BCG Casey: Summary Question Deep-Dive

Following our previous article on Critical-thinking questions in Casey, we now arrive at the final one in the series: the Summary question, or SUM for short. 

At first glance, SUM questions might seem straightforward. After all, they simply ask you to recap your findings. You can certainly prepare a ready-made answer structure, but in the real test, delivering it smoothly and confidently takes more than memorization. To truly nail this question type, you need consistent practice until the process feels natural.

Once again, this article will serve as your complete and utter description of SUM questions.

Use the links attached to each section in this article to read more about each specific topic (you will need that), as well as the banner on the right to learn more about our product - the BCG Casey All-in-One.

Please read the main article on the BCG Casey if you haven’t done so.

Overview of Summary questions

SUM questions require candidates to summarize the case

SUM questions are designed to assess your ability to synthesize and communicate insights effectively.

Rather than diving into calculations or evaluating individual options, these questions challenge you to step back and deliver a concise yet comprehensive overview of the entire case. They are typically phrased as, “Please summarize your key findings and recommendations for the case”.

Because the goal is to summarize, SUM questions almost always appear at the very end of a case. 

By this point, you should have already uncovered the root cause, explored possible solutions, and arrived at your final recommendations. Your task is to tie all of this together into a clear, well-structured conclusion, much like you would in a real consulting presentation.

SUM questions simulate a “client pitch” in a case interview

SUM questions are essentially a mirror of the “client pitch” in a case interview - both mark the point where all your analysis comes together into a concise, persuasive message.

Imagine this: you’ve just wrapped up your analysis, and you meet the CEO of the client company in a hallway before the formal meeting begins. 

They turn to you and say, “So, what have you found, and what do you recommend we do?” In that moment, you have just a brief window to distill hours of problem-solving into a crystal-clear summary.

That’s exactly what SUM questions demand: distill all your analysis into a concise, high-impact message. And, just like the client pitch, this task comes at the very end of the case, after you’ve identified the root cause, evaluated solutions, and decided on the best course of action.

Essentially, if you’re practicing full case interviews regularly (that include a client pitch), you’re already sharpening the same skills needed to excel in SUM questions: clarity of thought, structured communication, and the ability to tell a compelling story in a short time.

SUM questions appear in either Long-text format or Video-recording format

In most cases, you will encounter this question type once or twice per case. 

If there is only one SUM question, it will take the video-recording format. If there are two, one will be in long-text and the other in video-recording format.

Long-text format

Not every case includes a long-text version of the SUM question. When it does appear, it will always come immediately before the video-recording format. 

In this format, you’ll be asked to summarize the case in concise paragraphs, typically three to four sentences or lines, exactly as instructed in the prompt. 

The goal is to distill your key findings and recommendations into a clear, written format that’s easy for the reader to grasp at a glance.

Video-recording format

The video-recording SUM question always appears at the very end of the case. This is where you deliver your “client pitch” on camera — summarizing your analysis and recommendations directly to the client, just as you would in a real consulting meeting. 

To complete it, you’ll need a working webcam and microphone, as the platform will record both your audio and video responses.

Question flow of video-recording format

Note that the long-text format of the SUM question appears just like any other question in the Casey test. For this reason, our focus in this section will be on the video-recording format, which comes with a distinct interface and flow compared to other Casey question types. We have dedicated a separate section to walk you through this format in detail.

A pop-up message signals the end of the case

At the end of the case (either because you have answered all the questions, or run out of time), a pop-up message will appear, signaling that it’s time to complete a video interview. 

Don’t worry, you won’t be thrown straight into it. You’ll have one minute to prepare before the recording begins. The video-recording question will be displayed on the screen during this time so you can gather your thoughts.

Once the preparation countdown starts, you cannot pause or skip it - the one-minute timer runs continuously. When it ends, the one-minute video interview will begin immediately.

You’ll see a button that takes you to the video interview. This button will open up another site that hosts the interview. 

And then, it’s time to complete a 1-minute video interview on a third-party platform

This final step works a little differently from the rest of the case. You’ll transition from the Casey chatbot platform to a third-party interview platform, where the video recording will take place.

You’ll first have 60 seconds to prepare your response, followed by 60 seconds to record your answer. In this time, you’ll need to deliver a concise client pitch, presenting your analysis, insights, and conclusions on the case problem. There’s no opportunity to re-record, so every second counts.

A working webcam and microphone are required for this part. 

The good news is that this video-recording segment is not counted toward your overall case time limit, so there’s no need to rush through earlier questions just to “save” time for it.

Once the recording is complete, you’ll be redirected back to the Casey chatbot interface, and that’s it. Your test is officially done!

Question format

Long-text format

Like other Casey question types, the SUM question of long-text format is displayed as a message from the chatbot. The wording is short and direct, with two key components:

1. Question prompt

This asks you to summarize your key findings and recommendations for the case. 

It can begin with a single, straight-to-the-point sentence: “Please summarize your key findings and recommendations for the case.”

OR it can be up to three sentences with more context:

“You meet the CEO of BondCorp in a meeting hall. Before the meeting starts, he would like to hear a quick summary of your findings and the recommendations for the situation so far. What would you say?”

2. Instruction sentence 

This sets the length limit for your response. For example 

“Please summarize your answer in a separate sentence (no more than 3 - 4 lines) with line break in between.”

In the long text format, you’ll need to present your summary in paragraph form, typically 3 to 4 sentences or lines. 

The interface is simple and resembles a regular messaging app. You type your answer into a single message box. But pressing Enter won’t submit your answer; instead, it just moves the cursor to the next line. To submit, you must click the send icon on the right-hand side of the message box.

The typing experience feels similar to Microsoft Word or Google Docs, but with no special text formatting options. Formatting tools like bold, italics, or bullet points are not available. To emphasize key points, your best options are CAPITALIZATION or hyphens. For example:

“I would recommend TWO next steps - adjust pricing and expand distribution.” 

Although the message box can hold up to 1,500 characters, you will rarely need that much. BCG notes that the best responses are concise, ideally no more than 4 - 6 lines. Writing too much can signal a lack of clarity.

Video-recording format

In the video recording format, your task is to deliver a short, client-facing pitch covering the entire case, all while being on camera. This simulates a real consulting scenario where you must communicate your findings and recommendations directly to a client.

You will be given 1 minute to prepare and 1 minute to present. The time limit is extremely strict; many candidates have reported being cut off automatically if they exceed it by even a second. 

This constraint forces you to think fast, structure your ideas efficiently, and speak with clarity under pressure. For candidates who are less confident or insufficiently prepared, especially those unaccustomed to presenting ideas, this can be particularly challenging.

At MConsultingPrep, we provide a dedicated platform where you can practice this format over and over again, until you’ve mastered it, or simply until you’ve had enough. 

Our BCG Casey Simulation replicates the video recording question in detail, with one add-in feature presented below.

The interface provided by us includes two buttons:

• Go to video question: to begin your video interview.

• Skip for now: allows you to end the test without taking the video interview.

Note that in the actual BCG test, there is no “Skip for now” button. This feature was added by MConsultingPrep specifically for practice mode, so that learners who are not yet ready to record can skip and return later.

Question content

SUM question most of the time is worded directly as a request for a summary

In most cases, a SUM question is phrased directly as a request for a concise wrap-up of your analysis. 

In the long-text format, the prompt typically reads something like: 

“Please summarize your key findings and recommendations for the case in 3 – 4 lines maximum.” 

In the video recording format, the question is usually a repeat of the final question in the case. Often, this final question is already a SUM or INT question in LT format, simply re-packaged for live delivery. 

BCG frequently frames this task as a “CEO pitch,” where you are expected to deliver your findings and recommendations as though speaking directly to the company’s top executive. The tone should be confident, the structure crisp, and the message laser-focused on what truly matters for decision-making.

For example, you might encounter a prompt such as: “You’re in a meeting with the client CEO. They ask for a brief summary of your findings and recommendations.” 

In this scenario, your job is to distill all the insights you have gathered into a clear, compelling narrative that leaves the CEO with no doubts about your conclusion or the actions you recommend.

Your answer is required to demonstrate clarity and brevity

BCG emphasizes that clarity and brevity are essential in SUM questions. Their instruction reads: 

“Notice that clarity and brevity are key. Focus on the actionable solutions and structure your answer logically, covering the original main key takeaways without getting lost in the details of the case.”

Whether in the LT format, where your written response is typically limited to 3–4 lines, or in the video recording format, where you have roughly one minute to pitch, you must deliver your answer in a structured, straight-to-the-point manner. 

This means deciding in advance exactly which components your answer will include, and to what level of detail, so that you stay concise without sacrificing impact.

Here’s our recommended answer structure, including 4 components:

• Start with a greeting, like “Hello Mr. CEO, it’s been a pleasure working with your team on this project.”

• Then, share your key findings: “Based on our analysis, we’ve identified three key issues: [insert issues].”

• After that, offer your recommendations: “To address these, we suggest the following solutions: [insert solutions].”

• Finally, close with the next steps: “We’d be happy to assist you in implementing these strategies.”

Remember to focus on actionable solutions. This is because CEOs pay consultants to propose what to do next, not to rehash how the problems were discovered. Avoid delving into the investigative process and head straight for the results. 

To make your answer easier to follow, especially when listing multiple items in each section (objectives, findings, recommendations), consider numbering them. This can be done with phrases like “First… Second… Third…” or “No. 1, No. 2, No. 3…” Such numbering adds structure and ensures your pitch feels logical and organized.

To understand how our structure works, let’s look closely at this example: The Spicy Ramen Truck.

• Context: Brother Hai runs a spicy instant ramen truck in downtown Saigon at night.

• Problem: Last month, his customer numbers dropped significantly, and his revenue was cut in half.

• Task: Find out what caused this and suggest solutions

• Root cause: Recent news reported that the sausages he uses contain cancer-causing substances, leading customers to avoid his ramen dishes.

• Solutions: Replace the sausages and diversify the menu with popular, easy-to-make drinks that other ramen shops offer.

Your task is to briefly summarize your key findings and recommendations for Brother Hai.

Our suggested answer will be:

“Mr. Hai, it’s been my pleasure working with your team to tackle the significant drop in your revenue last month.

After investigating, we found that recent news reports linked the sausage brand you use to cancer-causing substances, which caused customers to avoid your ramen dishes.

To solve this, we recommend replacing the sausages and expanding your menu by adding easy-to-make drinks, which are popular in other ramen shops. This strategic addition aims to attract more customers and boost revenue.

We would be happy to assist you in implementing this solution.

Thank you!”

In our course “BCG Casey All-in-One”, you will find suggested answers for every SUM question, providing clear models to help you practice and master this format.

Tips for preparation

To excel in SUM questions, you need more than just synthesizing skills; preparation plays a huge role in how confidently and convincingly you can deliver your pitch. Here are several practical strategies to help you perform at your best.

Practice with your own customized scripts

While our example provided above illustrates a solid structure, it may not sound completely natural to you. That’s why it’s important to adapt them into your own words, shaping them in a way that fits your personal speaking style. 

Write your own script for each SUM question, rehearse it several times, and adjust until it flows naturally. This way, when you face the real assessment, your delivery will feel confident and authentic rather than memorized.

Master “CEO language”

In consulting, and especially in the Casey SUM questions, clarity and results-focused communication are paramount. 

Keep your message concise and go straight to the point. Executives value direct, actionable suggestions over lengthy explanations. Remember, CEOs already know the problems they face; what they expect from you is a clear plan for solving them. 

Avoid spending too much time on how you reached your findings. Instead, present the results upfront, followed immediately by the next steps. 

This style mirrors how real consultants communicate with clients and will help you stand out.

Appear professional

At the end of the test, you’ll be asked to record a video pitch summarizing your findings and recommendations for the entire case. Even though the Casey assessment is conducted online, your appearance and environment still matter. 

Wear professional attire, ensure your background is clean and distraction-free, and present yourself as if you were speaking to a real client. 

This not only creates a positive first impression but also reinforces your commitment and professionalism, qualities that carry weight in both the test and real consulting work.

Tips for the test

Speak like a consultant

When it comes to the actual assessment, the key is to perform like a real consultant under time pressure. 

Use professional, precise language, especially for the video recording part. 

Imagine you are presenting to a client CEO, your communication should be structured, easy to follow, and delivered with a confident, professional tone. 

Maintain good posture and steady eye contact with the camera to reinforce your presence as a credible consultant.

Keep your pitching within the time limit

Keep your pitch within the allotted time limit. A practical way to manage this is to measure your pitch length by word count. 

For a 60-second answer, 120 - 150 words is usually ideal, depending on your speaking speed. This ensures you make full use of the time without having to rush.

Don’t finish too early

Regarding time management for the video recording part, another tip is to avoid finishing too early. 

You should aim to use about 80 - 90% of the time provided. The time limit is often set just above the expected answer length, so rushing through can cause you to miss important points.

Take notes after completing each question

The final tip is to take notes after each question throughout the case. 

Since the SUM question requires you to summarize the entire case, keeping track of your key findings and insights as you go will significantly reduce the time needed to prepare your final script. 

This way, you can spend more time refining and rehearsing your delivery for a polished and convincing pitch.