You can start an amazing career with one of the world’s top companies – McKinsey. However, if you are planning to take the PST test then you’ve probably heard that it is quite hard to pass it. This article will help you understand more about the McKinsey PST test and learn on ways you can prepapre and practice for it.
What’s the McKinsey PST?
The McKinsey PST is a 1 hour, 26 question test that focuses on 3 different business cases. The questions are divided into math and logic questions and are then subdivided into questions with graphs, charts, tables, and exhibits.
No electronic devices (i.e. calculators, smartphones, or computers) are allowed, so all calculations need to be performed either mentally or on the blank space on the test booklet. No scratch paper is allowed.
Where to start?
Some people might tell you that there is no way to prepare. We think that is nonsense. The best place is to start is with the answers. The button will below covers everything that McKinsey are looking for in this test.
Here is an official document by McKinsey where they cover the first steps when it comes to preparing for their PST:
What score do you need to get approved?
So those are the basics. In order to succeed, you need at least 18/26 or 70%. This is achievable with a hell of a lot of preparation. Your educational background won’t help a huge amount and almost no-one is good at this naturally.
Just remember to make your application great! So many brilliant students fall before the test. One of the most important components of your application is the CV and cover letter. We recommend that you use these templates which are created by an ex-consultant in the business industry.
How to prepare for the McKinsey PST?
Here is a practice test link that McKinsey have prepared for applicants. You can find an extra two test links at the bottom of this article under “More Resources”.
Step 1
Get your analytical skills to a satisfactory level. This may take hours of crunching numbers doing verbal logic problems and staring at graphs. Use all of our suggested resources and maybe even use some free examples from the GMAT or GRE, which have similarly structured problems.
Step 2
Make sure you can get at least 18/26 on the test in under an hour. For many candidates who have never struggled with timing on a test, this will be a problem for the first time. We advise going through these three tests over and over again. There are alternatives out there, but you will notice that they aren’t quite the same. After a bit of time you’ll forget the right answers, so doing it again won’t be a problem! Getting your time under an hour means you have to think in the right way.
Step 3
Take the test! Remember you can only take it once every 12 months in most countries, so it is worth putting everything into your preparation. This could be north of 70 hours in preparation. It is worth it, just check out some of the exit opportunities! That means that your prep might be as least as long as your case study prep. Grit your teeth and get going!
More Resources
If you’re also interested in learning about McKinsey’s Virtual Assessment, click here! Ours is the most up-to-date guide for cracking the application process in 2020.
If you are also interested in learning more about the PST, check out our page that we update with all the latest advice, tips and tricks. Here are the other two McKinsey PST practice tests:
For more on how McKinsey think about their new recruits, check out Ethan Rasiel’s The McKinsey Way.
