Understanding McKinsey Solve: What You Need to Know for Success

If you're preparing for a consulting interview with McKinsey, you've likely heard about the McKinsey Solve Game, also known as the Digital Assessment or Imbellus Game. This digital assessment has become an essential part of the McKinsey hiring process. As daunting as it may seem, understanding how the game works and practicing effectively can significantly improve your chances of success. 

What is the McKinsey Solve Game? 

The McKinsey Solve Game is a problem-solving assessment designed to evaluate candidates' ability to think critically, make strategic decisions, and adapt to complex environments. The game presents a series of scenarios where you're tasked with solving business problems through simulations. These scenarios are designed to assess key traits McKinsey values, including cognitive abilities like problem-solving, logical thinking, and decision-making under pressure. 

Why McKinsey Uses the Solve Game 

McKinsey introduced the Solve Game to go beyond traditional interviews. The game allows them to assess real-time decision-making and problem-solving skills that reflect how candidates will perform in real-world consulting projects. It offers a glimpse into how you handle ambiguity, prioritize tasks, and navigate through incomplete information—qualities highly prized in consulting. 

Game Structure and What to Expect 

The McKinsey Solve Game consists of different game environments that simulate ecosystems. The two most common game scenarios are Ecosystem Building and Redrock Study, both of which focus on systems thinking and problem-solving. 

• Ecosystem Building :

  
  

  In this scenario, you are required to build an ecosystem by selecting animals, plants, and other environmental factors. The goal is to create a balanced ecosystem that thrives over time. Success is determined by your ability to consider the relationships between organisms and environmental variables, making it a true test of your logical thinking and strategic planning.

• Redrock Study :

  
  

  The Redrock Study consists of two parts: Study and Cases, both of which must be completed within a 35-minute time limit. Here’s a breakdown of the two sections:

Part 1: Study 

In the Study phase, you will analyze a case study using provided data, moving through three steps: Investigation, Analysis, and Report. 

• Phase 1: Investigation 

  
  

  During this phase, you’ll gather key data from the case description and move relevant information into your Research Journal. The data provided comes in various formats, including text-based and number-based data points. You can drag important data points into the journal for use in the next phases. Your goal here is to identify the case’s objectives and gather essential data for further analysis. 

  
  

• Phase 2: Analysis 

  
  

  This phase involves using the data collected in the Investigation phase to answer quantitative questions. You’ll utilize an on-screen calculator to perform basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as percentages and ratios. The answers you calculate here will be required for the next step. 

  
  

• Phase 3: Report 

  
  

  In the final step, you’ll complete a report using the data from your calculations. You will fill in blanks with numbers and expressions, as well as choose the appropriate chart type to visualize the results. This phase assesses both your ability to interpret data and your skills in presenting it clearly.

  
  

Part 2: Cases 

After completing the Study phase, you will tackle six individual cases. These cases are related to the same theme as the Study, but they are not directly connected. Each case consists of multiple-choice and numerical questions, and they test your reasoning and problem-solving skills in a variety of formats. 

What Makes the Solve Game Challenging? 

Unlike traditional tests, the Solve Game requires dynamic thinking. Each decision you make influences the outcome, and there is often no clear-cut "right" answer. The game tests how well you adapt to new information, making flexibility a key component of success. 

How to Prepare for the McKinsey Solve Game 

While it may feel difficult to prepare for a game-based assessment, there are strategies you can use to set yourself up for success:

• Practice, Practice, Practice: 

  
  

  The best way to prepare for the McKinsey Solve Game is to practice as much as possible. Engage in mock assessments and practice tests to become familiar with the game’s format and flow. Repeated exposure to the different scenarios will not only help you get comfortable but also improve your ability to make quicker and more accurate decisions under pressure. Consider using platforms like CaseBasix, which offer free simulations to help you prepare.

  
  

• Familiarize Yourself with Systems Thinking: 

  
  

  Both game scenarios require you to think holistically about the relationships between different elements. Practice recognizing patterns and understanding how one decision affects the entire system. 

  
  

• Stay Calm and Focused: 
  

  The game is designed to put you under pressure, but staying calm and maintaining focus is key. If you find yourself stuck, take a deep breath and reassess the situation before making your next move. 

  
  

• Time Management: 

  
  

  Although the game is time-based, it’s important not to rush. Thoughtful, well-considered decisions will lead to better outcomes than hurried guesses. Pay attention to time but don't let it overwhelm you. 

  
  

Final Thoughts 

The McKinsey Solve Game is a challenging but manageable part of the McKinsey interview process if approached with the right mindset and preparation. By practicing consistently, honing systems thinking, and staying calm under pressure, you’ll set yourself up for success. Remember, it's not just about getting the "right" answer but showing how you think through complex problems and make strategic decisions—skills that are crucial for a successful consulting career.