The BCG Potential Test can be both computer-based and paper-based
And for you – the candidate – that means you need to be flexible in test-taking strategy. Some people can be extremely fast with mouse-and-keyboard, while others prefer the oldschool pen-and-paper; either way, the ideal prep should include both test formats.
You must be accurate…
One key feature of BCG tests are the penalty for wrong answers – if you get it wrong, you get -1 point. That’s why you must always prioritize finding the correct answers – unlike in the McKinsey Problem-Solving Test where you can just guess your way out (not to say the PST is easy, but it does reduce the pressure).
… and fast at the same time,
The other important point in these BCG Tests is the heavy time pressure. The online test allow for 2 minutes/question, while the paper-based test allow for only 1 minute/question – that means you have on average only 90 seconds to skim through an A4 page, do the necessary calculations, and try to get it accurate every time.
Consulting math remains a central element of the tests
Consultants must process numbers on the job all the time – in many cases, calculations with large numbers must be done in a matter of seconds, with no calculator! In the BCG Potential Test, they require you to do the same thing (as with most consulting tests out there, McKinsey PST and Bain Online Test included)!