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Category: About McKinsey, BCG, Bain (MBB)
The Truth about MBB Aptitude Tests
Written by Dr. Sidi S. Koné
Many candidates panic over McKinsey's Solve Game or BCG's Online Test. But the truth about these tests is mostly unknown.
Many candidates panic over McKinsey's Solve Game or BCG's Online Test.

But the truth about these tests is mostly unknown:

They're NOT there to cut you out.
They're there to PULL YOU IN!

The vast majority of applicants treat these tests like executioners.

“I heard if you fail, it’s over!”
“I read that 70% get cut!”
“I have to get every question right!”

Stop.
That’s not how it works.

When I was on the inside at McKinsey,
we didn’t introduce pre-tests to ELIMINATE candidates.
We introduced them to DICOVER candidates.

Let me explain.
McKinsey Solve Game, BCG Test, Bain Sova... None of these are hard filters.

They are ADDITIONAL data points.
Before pre-tests, the screening funnel was brutally narrow.

Only people from “target schools” or polished backgrounds got interviews.

We were missing a ton of raw talent, people who might have crushed it in real interviews if only they’d gotten a chance.

So we built new tools.

Not as walls.
As doors.

McKinsey Solve Game, BCG Test, Bain Sova... None of these are hard filters.
They are ADDITIONAL data points.

They help firms identify people who think like consultants, even if their CV doesn’t scream “target”.

If your test performance is strong, you can override a weaker GPA, a less famous university, or a non-business background.
You become an outlier worth exploring.

That’s the purpose.

The myth of the “hard filter” exists because candidates misunderstand the intent.

They assume it’s a pass or fail exam.
Because that's what they know from school.

But these tests are designed around signal detection.

They’re not asking, “Is this person perfect?”
They ask “Does this person show the underlying pattern of structured reasoning?”

If you bomb the test completely, sure, you might be screened out.

But if you perform decently and your overall profile is strong, the test is often treated as neutral.

If you perform exceptionally, it can save your application.

That’s why I’ve seen dozens of “borderline” candidates get interview invites purely because their test results were outstanding.

And many of them later received offers.

And candidates who panic the most are often acing it, because they already think in structured, logical ways.
They just forget the purpose of the tool.

These tests aren't looking for genius.
But for signal under uncertainty.

Can you navigate chaos calmly?
Can you extract insight from incomplete data?
Can you stay logical when the problem has no obvious pattern?

That’s what consultants do every day.

So instead of obsessing over perfection, focus on thinking out loud in a structured way.
When you understand the mental model behind the game, the fear disappears.

Pre-tests aren’t here to shrink the funnel.
They’re here to widen it intelligently.

They exist so more people can get their shot.
People who might not have the perfect CV, but have the right mind.

So next time someone tells you

“You have to nail the test, or it's over"

smile, thank them, and keep preparing.

Because they’re playing scared.
And you’re playing smart.

How we can help you break you into McKinsey, BCG, or Bain

If you, as an applicant at one of the big strategy consulting firms, would like to learn how to ensure success in your interviews with McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, then feel free to apply for a free initial consultation with us. In this free session we will find out whether we can help you, and if so, how we can help you to reach your goal of joining a firm like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain & Company. 

Within the last years, we have helped more than 350 people to receive job offers from the three MBB companies! On average, every single week, two of our clients are signing an employment contract with either McKinsey, BCG, or Bain.

About the author: 
Dr. Sidi S. Koné

Former Senior Engagement Manager and Interviewer at McKinsey & Company | Former Senior Consultant at BCG

About The MBB Offer Machine™

We help aspiring graduates, young professionals, and seasoned topic experts to ensure success in their job interviews with the world's most reputable Strategy Consulting Firms.

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About the author: 
Dr. Sidi S. Koné

Former Senior Engagement Manager and Interviewer at McKinsey & Company | Former Senior Consultant at BCG

About the author: 
Dr. Sidi S. Koné

Former Senior Engagement Manager and Interviewer at McKinsey & Company | Former Senior Consultant at BCG
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