicking back and forth within one tab (you'd waste time on this and more likely missing info)
• Practice doing summary via a video - make sure you look natural and confident. Look into the camera lens (not your screen) when speaking, record yourself and review for improvement areas.

Best,

Emily

This can be either:

1. An opportunity for you to network and gain deeper expertise on the recruiting process
2. An opportunity for them to do some further fit / behavioral testing in order to get more information before their decision.

Be prepared for both.

Hey,

The recruiting in current times has moved to online channels. So go to this with the same level of preparedness as to a face to face interview. That being said, considering the constraints of online meetings over the face to face sessions, there are a couple of things you can do:

• Take an active role in the interview and guide the interviewer through your thinking. The interviewer can't see the paper where you are drawing the framework, so you have to ensure that you effectively communicate your approach
• It is possible that you run out of time and you are not possible to finish all the possibilities to explore from your framework. so share your approach with the interviewer at the start itself so that he/she knows how you are thinking about it
• Avoid last-minute panic - be seated 5-10 mins in advance and ensure minimum distractions like turn off phone notifications, have pen-paper ready, check phone microphone, camera, have a copy of printed CV. 

Best wishes!

Hello!

Precisely as you outline, all the recruiting process (from tests to former face-to-face interviews) have moved to online. 

Hence, nothing changes in terms of the approach in case of the test. 

What it does change is the interviews, where you need to take an extra-active role with your commuication, walking your interviewer through your thoughs, validating a lot... but this will come only after. 

 Hope it helps! 

Cheers, 

Clara

Hello,

I have some material that you can use to prepare, feel free to text me.

Best,
Luca

Hi!

Agree with Daniel

Hi,

Agree with Daniel

Agree with Vai. There are very broad and substantial thoughts there

Hello!

Hasn´t changed much actually even since the time I did it myself!

• Takes overall 45 min
• It´s done with a laptop
• Emcompasses about 20-25 questions
  • It´s a test on a "business case", single choice system
  • You are given information both in texts and in figures (e.g., graphs, table)
  • Requieres both match skills and "strategic" skills

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Hi, what office are you talking about? Some of SE offices are switching to online interactive tests

Best,
Antonello

Hi! See a reply from Vlad in this thread https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-prepare-for-bcg-online-case-1098 

Best,
Daniel

Hi there,

I think the best thread for this is here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/bcg-online-case-experience-6407

Hi there,

Q: I am scheduled to do a BCG Casey test. Does anyone have any tips or tricks or stuff I should look out for during the test? Or any prep I can do that can offer me an advantage?

I reported some info below.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The BCG Casey Test (also called Chatbot Interview) is an 8-10 questions test BCG started to use in the last years and now used globally. It is structured in 2 parts:

• 8-10 questions to be taken in 25-30 minutes
• 1 video interview question at the end, where you usually have to provide a recommendation in 1 minute

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The main challenges based on the candidates I helped are the following:

1. Time. The questions are not particularly difficult, however you will feel time constraints also due to the fact you don’t know how difficult the next questions could be - thus how much time they may require
2. Chatbot interaction. Unlike a test like the McK PST, you cannot proceed “at your own pace”. You will have to follow the order provided by the chatbot as questions are provided one by one. You also cannot change a previous answer once provided
3. Math. Candidates often find the math quite challenging given the time constraint

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You can find 10 key tips to prepare for the test here:

▶ 10 Must-Know Tips to Master the BCG Online Case

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If you want to prepare for the Online Case in the best possible way, I created a software simulation replicating specifically the chatbot and one-way video interview.

It includes the following and more:

• 4 Casey Software Simulations of the Chatbot. These are live chatbots simulating exactly the same chatbot environment of the test (meaning you will receive questions from an actual chatbot with a flow equivalent to the one of the test).
• 4 One-Way Video Interviews. These come with Artificial Intelligence reports, so that you can see how the software will perceive your performance in terms of voice, speech clarity, energy and more.
• 2 PDF Simulations of the Chabot. These are additional tests Casey-style, meaning you will have 6 different Casey Chatbots to train with overall.
• Free access to 6 PSTs and Potential Tests for further practice.
• Deep explanation of all the 5 types of questions asked in the BCG Online Case thanks to the complimentary 144-page guide.

You can get access to the software simulation and guide instantly here:

▶ BCG Online Case Software Simulation

For any questions please feel free to PM me, I will reply within 12 hours.

Best,

Francesco

Hi, 
I confirm it's due to the lockdown. The format will be similar to the classical face to face interview and will be structured in 3 parts:
- Personal Experience Interview: fit and CV questions to assess your personal impact, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial spirit
- Case Interview: typical business case to evaluate your structure in approaching problems, problem-solving skills, and business sense
- Your final questions to the interviewers

Hope it helps,
Antonello

Hi, I have some cases to practice this format, feel free to text me.

Best,
Antonello

Hi!

The interview will be exactly the same, just per video

Best,
Daniel

Hi,

I am also currently in the recruiting process with BCG and have interview day 1 coming up which consists of two interviews and the online case experience you mentioned. The sample that they sent me to prepare has the same structure and marking scheme as the BCG potential test with similar questions, although perhaps slightly more focused on logic/business sense analysis in addition to the maths aspect. I was invited to do the interview including Online Case Experience before everything was shut down with Corona so I think they may have just changed the name of the test in some offices. I am preparing using BCG Potential test material, PST material and GMAT Quant workbook. 

Hi, feel free to text me. I have collected some material

Best,
Antonello

Hello A!

The BCG online case is very similar to a regular case the only difference being that your direction in the business case is guided by the questions being asked. So it will be similar to an "interviewer-led" case format. There are a lot of resources online for case solving and all you need to do is Google. If you want to sharpen your case skills in general I would recommend Victor Cheng's Case Interview Secrets by Victor Cheng and his book. Message me if you have any other specific questions and all the best!

Best,

André

Hi, how was your online case experience? Hoping you got through it. I also got invited and am preparing for it. If you don't mind, kindly share your experience :)

Hi, I am also recently invited for the new BCG test. Have you taken it at this point? I would really appreciate your help if you can share any tips and insight. Please send me a message to my inbox.

Thank you,

Feb

Hello,

It depends on the office but the iold potential test is usually replaced by an online case.

Luca

HI, 

Yes Indeed. BCG changed the first round and now there is an online interactive test and then you will be required to do a 1-minute video summary at the end of the test

Hi there,

The standard BCG Online Case - also called Potential Test in some offices - is a multiple choice computer test with 23 questions to be answered in 45 minutes.

It has one single case only. You receive +3 for each right answer, 0 for no answer and -1 for a wrong answer.

Calculators are generally not allowed, but there are exceptions in some countries - you can clarify that with HR if needed.

I recommend the following approach to prepare:

1. Look online for reliable BCG test simulations. You can find an example here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/bcg-potential-test-1-13
2. If possible, don’t print the sample tests; rather, do the simulations on your computer. The day of the test you won’t be able write notes near the questions or turn pages. If you practice on a paper version, you will find different dynamics the day of the interview that could impact your performance. You should also do all the simulations with a time constraint
3. After each test write down the mistakes you did. You will probably find that the mistakes have something in common – eg wrong math, too much time wasted on some questions, wrong interpretation of graph
4. Work on each area of improvement. Many candidates do these simulations checking only the final score and don’t spend time analyzing the mistakes - thus they don’t improve
5. Once you have done all the BCG test simulations, move to PST practice. You can find a good number of PST tests online. The PST is different from the Potential Test – in the PST there are multiple cases, the types of questions are different and you have more time available. However, it may still help to improve your performance. You should be able to identify the similarities between questions doing both of them

As additional notes:

• Remember you are penalized for wrong answers - you should adapt your strategy accordingly
• Aim to identify the main areas of improvements already with the first test - the typical ones are math, graph interpretation and ability to absorb information quickly
• Try to distribute the tests between the day you start practicing and the day of the test for constant learning – avoid to do them just at the end

There is also a variation of the online case BCG started to use in some countries. This is the feedback I got from a candidate who recently took the new test in Germany:

1. 8-10 questions instead of 23
2. 30 min instead of 45
3. No negative points
4. Calculators allowed
5. Presence of open questions
6. Video sum up at the end

The main addons are 5 and 6, as this part was not present before. For the rest, I would recommend preparing as for the old one (plus answering all the questions as there are no penalties in this version).

You can clarify with HR the version you will have to do.

If you want to practice on a real example of a BCG Potential Test, you can find the one I created below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/bcg-potential-testonline-case-1-13

With this test you will be able to:

• Prepare on the exact same format of the standard BCG Online Case – 23 questions in 45 minutes
• Identify your possible improvements thanks to detailed solutions for all the 23 questions
• Practice on material tested by multiple candidates who did the test and successfully passed the Potential Test.

If you need additional support or have any feedback on the test feel free to PM me, I can provide additional tips for free.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Hello!

I would strongly recomment you practice it with the Integrated Reasoning part of the GMAT exam.

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/)

Furthermore, to your question, McK exams would totally help -the old ones before Imbellus were indeed very similar-. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Dear A,

As for the new test I can say that there is no negative points and be ready for the open questions. 

Basically there are 2 types of BCG tests:

1. GMAT-like test with questions similar to GMAT.

2. Online Test that is based on a case and has the questions closer to PST

So, I would recommend you to start and track your prep using PST materials. If you have good results with PST, other tests are not a problem. 

You can find some guidance on PrepLounge:​https://www.preplounge.com/en/bootcamp.php/interview-first-aid/master-the-problem-solving-test/guide-to-improving-speed-in-written-tests-such-as-the-pst

Also, you can find a good number of PST tests online

Best,

André

Essentially it is similar to a case interview. Difference lies in you'd be interating with an AI chatbot instead of a real person. 3 tips for your consideration:

• Get farmiliar with consulting / business terms; the AI chatbot likely would be looking for some key words in your answer, in order to determine how it would judge your answer and how it proceeds to the next step
• When you open the link within the case, better to open with multiple tabs. It would be easier to toggle between the tabs and compare, than clicking back and forth within one tab (you'd waste time on this and more likely missing info)
• Practice doing summary via a video - make sure you look natural and confident. Look into the camera lens (not your screen) when speaking, record yourself and review for improvement areas.

Best,

If you have already prepared for case interviews and good at reading charts, analytical thinking, and mental math, then BCG potential is an additional of probably an hour as what you should plan for. 

Basically, to prepare you can use some mock potential test, and after every test just look into solution to see where you have gone wrong. 3-4 mock test it would be enough for you to prepare for the potential test.

Cheers,
GB

Hey I'm having my bcg online interactive test in 2 days. Any hint??

Hi there!
 
I would recommend you not to focus on the differences between tests because the format of testing within the company is usually quite similar. My recommendation to you is to do training based on previous online tests. You can use some potential tests for Bain, BCG, PST (McKinsey), or GMAT and I can advise you to check the solution after each test. In this way, you can see where you have gone wrong and develop quickly.

You should develop your critical thinking, knowledge of working with information, time management, and deepen your knowledge in business.
 

Do you need any further help?
GB

I would spend less time on worrying about the specific differences between BCG tests (new v old, x region vs y region) and focus more on what's required.

The online tests across companies and across time are very similar

Format? Somewhat. Content and what's required from you ability-wise? Not at all.

The best way is to really find online tests / questions and practice. Regardless as to whether is a new or old test, the principles are mostly the same:

• Time management (need to think quick)
• Business knowledge/context (incl key formulas)
• Critical thinking (answers that are very similar to each other...clues "hidden" in the text)
• Ability to interpret data/charts

Think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/

https://www.shl.com/shldirect/en/practice-tests

https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp

Hello!

Lately, there have been a lot of posts here asking precisely about the change. However, it does not matter that much. The math online test are super similar to one another. 

I would strongly recomment you practice it with the Integrated Reasoning part of the GMAT exam.

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/)

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/

https://www.shl.com/shldirect/en/practice-tests

https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Hi there!

Basically, to prepare you can use some potential test for Bain, BCG, PST (McKinsey), or GMAT, and after every test just look into a solution to see where you have gone wrong. 3-4 mock test it would be enough for you to prepare.

Was it helpful?

GB

Hi, 

I don't know which office you are preparing for but for Germany and Austria, the online test isn't like the old "GMAT-like" tests. It is rather similar to those interactive cases BCG also gives you on their website: interactive case library :) Also, I was allowed to use a calculator. 

I hope this was helpful and good luck with your test!

Hello,

If you have already prepared for case interviews and good at reading charts, analytical thinking, and mental math, then BCG potential is an additional of probably an hour as what you should plan for. 

Basically, to prepare you can use some mock potential test, and after every test just look into solution to see where you have gone wrong. 3-4 mock test it would be enough for you to prepare for the potential test.

Regarding Bain, there are very similar. 

Cheers,
GB

Hi there,

You should expect the Casey.

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

If you google “BCG Casey Guide”, there is plenty of free articles and videos that discuss the test in detail and guide you through the individual questions and stages of the test and even sample tests.

The Casey is pretty much an interviewer-led interview, just with a virtual interviewer instead of an actual consultant.

Consequently, the same skills are needed that you would anyway prepare for going into a case interview.

Focus on your 

1. Structuring
2. Exhibit Interpretation
3. Math
4. Synthesis skills

The biggest issue that candidates have with the test is not the complexity of the questions but the time limit (30 minutes).

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there, 

The Casey interview is a web-based version of a real-life case interview. You're going to receive a prompt and questions and then you have to provide answers in return. 

The best way to train for it is to do actual cases. They basically test the same dimensions as the test. 

If you're looking for something more targeted, google online for resources. There's plenty of stuff out there. 

Best,
Cristian

First, learn to case. (You need to know the same business concepts, ways of thinking, etc.

Second, practice with real tests.

Allocate your 30 minutes just like you would a normal test - try to move quickly through questions and watch the clock!

I have four simulations of the test. Feel free to message me and I can take you through it!

Now, in terms of preparation.

The best way is to really find online tests / questions and practice. Regardless as to whether is a new or old test, the principles are mostly the same:

• Time management (need to think quick)
• Business knowledge/context (incl key formulas)
• Critical thinking (answers that are very similar to each other...clues "hidden" in the text)
• Ability to interpret data/charts

Think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• Brush up on your business knowledge: Make sure you have a good understanding of basic business concepts, such as financial statements, market analysis, and strategic planning.
• Practice case interviews: The BCG Casey is similar to a case interview, so practicing with sample cases can help you become more comfortable with the format.
• Stay organized: The BCG Casey is timed, so it is important to stay organized and manage your time effectively.
• Be creative and think outside the box: The BCG Casey is designed to test your ability to think creatively and come up with unique solutions to problems.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best practice the BCG Casey, please don't hesitate to contact me directly given I have several real-life BCG Casey simulations.

Best,

Hagen