BCG Casey vs McKinsey Solve — what's actually different
Both firms screen pre-interview with a digital assessment, but BCG Casey and McKinsey Solve test very different skills. Casey is a structured business case with a chatbot interviewer; Solve is an ecology-themed simulation that measures cognitive process more than business judgement.
| BCG Casey | McKinsey Solve (Imbellus) | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Conversational AI chatbot — linear written case | Two simulation games (Ecosystem + Plant Defense / Redrock) |
| Duration | ~25–35 minutes incl. 60s video | ~65 minutes (Redrock + Sea Wolf) or ~85 minutes with Sustainable Futures Lab |
| Skills tested | Structuring, case math, exhibit reading, synthesis, communication | Pattern recognition, decision-making under uncertainty |
| Business knowledge | Required (case-style) | Not required |
| Scoring | Not disclosed — reported automated evaluation with human review | Process-based scoring — both answers and how you reach them |
| Best preparation | Casey simulators + case math drills + structuring practice | Solve mocks + cognitive game practice |
Takeaway
Prepping for Casey is closer to traditional case prep — frameworks, math, exhibits. Prepping for Solve is closer to puzzle and game training. Skills transfer partially: candidates who do well on cognitive tests tend to do well on both.
Practice Casey now →Frequently asked
BCG Casey: Conversational AI chatbot — linear written case. McKinsey Solve (Imbellus): Two simulation games (Ecosystem + Plant Defense / Redrock).
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