Mckinsey’s Ecosystem Game priorities

Question

Hi Preplounge community,

I have two requestions regarding the McKinsey solve test.

1.In MckinSey’s solve ecosystem game, given that I build a complete food chain fulfilling the two rules regarding eating enough food already and not dying, should I just submit before time is up (is speed a factor?) or should I look to optimize other unmentioned factor such as choosing animals that have more calories provided or choosing less top level predators?

2. Throughout the whole test, how can I optimizing my browsing and clicking pattern In order to pass the test? I am asking this since two years ago I was quite sure I built a sustainable food chain in the first part but still got rejected (it could also have been due to poor performance in the second part I guess)

thanks a lot in advance!

Answer 1

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:

First of all, since the goal is to define a sustainable set of species and an appropriate location on the map only, while it might be interesting to investigate different options, I would highly advise you not to try to achieve any other goals that are not requested to achieve.
Moreover, nobody knows for certain whether mouse movements are tracked or not. However, since you will most likely use a different window, laptop, or media for developing the sustainable set of species, I would advise you not to worry about this.

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

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hi there,

1) In McKinsey’s solve ecosystem game, given that I build a complete food chain fulfilling the two rules regarding eating enough food already and not dying, should I just submit before time is up (is speed a factor?) or should I look to optimize other unmentioned factor such as choosing animals that have more calories provided or choosing less top level predators?

If two chains both satisfy the rules you can choose the one you prefer – there is no optimal chain if both work. So it would be fine to choose the one you can build faster.

2) Throughout the whole test, how can I optimize my browsing and clicking pattern In order to pass the test? I am asking this since two years ago I was quite sure I built a sustainable food chain in the first part but still got rejected (it could also have been due to poor performance in the second part I guess)

In the Ecosystem from a practical point of view you cannot do much for that besides avoiding random clicks. In the Redrock, there are a few more nuances, in particular in the Investigation phase (I explain a few in my guide here). Overall, I would focus more on completing the tasks.

If your chain was sustainable, most likely your past rejection was due to (i) poor performance in the second part (ii) your other application material (iii) no need of hiring for that office.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 3

Hi there,

I completely agree with Francesco here.

For question #1 you should just submit when you have a substainable ecosystem.

For question #2, try not to overthink the clicking aspect. Basically, click in a “deliberate” way.

Finally, if you failed, you can't just blame the clicking. There are so many other factors:

The 2nd game
Your overall profile
Your resume itself
Your level of networking/referral
The pipeline (supply)
Other applicants (demand)
Chance

Answer 4

Hi there

not sure if i get your question, but do keep in mind that the company tends to be more strict than normal at the moment. Hence, would not over-interpret the results, especially if you feel you did well.

Regards, Andi

Answer 5

Loving the technical questions!

In case you passed the test by now and are soon starting in consulting, sharing with you two guides to turn you into a distinctive consultant:

Best,
Cristian

Answer 6

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