OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES
Consulting Skills Test Resources
Many of the top consulting companies test potential employees’ knowledge in logic, math, and analytical
skills in addition to their business sense. This comes in the form of case interviews, but also in the form of
tests such as McKinsey’s Problem Solving Test (PST), Boston Consulting Group’s BCG Potential Test and
others like them.
The PST is a paper-based test all potential McKinsey employees must take during the interview process. It
tests applicants on logic and math and is comprised of twenty six questions. Applicants have sixty minutes to
complete the test and are not permitted to use calculators or scrap paper during the test.
The BCG Potential Test targets similar skillsets and is conducted online, but the format of the test does not
appear to be standardized. Previous test takers have reported 50 questions in 50 minutes; 23 questions in 45
minutes; 53 questions in 50 minutes etc. There are less resources available for the BCG Potential Test than the
McKinsey PST, but the knowledge and skills required to succeed at one will likely lead to success with the
other. Likewise, other top consulting firms such as Bain utilize similar tests to aid in the hiring process in
addition to case interviews. Do not ignore the importance of these tests, as they can significantly help or hinder
you depending on how you perform.
We’ve tried to assist your preparation by finding some resources that may potentially help you. Some of the
following resources are free; others offer a free sample, but require payment for the full program.
Additionally, there are free videos at the bottom of this document. OCS isn’t endorsing any of the following
programs, merely providing potential resources in order to get you on the right track to successfully take the
PST, or tests like it. Lastly, previous test takers have also recommended GMAT Critical Reasoning and GMAT
math in order to help practice as well as sharpen those math skills without a calculator. For Bain’s test the
GMAT analytical exercises and the GMAT Integrating Reasoning may help in preparation.
Free Resources
Practice tests and a coaching guide from McKinsey can be found at the following link once you scroll to the
bottom of the page. http://www.mckinsey.com/careers/interviewing
Tips and assistance with question types designed to increase successful test taking prepared by
mconsultingprep.com. http://mconsultingprep.com/problem-solving-test/how-to-prepare/
Mconsultingprep.com has plain number math drills to help speed up your math calculations through practice.
http://mconsultingprep.com/plain-number-math-drills/
Additionally, mconsultingprep.com provides a chart-based math skills test to help your practice.
http://mconsultingprep.com/chart-based-math-drills/
Updated 8/16
Classmill.com has a module that gives examples of the various types of math you’ll need to work on in order
to prepare for a test like the PST. http://classmill.com/brendalouis/management-consulting-test-andinterview-prep/m/O5kv
OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES
Academia.edu also provides a short-question test on math pertaining to consulting that will help you practice.
http://www.academia.edu/15646015/Consulting_Math_Drills_Short_Questions_Practice_Package_Overview
and_Instructions
INTERVIEW TYPES
Screening Interview: The screening interview does just that—screen out candidates whose qualifications
Consultingguru.com
a free sample
testinterview
with question
types you
may encounter,
in order
to help
don’t meet the job offers
specifications.
The first
is typically
conducted
by a human
resources
prepare
and
practice.
http://consultingguru.com/our-services/pst-example/
professional and will probably focus more on your resume and qualifications than anything else.
Screening interviews may be conducted in person, by telephone, or by video conferencing (see Telephone
Igotanoffer.com
has anorarticle
outlines
9 strategies for improving your proficiency at taking the PST.
Interview and Video
Skypethat
Interview
sections).
http://igotanoffer.com/blogs/mckinseypst/16268468-mckinsey-pst-9-top-preparation-facts-and-tips
Thefollowing
is a list
ofskills
articles
provides
a variety
ofjob
techniques
to improve taking the
Articulate
your
andfrom
whatIgotanoffer.com
you accomplished
at each
previous
experience.
PST. http://igotanoffer.com/blogs/mckinseypst
Second Interview: Second round interviews are often more difficult to prepare for because their purpose
Additionally,
igotanoffer.com
multiple test
preparation
to helpSecond
test takers
improve
their
is more subtle—to
determinepossesses
which candidates
will best
"fit" withprograms
the company.
interviews
may
abilities
for
case
interviews
and
the
PST.
be comprised of behavioral and competency-based questions (see Behavioral Interview and Competencybased Interview sections).
Free McKinsey Case Interview Prep: http://igotanoffer.com/collections/mckinsey-case-interview/products/freemckinsey-case-interview-prep
 Ask questions about the work environment.
Free McKinsey PST: http://igotanoffer.com/products/free-mckinsey-pst
 This stage may also include reference checks and testing.
Igotanoffer.com also provides this article which has methods one can use to help speed up mental math
Case Study
firmsthe
and
certain
financial institutions may include a case study or
calculations
forInterview:
problemsConsulting
geared toward
PST.
http://igotanoffer.com/blogs/mckinseypst/13218041-beword problem based on a real-life or simulated consulting situation as part of their interview process. In
lazy-and-increase-your-speed-at-the-mckinsey-pst
this instance, the interviewer will present you with a case study and ask how you would approach and
solve the dilemma at hand.
interviewer
is simply
trying to determine
your
abilities
through
Consultingcase101.com
offersThe
a small
paragraph
with information
on the PST
andanalytical
also provides
a number
of
thissample
interview
method,
so be
trydownloaded
not to get flustered!
older
tests
that can
and taken for free. http://www.consultingcase101.com/mckinseyproblem-solving-test/
 You can usually ask relevant questions in your efforts.
Consultingcase101.com
alsoof
provides
fivehardcopy
different case
interviews
to help
improve
calculation
 There are a number
online and
resources
available
through
the your
Office
of Career speed
with fastServices
math drills.
http://www.consultingcase101.com/?s=fast+math+drills
to help you prepare for these types of interviews.
 It is also imperative to be part of a student study group and practice together since these interviews
Caseinterview.com
has a math problem practice program that allows you to choose between precise math or
are very demanding.
estimation math, in addition to problem types that range from addition and subtraction to multiplication and
percentages.
can also
difficultythe
level.
In order to
thetotest
need
to situation
make an account.
Behavioral You
Interview:
Inselect
these the
interviews,
interviewer
willutilize
ask you
talkyou’ll
about
a real
you’ve
https://www.caseinterview.com/math/home.php
encountered and your response to that situation. A sample question could include, “Tell me of an
incident when you failed,” instead of a hypothetical question such as “How you would handle a mistake or
Caseinterview.com also has a guide for the PST. http://www.caseinterview.com/mckinsey-problem-solvingfailure?” The employer assumes this will be a good indicator of how you would handle situations in the
test
future.
In addition to their PST guides, igotanoffer.com also provides a short guide for the BCG Potential Test.
http://igotanoffer.com/blogs/bcg-potential-test/16842880-bcg-potential-test-how-to-prepare
 Stay calm and answer the question as completely as you can, using the SAR formula as your guide:
o S – What was the situation or problem that you were presented with?
Likewise mconsultingprep.com
sample
Potentialhighlight
Test. http://mconsultingprep.com/bcg-potentialo A – What actionhas
did ayou
take?BCG
(Specifically
the skills used.)
test/
o R – What were the results of your actions? (Be specific and quantify results when
possible.)
Caseinterview.com
provides a small guide on the BCG Potential Test. http://www.caseinterview.com/bcgpotential-test
Lastly, there are two books in the Columbia University library system that may assist you with the skills
needed to successfully take the PST or similar tests. The book Financial Intelligence: A Manager's Guide to
Knowing What the Numbers Really Mean, by Karen Berman and Joe Knight can be purchased on Amazon, or
checked out from the Business and Economics Library. Guesstimation: Solving the World's Problems on the
Back of a Cocktail Napkin, by Lawrence Weinstein and John A. Adam can be obtained from Milstein (Butler)
for a hard copy version, or if using a search on CLIO you may find an electronic version.
OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES
INTERVIEW TYPES
Screening Interview: The screening interview does just that—screen out candidates whose qualifications
The first interview is typically conducted by a human resources
professional and will probably focus more on your resume and qualifications than anything else.
MyConsultingCoach.com
offers
a free sample
PST, but
provides
preparation
programs
at
Screening interviews may
be conducted
in person,
byalso
telephone,
ormultiple
by videoPST
conferencing
(see
Telephone
varied
costs.
http://www.myconsultingcoach.com/problem-solving-test/
Interview and Video or Skype Interview sections).
Paid
don’tResources
meet the job specifications.
McKinsey Case Interview Training Programme: http://igotanoffer.com/collections/products-landing Articulate your skills and what you accomplished at each previous job experience.
page/products/mckinsey-case-interview-training-programme
SecondPST
Interview:
round http://igotanoffer.com/products/mckinsey-pst-training-programme
interviews are often more difficult to prepare for because their purpose
McKinsey
TrainingSecond
Programme:
is more subtle—to determine which candidates will best "fit" with the company. Second interviews may
be comprised of behavioral
and
competency-based
questions
(see Behavioral Interview and CompetencyMConsultingprep.com
also has
a paid
PST training program.
http://mconsultingprep.com/problem-solvingtest-product/
based Interview sections).

Ask questions about the work environment.
Videos
 This stage may also include reference checks and testing.
McKinsey
PSTInterview:
Prep: Reading
Facts Questions
Mconsultingprep.com.
Case Study
Consulting
firms andGuide
certainfrom
financial
institutions may include a case study or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LLULjlTeKQ
word problem based on a real-life or simulated consulting situation as part of their interview process. In
this instance, the interviewer will present you with a case study and ask how you would approach and
McKinsey
Prep: Fact-Based
Conclusion
Questions
MConsultingprep.com.
solve thePST
dilemma
at hand. The
interviewer
is simplyGuide
tryingfrom
to determine
your analytical abilities through
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR46Q_gk90E
this interview method, so try not to get flustered!
McKinsey PST Prep: Root-Cause Questions Guide from MConsultingroup.com.
 You can usually ask relevant questions in your efforts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3udUGaVw3vg
 There are a number of online and hardcopy resources available through the Office of Career
Services
to help you
prepare
for thesefrom
typesigotanoffer.com.
of interviews.
McKinsey
PST Essential
Business
Knowledge
 It is also imperative to be part of a student study group and practice together since these interviews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkEVfsk9NVk
are very demanding.
Behavioral Interview: In these interviews, the interviewer will ask you to talk about a real situation you’ve
encountered and your response to that situation. A sample question could include, “Tell me of an
incident when you failed,” instead of a hypothetical question such as “How you would handle a mistake or
failure?” The employer assumes this will be a good indicator of how you would handle situations in the
future.

Stay calm and answer the question as completely as you can, using the SAR formula as your guide:
o S – What was the situation or problem that you were presented with?
o A – What action did you take? (Specifically highlight the skills used.)
o R – What were the results of your actions? (Be specific and quantify results when
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possible.)
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