Does McKinsey solve result really matter?

Question

Hello!

I did the McKinsey solve test yesterday and have a few questions.

I saw on Reddit and thestudentroom that people said the solve test isn’t really used and is more to just tick off a box. They still look at the result but there’s really not a lot of weight on it. Is this true?

I also wanted to ask, for the ecosystem section, I had 3 producers at the bottom, then three predators eating those producers, and then 2 animals above that. However, one of my animals was not eaten at all in the first set of predators by the 2 above it. Does this mean I failed and didn’t successfully complete it? I thought I had it completed with time remaining but then I realised that the one wasn’t eaten by anything but didn’t want to restart as I wouldn’t have finished it. So I left it as it is. It all worked though (from what I gathered) as every one of them had a positive calorie provided after being eaten. It was just the one that wasn’t eaten at all.

There was also a redrock study. I fear I may have gotten some answers wrong but not entirely sure. I made it to the last question but just ran out of time when trying to complete the answer (spent a bit too long on one of the case study questions). I’m not exactly a strong applicant and this is for an event they host for specific universities which if you win, you receive a mentor for 6 months, live sessions with McKinsey consultants and the recruitment team so it’s really good exposure for you and them. My friend who made it to the event last year (didn’t win) said it helps you stand out/they keep note for when you do apply to McKinsey (they made it to final round interviews for grad scheme after being accepted into this event).

Answer 1

Yes, IT MATTERS.

Sure, how much it matters depends on how good is the rest of your application. If everything else is great then, yes, you are likely to be just ticking a box (also likely to do a good job anyway). But if you are a less solid candidate, it can be your opportunity to become a more attractive candidate.

Why would they bother to do the test if they didn't care about the test result? Of course they care.

Regarding the technicalities of the game itself, they are outside my area of expertise. Unfortunately I cannot help with that.

Answer 2

Hi there,

1. Yes. McK invested millions in the development to replace the former PST with several goals in mind. Of course it counts.

2. If the ecosystem is sustainable it does not matter if someone gets eaten or not. Some species just exist to fill up a space. All good on that end!

3. Regarding this event, keep in mind that event invitations are often more exclusive than actual interview invitations. If you fail, this has no impact on your application chances thereafter!

All the best,

Florian

Answer 3

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on completing the McKinsey Solve pre-interview assessment!

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

First of all, it's important to recognize that while online forums and communities can provide some insights, each part of the application process at consulting firms is designed with a purpose. The McKinsey Solve is no exception and it helps the firm to gauge your problem-solving skills, which are crucial in consulting. So yes, it matters and you have to score well enough to proceed in the application process.
Moreover, without actually participating in the McKinsey Solve, it is rather hard to tell how well you did. Thus, I would advise you to just stay patient and wait for the outcome.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming McKinsey interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

You can find the consulting salaries report 2024 here!

Answer 4

Hi there,

1) They still look at the result but there’s really not a lot of weight on it. Is this true?

McKinsey will consider both the application material and the Solve game to decide whether to move a candidate to the next round; therefore, the score does have weight on the decision. If you think logically, that makes sense – there is no reason they should ask you to complete a test if the test did not have real weight.

2) One of my animals was not eaten at all in the first set of predators by the 2 above it. Does this mean I failed and didn’t successfully complete it?

If the chain was sustainable, that's not a problem. It doesn't go against the rules of the game.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 5

ha oh boy, I've heard a lot of mis-information online with case prep but this one might just take the cake.

100% it matters - of course!

You need to do well on it. If you fail, you don't get invited. It's really that simple.

It's viewed hollistically with your whole application, and every piece of your application should be good/strong.

Answer 6

Hi there,

if you do very poorly on an online test (that applies to other consulting firms as well), you will not get invited to the interviews. Sure, the score will be evaluated in conjunction with the rest of your written application, but this stage is a filter criterion after all.

So make sure you adequately prepare for these types of tests and take them seriously. However, regardless of the outcome of your application for the McK event in this case, you will not risk a ban period for a potential fulltime application you might consider going forward.

Best of luck

Answer 7

They absolutely matter.

Think about it from their perspective.

Why would a firm that thrives on the idea of efficiency and effectiveness have a costly extra step in their recruitment process to tick a box?? :)

What is important to know is that they judge the results of the test together with the application package you submitted (CV, CL, referrals).

Best,
Cristian

Answer 8

If you don't reach a certain score in the Solve game, you will not be invited to the interview process. This sounds to me like it matters a lot.

Best,

Alberto

—

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Answer 9

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