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Strategy Simplified · Yesterday · 10 min

S24E6: McKinsey Solve Game 2026: What It Is and How to Prepare

Send us Fan Mail McKinsey screens candidates with a video game – McKinsey Solve – before they ever see a case interview. Most candidates either try to copy other people's answers or panic because they don't know what it's measuring. So here's the breakdown: what Solve is, what McKinsey is testing for inside it, and how to approach it. The answer isn't Solve-specific prep. It's the same problem-solving fundamentals that carry you through the entire McKinsey recruiting process. We cover: What the Solve scenarios look like and how the timing works The 5 cognitive abilities McKinsey is measuring – and why they map directly to what consultants actually do How to prepare without wasting time on things that won't transfer Resources: If you want coaching from an ex-McKinsey interviewer – plus access to a practice Solve simulation – Black Belt is the program that top candidates turn to New to case prep? Start with the Case Foundations course – free Consulting Deadlines: McKinsey, Bain, and BCG deadlines hit August 11 – 13 (and more are coming) – get interview-ready fast with Black Belt Connect With Management Consulted Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep today Schedule a free 15min consultation with the MC Team Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok Join an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

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Send us Fan Mail

McKinsey screens candidates with a video game – McKinsey Solve – before they ever see a case interview. Most candidates either try to copy other people's answers or panic because they don't know what it's measuring.

So here's the breakdown: what Solve is, what McKinsey is testing for inside it, and how to approach it.

The answer isn't Solve-specific prep. It's the same problem-solving fundamentals that carry you through the entire McKinsey recruiting process.

We cover:

  • What the Solve scenarios look like and how the timing works
  • The 5 cognitive abilities McKinsey is measuring – and why they map directly to what consultants actually do
  • How to prepare without wasting time on things that won't transfer

Resources:

  • If you want coaching from an ex-McKinsey interviewer – plus access to a practice Solve simulation – Black Belt is the program that top candidates turn to
  • New to case prep? Start with the Case Foundations course – free

Consulting Deadlines:

  • McKinsey, Bain, and BCG deadlines hit August 11 – 13 (and more are coming) – get interview-ready fast with Black Belt

Connect With Management Consulted

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