Preparing for case interviews within a month is achievable with a focused and structured study plan and it can be very exciting!
Your particular study plan should be adapted for you to practice on your weakest points. But I can give you a general plan to start with and some pointers on what is important.
Ideally, aim for 3-4 hours per day (depending on your commitments and energy levels)
Key Areas to Focus On
- Case Interview Fundamentals (what it is about, building parts)
- Case Practice (with partners and alone)
- Mental Math and Data Interpretation
- Business Concepts and Industry Knowledge
- Behavioral/PEI (Personal Experience Interview)
Weekly Breakdown
Week 1: Foundation and Structure
- Days 1-2: Review case interview fundamentals from Victor Cheng’s Case Interview Secrets and other resources.
o Focus on understanding case structures, frameworks, and the types of cases (profitability, market entry, etc.).
o Practice structuring cases without solving them.
- Days 3-4: Practice mental math and data interpretation.
o Use resources like the Case in Point Math Workbook or online tools (e.g., PrepLounge, RocketBlocks).
o Spend at least 30 minutes daily on mental math drills.
- Days 5-7: Begin case practice.
o Do 2-3 cases with partners (use PrepLounge or friends/colleagues).
o Reflect on feedback and areas for improvement.
Week 2: Case Practice and Business Concepts
- Days 8-10: Focus on solving cases from start to finish.
o Aim for 2 cases per day with partners.
o Record yourself to analyze communication and presentation skills.
- Days 11-12: Deepen your understanding of common business concepts and frameworks.
o Review books like The McKinsey Mind or Case in Point.
o Study major industries relevant to MBB (e.g., energy, tech, healthcare).
- Days 13-14: Mixed practice.
o Alternate between solving full cases and drilling specific parts (e.g., brainstorming, math, insights).
Week 3: Advanced Practice and PEI Preparation
- Days 15-17: Focus on more complex cases.
o Seek out difficult cases from resources like Case Interview Prep by David Ohrvall.
o Practice with experienced partners who can give detailed feedback.
- Days 18-20: Behavioral/PEI preparation.
o Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure responses.
o Prepare stories for common questions (leadership, conflict resolution, impact).
- Days 21-22: Full mock interviews.
o Simulate the interview environment (dress professionally, set up a quiet space).
o Get feedback from partners or mentors.
Week 4: Refinement and Review
- Days 23-24: Identify and work on weak areas.
o Review feedback from previous cases.
o Focus on refining specific skills (e.g., hypothesis-driven approach, data analysis).
- Days 25-27: Intensive case practice.
o Aim for 2-3 cases per day.
o Ensure a mix of case types and industries.
- Days 28-30: Final review and mental preparation.
o Light case practice and review of key concepts.
o Relaxation techniques to manage stress (e.g., mindfulness, light exercise).
o Ensure you are well-rested and mentally sharp.
What you should prioritize learning and practicing:
1. Structure: Developing clear, logical frameworks.
2. Problem Solving: Hypothesis-driven approach and analytical skills.
3. Communication: Clear, concise, and confident articulation of thoughts.
4. Mental Math: Quick, accurate calculations and data interpretation.
5. Business Acumen: Understanding of various industries and business problems.
6. Behavioral Stories: Well-prepared and structured responses for PEI questions.
Nobody feels really ready, especially not on interview day. But these are some things you can look for to see if you are doing progress:
- Consistency: You can consistently solve cases accurately and within the allotted time.
- Competence: You become more competent in your ability to structure, analyze, and communicate during a case. You are faster, more creative and go deeper.
- Feedback: Positive feedback from partners, mentors, or mock interviewers.
- Enjoyment: Cases will become more interesting and fun for you to crack. If you are having fun, it’s a great sign.
Good luck!
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