McKinsey Problem Solving Test

The McKinsey Problem Solving Test, also known as McKinsey PST, is among the most difficult standardized tests. Therefore it is important to practice McKinsey Problem Solving and improve your score!

What is a McKinsey Problem Solving Test (PST)?

McKinsey Problem Solving Tests are a typical part of the selection process or for development within the workplace. The McKinsey Problem Solving Test is among the most difficult standardized tests. The PST is a math computation, data interpretation, and logical thinking test that is used to determine which candidates are granted a first-round case interview. Candidates are often invited based on their resumes, and in order to get to the interview, you often need to pass this test.

McKinsey specifically uses this test to assess the numerical computation and logical thinking skills that are required in consulting. These are the skills that allow you to read a graphical chart or data spreadsheet, understand what provided data is conclusively telling you, and separate this from what the data is suggesting (but not definitely so).

The PST is set up in such a way that the skills needed for everyday work as a consultant at a top management firm are analyzed. However, while the test is designed to test your numerical computation and logical reasoning skills, it is not designed to test either your memory skills or business knowledge.

Example of a McKinsey Problem Solving Test question.

The right answer to the question above is B. 

Answer option B describes the reason why France has a continued increase in average grape yield per acre when compared with other European countries during the period from 1400 to 2000.

Option A refers to the number of European immigrating, which cannot explain why there are differences in average grape yield per acre between the four countries.

Option C can only explain an increase in market size as well as labor force of the UK. 

Option D only provides an impact of the development of international trade over the world on the grape production of the four countries. 

What does the McKinsey PST Practice Package offer?

It’s no secret that getting into McKinsey is very difficult. This means that setting yourself apart in the application process can be challenging. A sound strategy to achieve an advantage is to score very high on the McKinsey Problem Solving Test. Being among the top scorers can definitely be an advantage.

Achieving a high score on the PST is possible with thorough preparation.  

The McKinsey Problem Solving Test Practice Package offers you the following: 

• 4 full practice tests with the characteristics of the real McKinsey PST. The tests consist of 26 questions each. All questions are provided with detailed explanations of the solutions. 

• Our unique Personal Progression Tracking System will allow you to track your progression in real-time, receive instant insight into your results and test statistics, and let you compare to your norm group. 
  This feedback will let you know how much you need to practice so you can distinguish yourself from other candidates! 

• 24 hours, 7 days a week, online customer service to help you with possible doubts and inquiries you may have. 

• 30 days access to the tests when buying the McKinsey Problem Solving Test Practice Pack.

• By practicing with our tests, you will identify the skills you need to practice more, improve your score and confidence, and have a solid performance in the real tests.

What you should know about the McKinsey PST

The McKinsey PST is a pen-and-paper test that McKinsey invites candidates to after screening CVs. The PST has to be passed in order to get to the first round of case interviews. The test consists of 26 questions distributed over several different business cases. Each business case refers to a company, institution, or organization that is facing a challenge and hired you to help them find a solution. The challenge of the problem-solving test is that you only get 60 minutes to answer the 26 questions; this is about 2 minutes per question. Therefore, managing your time and working efficiently is the key to success.

The questions of the Problem Solving Test mainly fall into the categories of math and logic. Example questions include:

'Based on the information in Table 1, which of the following statements is least relevant to the company’s strategy'.

or

'Which of the following description is most correct based on the provided data in Exhibit 1'.

The test does not aim to assess your business knowledge, but being familiar with basic business terminology can help you feel more confident and allow you to understand the essence of certain questions quickly.

Preparing for the McKinsey PST can be stressful due to the fact that you don’t know what to expect. The best way to familiarize yourself is with practice aptitude tests that mimic the tests used by McKinsey. Assessment-Training.com has prepared thousands of candidates for their assessments and aptitude tests by offering realistic test simulations with fully worked solutions.  

Important characteristics of the McKinsey PST are:

• You will get 60 minutes to finish 26 questions. In some offices, non-native English speakers are given an extra 10 to 15 minutes, but this is not always the case. In order to find out, you should contact your McKinsey HR Representative. 

• Every year approximately 200,000 candidates apply for a position at McKinsey. It is estimated that 70% of candidates fail the PST. Candidates who passed the test consistently scored above 70% on the test, which means that on the 26 questions test, you need to get at least 19 answers correct, in order to progress to the case interview round. 

• Another thing to keep in mind is that the only thing that matters is your score, it does not depend on how well other people performed at the test. For instance, if all applicants score higher than the cut-off score, they all will progress to the next round of interviews. In other words, the outcome of the test and progression to the next round solely depends on you. 

• You are not allowed to use a calculator or scrap paper during the test. You will have to carry out all the calculations needed in the white spaces in your PST booklet. The reasoning behind this is that McKinsey likely does not want candidates to write down the questions and distribute them. Therefore, we advise you to practice our McKinsey PST tests in real test conditions and don't use a calculator or scrap paper. Our practice tests are timed and you will have exactly 60 minutes to solve all questions.

Tips and Tricks to ace your McKinsey PST

Researching the tests you need to take is the most important step in preparation for any aptitude test. If you know what to expect, you will increase your chances of performing well because you’re familiar with the formats. Also, by practicing the McKinsey PST, you will reveal your own strengths and weaknesses that you can work on in preparation for the actual PST.

These effective test-taking strategy tips and tricks are well worth remembering before you take the actual McKinsey PST:

• Practice, practice and practice some more to ace your PST! You should practice as many tests as possible until you feel confident enough to score over 70%. The practice tests on Assessment-Training.com all come with fully worked solutions. We encourage you to review the wrong answers that you gave and analyze the logic behind the solution. Understanding what you’ve possibly missed or what you did not get from the question will help you progress quicker. 

• Answer all questions; there is no penalty for wrong answers. Every right answer gives you +1 point, while every wrong answer gives you 0. Therefore, if you’re running out of time during the test or if you hesitate between two answers, you should at least select an answer. 

• Develop your math skills. This sounds logical, but the McKinsey PST is a challenging test that requires solid preparation. Most of the applicants who take the McKinsey PST are extremely smart, which can make it hard to set yourself apart in this process. You should aim to score high on the test; being among the top scorers can be a huge advantage in later interview rounds. 

• Read the questions and instructions properly. Even though this seems logical, candidates often miss out on very important information. Multiple-choice tests use so-called ‘distractors’ as answer possibilities. These distractors are answer options that are deliberately similar to the right answer; in other words, the answer possibilities are designed to test if you read the question and provided information property.

Why practice?

Your performance depends on practice and feedback.

When you practice with tests similar to the ones you will be assessed with, your performance and confidence will improve. After all, practice makes perfect. A survey among our clients has shown that by practicing with our tests, their scores have increased up to 80%!

By practicing with our McKinsey Problem Solving Tests, you will improve your analytical, logical, and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, by being familiar with the test format and time limits, you will know how to solve the questions precisely and effectively.

To help you become an expert in McKinsey Problem Solving Tests, all our tests will provide you with comprehensive explanations and feedback for every question. This way you will know the areas you need to improve and maximize your performance.

Being asked to take an aptitude test, like the McKinsey Problem Solving Test, can be overwhelming. For this reason, we provide you the tools to take your tests with more confidence and ensure that you give your 100% in the assessment process.

By achieving a high score on your assessment, you will differentiate yourself from other candidates and come closer to getting your dream job!

Of all the clients that have practiced with Assessment-Training.com, 96% recommend practicing at Assessment-Training.com

Why Assessment-Training.com?

Assessment-Training.com is the market leader in online assessment preparation. With our continuous research and development, we provide a leading-edge e-learning platform. We keep improving our tests to deliver tests with the same standards as the latest tests of all the big assessment publishers. Our products help candidates complete their application fully prepared. Our goal is to help you get ready for your assessment, regardless of the company, job, or level you are applying for!

To help you ace your McKinsey Problem Solving Test, we put together a preparation package tailor-made for your assessment. These tests contain the same questions you can expect in your actual assessment.

All practice tests come with worked solutions and an explanation of how to get to the right answer. Our Personal Progression System will help you track your progress and give a detailed view of your performance. Assessment-Training is more than just a training platform; we are here to help you!

Start training now and get immediate access to the tests and practice 24/7 on your computer, phone, or tablet!