How to study for McKinsey’s PST test

…when you have 1 week

When we at Oystir work, always for free, with someone on passing McKinsey’s PST, this is the curriculum we use:

1. Download these 3 practice tests and the coaching guide:
   a) Test A
   b) Test B
   c) Test C
   d) Coaching guide & tips
2. Remember that your goal is to get between 50–65% of the answers right to pass. Nailing the PST means being a C or D student here.

Internalize: “I want to be a D student”

1. Take Test A, then score yourself. All tests should be taken in as real a setting as possible — 1hr, pencil and paper only, no distractions.
2. The next day, go through every question, whether you got it right or wrong, and understand why the correct answer was indeed the right one. Take a break. Now, take Test B and score yourself.
3. Repeat step 4 with test B and then take test C on following days.
4. If by the end you are consistently scoring 60%+, congrats. Go get better at fit interview questions (watch a video to help guide you here) — it’s why people get offers, not cases. If not, go to the next step.
5. You need to assess what are the problem areas and fix the one or two that are having the biggest effect. Are you moving too slowly, not getting to half the test? Are you consistently failing calculation questions? Do you get tripped up reading graphs? You have 3 tests worth of data on your performance — use it. Address it. You’re smart — focus on the issues that will get you over the line.
6. Retake tests A, B, C and score yourself. These scores will be inflated, but you should be scoring in the ~75% range now — this is solid. If so, move on to prepping for fit questions (stop doing cases!). If not, move to the next step.
7. If you need more help, then these are my two favorite resources:
   a) A video breaking down the PST and group case — how McKinsey scores you and what your goals are that day.
   b) Here is a small sampler from BCG that has an additional 4 questions
   c) Lots of options if you want to spend lots of money. I typically don’t reccomend any. If you follow the outline above, you’ll consistently score in the 50–65% range. If you do, you’ll be golden.

My background: Former McKinsey consultant, helped recruit PhDs for the NY office for 2.5 years. Now cofounder of Oystir, a tech startup that helps PhDs and MSs find non-academic jobs. Say hi!