Applied through campus career services. Received email indicating that would be invited to first round. First had to take a difficult exam to assess problem solving ability. Then two interviews at the McKinsey office in Philadelphia, where we waited with the other candidates. A very intimidating process. I was informed that I would receive a follow up phone call the next week. The interviewers were not very forthcoming with information about the details of the decision making process.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What was one time you overcame a challenge and showed leadership?
- Was very well organised and genuinely intellectually stimulating.
- Contrary to what you think, interviewers genuinely want to help you succeed and want you to show your best selves.
- Expenses were reimbursed and I came out of the interview genuinely wanting to work here. You get the impression that people here are talented but humble.
- I felt very taken care of as a candidate.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Several case studies interview as well personal fit interviews. You can find most of the questions online.
Applied late a few days after the first deadline. I had already completed solve and so I received an email stating I passed the pre-screening and moved forward to interview around a month after I applied.
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at McKinsey & Company (New York, NY) in Apr 2026
Interview
15 minutes of PEI — smooth sailing, enjoyable, really the time to show who you are, your personality and what you've done.
The rest: the case — Not too difficult if you don't let your nerves get the best of you!