McKinsey Problem Solving Game (PSG): Ecosystem Game & Redrock Study | COMPLETE “SOLVE” WALKTHROUGH
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ค. 2024
- 💎 Check the best commercial solution to pass the McKinsey PSG - pay ONLY if you pass SOLVE: psg-solve.youinconsulting.com/
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McKinsey’s Problem Solving Game (PSG) SOLVE (formerly: Imbellus) is McKinsey’s online assessment that virtually all McKinsey applicants need to pass in order to get advanced to the interview stage. In this digital assessment, you face two problem-solving games: The Ecosystem Game and the novel Redrock Study (the Plant Defense Game has been phased out by McKinsey in 2023).
In this video, I provide a full break-down of McKinsey’s PSG and the two SOLVE games. In the Ecosystem Game, you will need to create a sustainable ecosystem either in a coral reef or mountain ridge. You need to pick 8 out of 39 species that can co-exist together in a sustainable food chain and at a suitable location. I explain to you what elements you will find on your screen as well as the traps you need to brace yourself for. Furthermore, I teach you the six food chain rules and take you through several examples of how a sustainable food chain works and how it can fail. I provide you with my strategy advice on how to approach the Ecosystem Game and complete it successfully in the least amount of time.
The Plant Defense Game as well as the other previous second games (Disaster Management, Migration Management, Disease Management) have been dropped by McKinsey in favor of a new assessment launched in 2023, namely the Redrock Study. In the Redrock Study, you are made the caretaker of Redrock Island, in which you are commissioned to save a wildlife population or the island’s biodiversity. In Part I of the Redrock Study you will first need to collect information in its investigation phase, then run calculations in the analysis phase and summarize your findings in the report phase. In Part II of the Redrock Study, you will need to solve a series of further tasks testing your quantitive skills. I take you through both.
I close the video with 6 further tips on how to succeed at McKinsey’s Problem Solving Game (PSG).
📌 TABLE OF CONTENTS
00:00 The McKinsey Problem Solving Game (PSG)
03:59 Ecosystem Game: Game setup
09:06 Ecosystem Game: Diving deeper
12:09 The food chain: Rules and example
18:25 How to win (1): Trial & error approach
27:30 How to win (2): Safe approach
33:07 Ecosystem Game: Tips & strategies
37:47 Plant Defense Game & Other old games
39:53 Redrock Study: Game setup
42:31 Redrock Study: Investigation Phase
46:00 Redrock Study: Analysis Phase
47:25 Redrock Study: Report Phase
50:04 My 6 tips on how to prepare for the PSG
#McKinsey #Consulting #Managementconsulting
Activate closed captions by clicking on "CC" in the TH-cam window for the best viewing experience.
🎉 SHOW NOTES AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
1. Claim your FREE resources for your McKinsey PSG & other consulting online test preparation! In this collection, I have compiled for you links to many free practice tests given out by the top consulting firms as well as to further online analytical tests for you to prepare for McKinsey’s SOLVE assessment. In the kit, you find a series of links to official McKinsey PST mock tests that I find especially suitable to prepare for the Redrock Study. I have also included many free practice resources on the BCG Online Case and the Bain Sova Test as well as other online tests. After signing up to the YOUinConsulting newsletter, in your welcome email you just need to click on a button and get the resource list delivered straight to your inbox! 🏆💪🏼
www.youinconsulting.com/newsl...
2. After watching this video, you will have gained a deep understanding of what awaits you in the two SOLVE games. If you want to ensure that you safely pass McKinsey’s PSG (by succeeding at the ecosystem game on auto-pilot and practicing the Redrock Study under real test conditions), I recommend this complete PSG simulation that I endorse:
psg-solve.youinconsulting.com/
This PSG simulation with its three modules contains the Ecosystem Game Excel solver that I briefly demonstrate in the video, three full ecosystem game simulations and one complete Redrock Study simulation, in-detail video courses on both videos and extensive written guides, and also covers the previous Plant Defense and other games. It is always kept fully up-to-date to keep pace with any new game features.
I 100% recommend this kit especially because you only pay if you pass the PSG - the test provider offers a 100% money-back guarantee, which is a guarantee I have seen nowhere else.
📈 FREE CONSULTING ONLINE TEST PREP RESOURCES & FREE YOUINCONSULTING APTITUDE TEST FOR DOWNLOAD
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💎 Check the best commercial solution to pass SOLVE (PSG) - pay ONLY if you pass SOLVE: psg-solve.youinconsulting.com/
⭐ Download my compilation of FREE resources for your consulting online test & PSG preparation: www.youinconsulting.com/newsletter/
My >20-page compilation with numerous links to free McKinsey, BCG and further business & consulting online test prep resources 🙂
Drop your comments, questions and feedback on the video below - I pledge to get back to each of your comments 💪❤
Thank you so much for this useful video, l went to the link to purchase the Prep material but it required a coupon code before moving forward, how can l get it please?
@khadidjaguerrab1607 Thank you for your kind words! Hmm, I don't think there is a coupon requirement to purchase the prep material, you can just check out. Have you tried a different browser? If your problem persists, kindly send me an email and I shall check if I can help. Good luck with your test!
Love the extra effort you put into this to make it entertaining! Thank you!
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! Indeed I try to always go the extra mile as I think a pinch of entertainment makes life (feel) easier 😀
This was an extremely helpful video. Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for this. My PSG is this week. I feel prepared thanks to you
Well done for investing an hour of your time for preparation. I can confirm that you are we--prepared now 🙂 Good luck for your test!
I dive deep...i have so much comfidence now and i know what to expect. Thank you
Wohoo you made it! I am glad that watching the video lent you the confidence you need!
I dive deep into the comments. Amazing insights. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect.
Haha the video was posted 2 weeks ago, my friend. Maybe check out the comments below the part I video lol. Anyway, thanks for your contribution 😉
The most useful tip for me was to look at the ecosystem conditions such as soil PH and elevation for the ecosystem game. Thank you for the comprehensive video. For people that have time to prep, I would recommend buying the Red Rock simulation as this might help relieve nerves. I didn't have time to prep much, and therefore didn't buy the simulation and was unable to finish the whole game. Brush up on ratios and percentages!!
Thank you for sharing your reflections. I think you always ought to take the time to prepare for the assignment, and if you feel time is too short, then ask McKinsey to reschedule the PSG 🙏
Thank you very much! it's been very helpful. I've just taken the test... Let's see :)
Thank you for your kind feedback. I keep my fingers crossed for you 👍
so useful !
Thank you buddy!
Thanks a lot
Good luck with your test!
I successfully passed my PSG test just because of this video! thank you soo much
Congratulations!!! 🏆 I wish you the best of luck for your interviews! 💪
hey, do you have the ecosystem excel solver file ?
hi .. do you have excel solver please
very helpful
Glad it helped 👍
I’m writing this after successfully PASSING my PSG test, to thank you deeply and honestly for the efforts you put into making this video and other videos. It was VERY helpful, and I finished my Ecosystem with 12 min remaining!! Thanks to you!
Which strategy did you use? Well done!
FANTASTIC!!! Congratulations and thank your sharing your joy 😊 I wish you good luck for the interviews!
Thanks, and surly I’ll start with your video to prep for the interviews. I'd appreciate any extra tips and resources from you! @@YOUinConsulting
@@tobymarks3354 Thank you :)
1 used he first one "Trial and Error approach", and a pen and paper of course + calculator (I used my phone). I was planning on using the safe approach, but I didn't have an extra device and didn't want to risk opening tabs.
That said, in my opinion the best approach is watching the video and taking notes and keeping them in mind, and paying attention to small details such as what information really matters, and how to choose the best species, etc.
** I took my time to familiarise myself with the test and I think it's the key to solving it since all they are seeking is YOUR WAY in thinking and problem solving. So be yourself
Hope this helps and best of luck!
@@adejumokeabiodun7395 Thank you 😊✨
Just finished and this video helped a ton, what I also noticed help in building my eco-system after applying the rules of thumb here is to pick animal with low calories too. Be calm and bold too
Yes absolutely! You want to pick "energy-efficient" animals 😉 Thank you for your feedback! 🚀
I dived deep :-D taking the test in 40 min! 😄 Thanks so much, loved the video, + the creativity was amazing!
Thank you very much for your kind feedback and acknowledging my "extra efforts" 🙂 Do come back! 😉
hey, do you have the ecosystem excel solver file ?
I just dived deep!!
You are on the path to victory! 🙂
I passed the game by watching this video in the last two months and here was my take away
1. I did not finish the game . Did not make it to the case study section
2. I did not open all the tabs in the ecosystem game. I chose producers then built my ecosystem from the primary consumers on the tabs I chose
3. Label your data in the red rock study
4. Be careful of what you write in the last two sections.
5. Get really good wifi
I wish you all the best . This video was a life savor to me
Hi there! Congratulations to passing the test, and thank you for sharing your tips with the community 👍
Yes, strategy advice 2) is what I recommend, too. And good WiFi oh yeah... you don't want to f*** it up because of that.
I wish you good luck for your next steps in the reruiting process and thank you for your kind words of appreciation! 👍
@YOUinConsulting Thank you for taking your time to assist. We really appreciate you 🙏🏾
@@nikkitontelle Very kind. Thank you very much 🙂
I dived deep!
You are a true explorer 😎
Hi Great video, thank uou very much! Just one question: do the temperature parameter and the elevation parameter follow the same pattern as depth and temperature in the reef game? Are there always 3 possible ecosystems as you describe in the video referring to the reef scenario?
Yes, both scenarios are fully equivalent in terms of their structure and solution strategy.
When I was applying to LSE I thought I would be solving complex economic problems and changing the world but here I am...
Welcome to the crowd. You got it - at least, you get to practice saving the world, that's at least a start... 😉
Thanks - this was comprehensive and incredibly helpful. In my opinion, it is sufficient prep. Maybe watch it twice, but I do not believe paying for a solver is worth it. If you are confident in your ability to think logically, watch the video twice, like and subscribe to show appreciation, and then go take the test.
Pro tip: have a pen and paper handy for both the ecosystem game and redrock. They will be helpful for taking down info and sketching out the foodchain in the ecosystem game as well as for noting important info for the redrock study.
Additionally, Jack is correct that time pressure is more of a factor in redrock than the ecosystem game. I finished the ecosystem game with 14 minutes to spare (without using a solver), but needed every second for redrock.
Glad you felt you delivered a sound performance! Having a pen and paper ready is not a "pro tip" though, but a basic requirement!! 😀 Time pressure is tougher on the Redrock Study. The earlier you finish the Ecosystem Game, the better though of course, too.
In regards to the Excel solver: I hope McKinsey has designed the PSG in a way that it is possible to pass it without external tools, of course! I recommend these resources though to those who want to do whatever it takes to get safely to the interview stage and are willing to cover an "insurance premium" virtually guaranteeing you pass the PSG (and if not you get your money back), which is why I dubbed it the "safe approach" .
Good luck with your interviews!
What did you get in the ecosystem game? The mountains or the fish one ?
@@utkarshsingh5745 That actually does not matter, as they really pose ~98% the same challenge 🙂
@@utkarshsingh5745 mountains
@@YOUinConsulting Agree regarding a pen and paper, just thought I would mention as i somehow forgot and had to scramble for one at the last minute ahah😅. Regarding the solver, indeed it's hard to argue with the 90% pass rate, especially considering the overall PSG stage pass rate. The comment was more for those that, for whatever reason, are hesitant to pay and are considering going it alone.
To reiterate, you can feel comfortable taking this line if you watch and truly understand Jack's explanation for how to go about building a food chain efficiently. Regarding redrock, you should be fine if you've watched the video, are a quick reader, and have very strong quant skills.
In any case, readers should take my comment with a grain of salt as I have not made it to the next round. Another thing to note is that it's not McK or bust for me, so I am less willing to pay this 'insurance premium' as Jack has put it.
I found the video so useful
Going to have the psg upcoming days. I hope i can do my best with help of this video. Thank you so much
Thank you for your kind feedback. I hope everything went well! 👍
is the webcam required to do the test?
I dived deep 😊
What did you find 😉
GUYS PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS GUY I FINALLY GOT INTO THE FIRST ROUND OF INTERVIEWS THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
What is you score mate?
Congratulations!!! And thank you for giving credit to THIS GUY 😄
hey, do you have the ecosystem excel solver file ?
@@ClarenceKaranja hey, were you able to get the excel solver?
I managed to pass the PSG and this video helped me a lot, since I started the assessment having a general idea of everything. Also, the tips regarding the ecosystem game are extremely useful, I completed it with 15 minutes left. Great content!
Did you use excel for eco? And what about redrock was it hard? What kind of math should i study before taking it? Mine is Sunday so any tips will be helpful
@@FaiSal-xd4oc didn’t use Excel for ecosystem, just the old “pen and paper” approach. As for the RedRock part, only elementary computations are required, so sums, multiplications, percentages. It is not that difficult, time management is the only problem. Try not to dwell too long on a question, otherwisw you won’t be able to finish. Good luck!
Congratulations to pasing the test, and thank you for sharing your encouragement 😎
15 minutes cpm,pletion time sounds very solid 👍 Good luck for the next steps in your recruiting process!
Hey, which office did you apply to? I have mine scheduled in 2 days. For ecosystem game, did you choose Producer then location bundle then animals in the bundle like suggested? Since you did the animal choice without excel, i would like to know how tricky was it. Regarding Redrock, I am not clear headed yet, how did you prepare for that? Did you face any other game problem?
@@srutib I applied to the Italian offices. For the ecosystem game, my approach was as follows: I started by selecting the producers, then the animals, and lastly the location. Since all elements of the ecosystem survive in more or less the same conditions, completing the last step takes only a minute. In choosing the producers, consider not only the total calories provided but also the number of animals that can consume them. During my test, I excluded one bundle because only one animal could eat one of the producers. You will probably notice that one bundle is slightly superior in terms of calories provided and the capability of animals to eat its producers. Then focus on the animals, especially those offering high calories provided and low calories needed. You may wanna include them in your ecosystem, since they are very efficient.
As for the Redrock, I did not prepare. I can only suggest you to refresh some basic computation skills, such as percentages. The entire task is a sort of business case, followed by 6 mini-cases. As I said they are not difficult, but time-management is of the essence. Try to stay calm and focused, and do not dwell on some questions, instead try to complete everything. Good luck!
Hi,
Great Video!
I just had a doubt in the ecosystem game where you mentioned that each species has a "food sources " and "eaten by" tag.
So let's say I have two species A and B, can there be a case where B is in the " food source " tag of A, but A is not in the "eaten by" tag of B?
Hi, good question! Indeed such a scenario you describe is impossible (would be a bug), there must be a perfect match between the "food sources" and "eaten by" information. I suggest to build the food chain bottom-up, so you check which species your producers are eaten by and then take it from there 💪
I dived deep☺️super helpful. I literally want to cry before taking this test😂 but I’ll take your advice into consideration. Taking the test from Kenya🇰🇪 btw☺️
Hey, how did it go?
Why did you want to cry!! I hope everything went well! 💪
I have a test coming up, how was it? Kindly guide me
@@leonkibet4587 sorry I’m just seeing this now🥲but it was a bit tricky bc of time. You could try do proper allocation. All the best✨
@@natashawanjiru1018 it was a bit tricky but you could try practice time management; all the best✨
I dived deep
True treasure hunter 👑😉
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:00 🌍 *Introduction to McKinsey's Problem Solving Game SOLVE and PSG*
- Introduction to the Ecosystem Game and Redrock Study as part of McKinsey's online assessment.
- Brief overview of McKinsey's PSG, focusing on creating sustainable ecosystems and wildlife population care.
02:22 🎮 *Overview of the McKinsey Problem Solving Game*
- Detailed breakdown of the two games in the PSG: Ecosystem Game and Redrock Study.
- Explanation of game objectives, time limits, and the importance of process scores in evaluation.
06:21 🐠 *Deep Dive into the Ecosystem Game*
- In-depth analysis of the Ecosystem Game's mechanics and strategies.
- Explaining the task requirements, environmental conditions, and species selection process.
18:25 🧠 *Strategies for Winning the Ecosystem Game*
- Discussion of two main strategies: trial and error, and the safe or professional approach.
- Insights into game complexities and tips for creating a sustainable ecosystem.
28:28 📊 *Utilizing Excel Solver for the Ecosystem Game*
- Introduction to using Excel Solver for efficiently solving the Ecosystem Game.
- Step-by-step guide on using Excel Solver to create a sustainable ecosystem.
38:08 🏝️ *Introduction to the Redrock Study*
- Transition from the Ecosystem Game to the Redrock Study.
- Overview of the Redrock Study’s objectives, structure, and phases.
50:15 📝 *Tips for Preparing and Running through the Games*
- Six practical tips for preparing and successfully completing the PSG.
- Emphasis on effective preparation strategies, utilizing resources, and time management.
59:54 🎬 *Conclusion and Additional Resources*
- Conclusion of the tutorial with a summary of key points.
- Invitation to explore additional resources and further guidance for career development in consulting.
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Again? Another bot posted this already before
Thanks for this amazing video! It helps a lot. I only have one question regarding the eco system challenge: assuming I would not have an excel tool, and as you said the try and error can fail completely (due to lack of time), does that mean McK wants you to "cheat" or "get lucky"? I mean what would a top notch candidate do without excel and also without try and error best luck?
I am afraid that there are very many top-notch candidates applying to McKinsey, so that McKinsey is never short of qualified applicants. McKinsey does risk-averse hiring, that means it will only hire you if you have got green flags at all stages of the recruiting process. McKinsey acknowledges that it is possible that there are "false-negatives", that means that occasionally/frequently qualified applicants get "accidentally" rejected either during the PSG stage or the interviews, but it rather goes ahead with those candidates who have managed to get through the process successfully.
So if you say maybe not everything during the recruiting process is fair - you may be right, but McKinsey does not need to care.
There are still some further tweaks on how you can improve your odds of getting in; some of which I have shared in my 2nd online ourse, and some of which I want to share on this channel as soon as I get the time 🙂
Okay, many thanks for the response! That means that when I fully understand your approach, I could manage to pass it also without a prepared excel sheet?
Oh... apparently did not answer your question properly, let me try it again: Of course if you are lucky and smart you can pass the PSG without any preparation or auxiliary tools. And like with any exam, practicing it before significantly increases the odds of passing it. I for myself can say that I performed WAY better after I practiced the games a couple of times.
In my video, I tried to make transparent how far you can get by yourself; at some point, you then need to rely on your luck and intelligence. Some people like to take what I called a "safe approach", and given the money-back guarantee, I pointed to what I believe is the best prep package out there (beyond my own free prep resources 😉). Ultimately, the choice is yours 🙂
I hope this answers your question now. Good luck for your test!
I dive deep!
You're brave 👋
Hi, amazing video. I was wondering where I can find the Excel solver for the ecosystem game? Thank you and greatly appreciate it!
Hi, you can download my free online test prep materials through my newsletter: www.youinconsulting.com/newsletter/
The Excel Solver was designed and is managed by a third-party provider. Did you watch the video until the end? This topic is explained after minute 52:38
Hey! Just finished your video - great stuff! A question popped into my mind: once the Red Rock Study starts, can we go straight to the Analysis, read the questions, and then go back to the Investigation? This way we know the questions we need to answer right from the start, and should be able to understand which data is useful and which one isn’t right from the start. What do you think?
Hi there, smart question 👍 As a consultant, you should exactly do as you say - check which end result is sought after and then work your way backwards. Nevertheless, I do not recommend to adopt this strategy for this game for two reasons:
1. In past versions of the game, you were unable to move back from the analysis to the research section. We don't know if this "feature" is coming back one day and you are f*****.
2. We dont know how the process score exactly works. I see the risk that if you first skip the research section and then move back, the software may give you minus points for going back and "correcting" your initial selection.
The objective provided in the first section should give you enough clue what information to "carry" into the next one.
Anyway, given your smart thinking, I'm very confident that you'll become a great consultant 👍 Good luck for your test
@@YOUinConsulting thanks a lot! And keep up your great content :)
This is so great! Quick question, the names of the species are the same? If I pick coral reef would I be exposed to "Buckwheel Sea Lion" for example? The parameters for the species for depth for example are going to be "21-30m" or "11-20m" or "31-40m" and temperature are going to go along with it?. I am trying to prepare my Excel Sheet with the most information beforehand :)
Haha very smart! 😄 No, while structurally the same, the actual parameter values will look slightly different (otherwise McKinsey would sue me!). However, during your untimed tutorial time, hence before you start the game, you can already have a sneak peek at some of the animals and parameter values that you find in your test!
This is very useful but I believe there’s just too much resources and affiliates, thank you 🙏🏻
Do you refer to my free online test prepkit? I know my list of resources is 19 pages by long now - - but then prioritize for yourself what you like to use and what not. Obviously, only go through the sections of those tests you are demanded to take! 🙂
@@YOUinConsultingthank you 🙏🏻
Just for info, in 2024 January, Denmark, the Ecosystem Game and Redrock Study have been used for the McKinsey Game. So all is true in this video. Thank you for all the tips for the Ecosystem Game. Your tips were helpful. However, it would have been great to be more prepared for the Redrock Study and the Cases. I got a Study and 6 cases. The time limit is a challenge for this part. The game advises to split the 35 min in half, half for the Study and half for the Cases. And I found that it was a useful advice.
Hey Mate from down undertaking mine today any advice or examples of the cases?
@@hasratsingh2431 My reply probably comes in too late, you have probably taken your test already, feel free to share the examples here too with others. The study was about wolf packs and how they survive during winter months, how many die. So you have to make some calculations and suggest some solutions for increasing the wolf packs in one or another geographical area. The cases were not related to the study. However, the theme remained the same: wolf packs. There you have to choose the correct information to answer the questions or make some calculations. My advice, read the questions carefully and pay attention to data info.
@@dovi02 Hey mate yep just finished right now and I thinik I may have smashed it finished both in under 25 mins. First one was the mountatin eco system. Used method stated in video and absoultely smashed out of the park. 100% score I reckon. Second as you said was about pack of wolves which tbh after understanding it and getting over nervousness was easy to grasp. Lastly the cases I am sure I messed on question up the Histogram one but thats one me I suck at reading graphs. Overall huge thank you to the youter and will be using all your resource for all my strat consulting applciation's. Biggest tip for everyone is to honeslty use the last hour before PSG to calm your nerves meditate go gym whatever gets you clamed and nerves settled
Also anyone can reach out to me more than happy to help
@@hasratsingh2431 I hope you will pass the test! Best of luck to you 🤞 And yes, I agree, calm your nerves before it all 😅
Hey Jörg, thanks so much for this video. It seems that I successfully passed the PSG since I am invited into the next round of interviews at McKinsey :)
Your video helped me a lot in preparing for the game. Funny (or maybe not so funny story for me): I had to take the test twice since they did not receive the results of my first test. Only god knows why ;)
And since they approached me all of a sudden via LinkedIn, I did not really have the time to prepare for the test... so thumbs up! This video really made me feel way more confident for the game. Had the mountain situation in my first game and the coral one in the second.
Hi there! Thrilled about your report, congratulations! I can imagine that your heart sunk after your first test attempt. The data got lost?? OMG, I hear many stories 😉, but this is the first one of this kind.
Do you mean McKinsey invited you via LinkedIn to apply to them? Now I am curious to see your highflyer profile, too, please add me on LinkedIn! 😃
This has been incredibly helpful! Thank you very much for this video. I just finished the assessment. I successfully finsihed the ecosystem game with 5 minutes to spare but the redrock stage was very challenging. The questions were not that hard but I felt the time was too short to finish both the study and the cases. I did finish the study stage but couldn't answer anything from the cases as the time has run out. So, definitely don't have hopes of passing the PSG.
Well done for finishing the ecosystem game in time! The Redrock Study is designed to be very time-constrained. Yeah you need to manage your time in a way that you reach the Cases section, too... I nevertheless keep my fingers crossed for you. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Hello, I passed the test today and I didn't finished the test like you, please tell me if you were accepted or not
Did you use the solver?
can you please guide how to access this game
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:00 🎮 You'll be taking McKinsey's Problem Solving Game (PSG) called SOLVE, which involves two games: the Ecosystem Game and the Redrock Study.
02:52 🕹️ The SOLVE assessment consists of two games with a 35-minute time limit each. You need to create sustainable ecosystems in both games.
05:23 🌊 In the Ecosystem Game, you'll choose eight species that depend on each other in a common food chain and select a location where they can survive.
12:12 🍽️ You must understand the food chain rules in the Ecosystem Game. The game involves ensuring that all eight species can eat and survive without any dying.
18:53 🔄 There are two strategies to play the game: the trial and error approach and the professional approach. The trial and error approach involves experimenting with different species combinations to find a sustainable food chain.
23:14 🐾 In the Ecosystem Game, selecting animals for a sustainable food chain is challenging due to the delicate balance of calories.
25:09 🦁 Be cautious of "top predator" animals that can eat all others in your bundle, as it can disrupt the food chain.
28:28 🧮 Use the Microsoft Excel Solver for the safe approach to solving the game efficiently.
30:52 📊 Check sustainability using the Excel Solver to determine if a feasible solution exists for your selected species.
34:15 🍽️ Focus on selecting eight species that can coexist and complete the game quickly for better results.
35:15 💻 Use the Alt+Tab shortcut to switch between the game and Excel Solver for faster data entry.
36:13 🖥️ Consider using a second laptop to run Excel Solver to be extra cautious about the process score.
37:09 🌍 Choose a location for your species after establishing a sustainable food chain to avoid premature decisions.
40:03 🌲 The Redrock Study is a data-focused game, designed to assess analytical skills.
42:56 📚 During the Investigation Phase of the Redrock Study, collect relevant information in your Research Journal, including the objective, relevant data, and more.
45:26 📚 During the investigation phase of the McKinsey PSG, focus on identifying essential information rather than collecting data randomly. Prioritize what is needed to answer the study objective questions.
46:24 🧮 In the analysis phase, you'll receive questions related to the study objective. Use the in-game calculator to perform calculations, drag data from your research journal, and save your results for the next phase.
47:51 📊 During the report phase, summarize your findings from the analysis phase in an executive summary. Visualize results using charts, with bar charts for frequency or variable comparisons, line charts for tracking variables over time, and pie charts for showing relative shares.
49:17 ⏱️ Time management is crucial. The second part of the Redrock Study consists of separate cases with quant questions. Prioritize getting through the first part efficiently to ensure you reach the cases.
50:45 📄 Prepare for the McKinsey PSG by using free consulting online mock tests and official McKinsey Problem Solving Test mock tests. These resources help you practice for the test.
52:11 📺 Watch videos and tutorials that provide insights into the background and motivation behind the McKinsey PSG. Understand why McKinsey uses this test to evaluate candidates.
53:08 💻 Consider using a simulation of the McKinsey PSG, which includes detailed courses, an Excel Solver tool, and a 150-page guide. It can help you prepare effectively.
56:31 💰 The preparation materials may offer a money-back guarantee if you don't pass the PSG. Around 90% of users have reported success with the simulation.
57:27 🖥️ Play the games in full-screen mode and use a computer or laptop with a large monitor to maximize the number of elements visible on your screen.
58:26 🚫 Don't waste time playing unrelated video games to prepare for the McKinsey PSG. Focus your preparation on relevant materials and tasks.
59:54 💼 Check out playlists and resources for mastering online assessments and interviews to increase your chances of joining McKinsey as a consultant. Good luck with your career!
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Interesting. I still think my own table of contents is a little more accurate 😉 Is that an advertisement?
Can I use this material for preparing for the role Business Presentation Trainee.
Hi there! Have you inquired if you need to take the McKinsey PSG when you apply for a position as a Business Presentation Trainee? If yes, then this video indeed should contain everything you need
In the recent #McKinsey game-solving experience I just had (2 hours ago), focused on the Ecosystem & Redrock study, I got the mountain ecosystem, for which I had to complete eight animals in total between producers and consumers, considering variables such as soil pH, temperature, altitude, and wind speed, among others, to select the definitive location on the map. One piece of advice I have for you is that having an extra mountain ecosystem spreadsheet is a must!
Hello, please can you help me
I’m trying to figure out the excel solver
@@rinaojefia7155 Yes, could you please help Rina?
Thank you for sharing your experience! There is no reason to be afraid of the mountain ridge scenario though, it is 100% equivalent to the coral reef scenario, just some of the environmental conditions are labelled differently, see 06:48. Also, you can use the Excel Solver for both scenario types and in the same manner.
I dived deep. Thank you so much for this video. It was really insightful and helpful. Sadly I don't have the money to be able to pay for the learning resource.
Hi Udo 🙂 Thank you for your kind words of appreciation. By watching this video you already know a LOT more than other people, so put your mind at ease. Even if you cannot adopt the safe approach, you still have a lot going for you, not least your brain 🙂 Good luck for your test! Best, Jack
@@YOUinConsulting thank you so much
Most welcome 🙂
Please I would love to ask what exactly does the Excel solver do for me? And can I survive without it?@@YOUinConsulting
Does anyone have access to excel solver for Ecosytem game?
Sorry, I'm commenting to ask about Animal 5 during the food chain example that starts at roughly 16:00, I notice that nobody ate from it and it's not an "apex" predator, so it's not providing any calories, is this ok?
Correct. It happily lives until the end of its lifetime, unconsumed. The only condition is to select 8 species that can survive as a collective, and if nobody eats it, animal 5 survives - job done! Thanks for your question
I dive deep into the comments! 🙂
I hope you found some treasure 😉
PSG test coming up in a few days and I'm really considering buying the resources + simulation. However I expected we would get a coupon code as your valuable viewers :)
Smart question! I'm afraid I'm just an average Joe... 😉 Yes, package is good. Good luck for your prep + test! 💪
Hi, do we get to see all the producers and animals attributes in the tutorial before moving to the timed session?
Yes, you can use the tutorial time to already start pulling some of the information together.
hello , please is there just these two games or there's other games ? please answer me I should have sone this test before the end of this week !
Hi there, kindly watch the entire video, your question is addressed at 37:47. The short answer is no 😀
Please how is the time booking for the test? Do I start immediately?
Can I take the test in the night?
Hi there, when you receive the invite email with the link to the PSG, you can decide yourself when you want to "play" the games (just before the communicated deadline)
Great video. I dived deep. How can I find the excel sheet for the Ecosystem part please?
did you find it? im looking everywhere but I can't find it for free :(
@@alexclaveria3518 @user-oh1yp7ji5c Hi both! You can download my free online test prep materials through my newsletter: www.youinconsulting.com/newsletter/
The Excel Solver was designed and is managed by a third-party provider. Did you watch the video until the end? This topic is explained after minute 52:38
@@YOUinConsulting I already took the tests. Thank you though. Wish me luck 🤞
@@user-oh1yp7ji5c Good luck! 😃
Do you have your own excel available during the solve, ie can i make a templet before the game and then easily acces it?
I have not developed an own Excel file. The one I show is from a third-party provider. See also 52:38 of the video.
Do i need to practice PST for the case section in the Redrock study, please?
Going through McKinsey's old PSTs is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the type of questions you get in the Redrock Study. You find the links in my welcome email after signing up to my newsletter.
@@YOUinConsultingI tried signing up to your newsletter more than 3-times today, it didn’t go through at all
@@deboraholadele7094 It always works. Please use this link: www.youinconsulting.com/newsletter/
If you face trouble, kindly send me an email through the website contact form 🙂
Is it okay to switch between taps? Doesn’t the game lock your tap?
Yes, you normally are able to use alt+tab to swap between applications whether or not the application is running in full-screen mode. Additionally, you can always exit it by clicking the windows key. Maybe a recent test-taker could confirm this (please comment 😉).
hi, thanks for the video. Can you send please the excel file ?
You can download my free online test prep materials through my newsletter: www.youinconsulting.com/newsletter/
The Excel Solver was designed and is managed by a third-party provider. Did you watch the video until the end? This topic is explained after minute 52:38
I dived deep!!
Extremely informative, thanks a lot! I did notice a small correction @ 24:37, please correct me if I'm wrong! -
You mentioned Animal 3 will divide its calories needed between B and C, so 4,500 / 2 should be 2,250, however the slide shows 2,750? But you say 2,250 in your narration so no harm done!
I appreciate your attention to detail, but... I think you are wrong on this one 😃 Animal 3 will divide its hunger between producers B and C, hence the calories provided by both producers diminish by 2250. The slide then shows their remaining calories provided, which are 5000 - 2250 = 2750 🙂 Agree?
@@YOUinConsulting Absolutely, completely missed it. Thanks for your reply and hope I don't make this mistake in my Solve attempt!
@@vikramsamson8068 It is tricky, and the game is designed to get you drowned in the data thicket. Indeed, keep good oversight during your game! 🙂
please, I have a question; after selecting the three producers, is there a tip to select the 5 animals from the 10, because if we select randomly 5 animals from 10 to complete the 3 producers, it will give us 252 possibilities and it is impossible to calculate for each possibility
Hi there, yes that is where the trial-and-error part starts. Please do not approach this completely randomly! I offer some tips on this after 34:00 , tips 3+4.
studied this for hours and the assessment was still veryyyyy hard
It is. I hope you felt well-prepared 💪
Hi, do McKinsey provide any feedback as to how well you did ? Or is it simply a rejection
You can expect a "yes" or "no", but no detailed feedback. Remember that the assessment is designed as a black box...
Are you able to check ingame whether an ecosystem is sustainable, and will you get instant feedback on your submitted result? After selecting 3 producers based on the highest cummulative calories provided, you would have to take a selection of 5 out of the 10 possible animals. However, doing this random and checking manually, would take so much time that you can maybe check a possible solution every 2 minutes. Will the program check for you whether it is a good solution, or how would you go from there besides using a 3rd party program?
Hi there! You cannot check in-game if you have been dealt a "bad bundle" for which it is impossible to develop a solution, which is the case I refer to at 26:27. You find it out if you keep trying but cannot find a sustainable solution. Somebody in the comments here described her test experience with that scenario.
No, you do not get feedback on your submitted resilts.
If you refer to the Excel Solver by "program", it does not check for a "good" solution. It tells you if a solution exists, so you know you do not waste your time on an impossible problem. Also, there is no good or bad solution - any solution that meets the game criteria is fine, and the faster you log it in, the better! 🙂 Also, I mention this at 34:34 .
@@YOUinConsulting thank you, but that was not my question. Imagine you picked the right 3 producers, now you are left with picking 5:10 animals. Do you have to manually select them and check if it is a good solution or does de solving game tell you when you have selected a combination that is feasable. How would you go about picking the 5 animals once you’re sure that you picked the right producers?
Hi! Yes, you have to manually work out which animals fit your 3 producers. That is the most uncomfortable part of the game indeed. The Excel Solver ensures that you are working on a set that is able to produce a sustainable solution, and it makes it easier to build the food chain through the embedded graphical interface.
It was an amazing video that help me to prepare for my PSG. I did mine yesterday, the redrock went really well, I do not think that is a hard test, if we have our math on pratice and used to critical thinking it is manageble to do it during the 35min.
But ecosystem...god ...i developed my own excel for this, based in what I learned but...i needed more time !! I think the ecosystem game needs like 45minutes to be completed , because I was adding my species, checking and when I was on my chain at the 4th species I noticed That will kill the system, and in order to save my system I needed to change my first 3 producers but that will require to look again for all the ten animals and I only had 4min finnished
So I just needed more time for the ecosystem. I am waitting for McKinsey feedback , if i passed or not for the next step. But I am not that confident....
Hi! That sounds like quite a rollercoaster experience... Thank you for sharing it nevertheless! It sounds as if despite your careful preparation you suffered from bad luck. I wish you good luck for your further application steps! Best, Jack
How do we decide which species eats first if there are two species with the same amount of calories provided (i.e. species 4 & 7 in the spreadsheet)
Smart question! In the scenario you describe, both species would eat simultaneously.
Hi!! Is the camera on during assessment?
No 😀
Hi, I want to know where can I find de excel template? Thanks a lot!
Hi there! You can download my free online test prep materials through my newsletter: www.youinconsulting.com/newsletter/
Specifically, the Excel Solver was designed and is managed by a third-party provider. Did you watch the video until the end? 🙂 This topic is explained after minute 52:38
Are you allowed to use Excel during the test?
Please check from 34:55 of the video, your question is answered there.
Just finished the game!
I noticed a couple of inconsistencies:
1. In the tutorial, they only let you see the first producer.
2. There are only two feathers available, not four. It seems like there should be two lines for location characteristics, but there's only one line with two options: depth and temperature.
I only had two minutes left, so I focused on delivering the ecosystem. However, I checked back later and realized I placed one wrong animal, that made the whole ecosystem not sustainable. Do you think I can still get an interview?
Hi there! I don't think there are any inconsistencies 🙂:
1. Yes, during the tutorial time you can only take down those (limited) information that are already displayed to you.
2. What do you mean by "feathers" - you are referring to the location parameters, right? You probably played the coral reef scenario, in which indeed only depth and temperature appear. In the mountain reef scenario, you would additionally face wind speed and PH range.
Hmm, if you took so much time and sincerely believe you logged in unsustainable food chain, then I am afraid it might be unlikely you will pass the PSG. However, wait it out - some candidates wake up to unexpected surprises 🙂 Good luck, Jack
While picking the five animals from the 10 in our bundle, should we pick the animals with highest calories provided and lowest calories needed among the 10?
This way of thinking is a good start I. share some tips on this after 34:00 , tips 3+4. Obviously, besides calories provided/needed, the animals must also fit to each other in terms of their food sources.
Where can I find that excel solver ?
The Excel Solver was designed and is managed by a third-party provider. Did you watch the video until the end? This topic is explained after minute 52:38
👏👏👏
😃
I am curious to know . Will they ask same questions for every one?
The parameter values of the ecosystem game are randomized for each game, i.e., while the game principles remain as described in my video tutorial. For the Redrock Study, a number of different scenarios are in play, and I would not rule out that each scenario comes with a pool of questions to draw from to avoid that candidates have the exactly same experience. I am not sure to what extent the parameter values are randomized in the Redrock Study.
The gist: Do not try to learn the question by heart. Instead, understand the strategies to solve the games.
where can I get the excel solver frm?
The Excel Solver was designed and is managed by a third-party provider. Did you watch the video until the end? This topic is explained after minute 52:38
I heard that they will monitor our movement and cursor, if I open excel tab, will they probably notice that I switch the tab?
Smart question, which is why I explicitly address it at minute 35:13 of the video 😉
thank you so much for your clear explanation! I will have the test in 2 days@@YOUinConsulting
Trying to anticipate any question you guys may have 😄 Good luck for your test, I hope you feel well-prepared by now ❤️
I suddenly have a question in mind, should I determine the predator first, or the producer first? which one is easier@@YOUinConsulting
@@reginamarthalia7176 While both is possible, I think its easier and I recommend to build it from the base of producers. I mention this point briefly at minute 22:39.
Hey guys, i did the psg test but failed because i wss overconfident, make sure you actually follow the steps as if you hadn't studied and good luck. I messed up one simple thing in the ecosystem and once i figured out, it was too late and i had submitted
I'm sorry to hear you did not pass. Good that you are able to reflect on what to improve on the next time. I am also going to soon post a video on overconfidence in your interviews.
Heey. I have a test coming up. How was it kindly guide me
@@natashawanjiru1018 so if you need to you can give me a call... otherwise it was that game and then the redrock study, for the game just make sure you follow the rules and after counter check, for redrock study, basically its a math and reasoning game, be on toes with your math and reasoning skills.
@@leonkibet4587 Thank you
Would they notice if i would model this beforehand in python and let my programme solve this?
If you ask because you are concerned about the process score and being caught of answering "too perfectly", the short answer is: Maybe, but nobody knows. To give you some better piece of advice though: If you believe you can model and solve the game in Python beforehand just based on the information I present in this video, then you probably are smart enough to pass the game without such effort. Instead, I suggest that you use that amount of time to prepare for your case interviews. Remember the bigger picture: While entering McKinsey is cool, the PSG is only used by McKinsey. Case interview skills you need to have for all top consulting firms.
Sorry if this is not the answer you wanted to hear - sometimes, that's the nature of advice 🙂
@undertaker can you share the python code?
Thanks for this video. I used this video to pass the ecosystem game, but I wasn't invited to the second stage. Not sure why not. I was just sent an email saying my application wasn't going any further even though I passed their game.
You may be one of those unlucky candidates who got invited to the test just as a courtesy, or to increase the datapool. I alluded to this unfortunate practice in my first PSG video tutorial 🙁 It may also be due a temporary hiring freeze, but the "system" wants you to believe it is always your individual fault 😉 Good luck with your next steps!
@@YOUinConsulting thanks buddy
Hi… please a question
What if you don’t see the place where you will link the food chain together??
My friend did his own today and after picking species and location, he was asked to proceed to the next which was Redrock game.
He didn’t see any prompt to organize the feeding of the animals.
Is that the way it is?? Or he probably did something wrong??
Hi there! In the game, there are no auxiliary tools to organize or analyze your food chain. You are presented with the species cards alone and then are supposed to make a selection. As soon as you log in the species and submit them together with the location, you will proceed to the Redrock Study.
I am afraid that, if your friend logged in the species without prior analysis, then most probably he did not score well in the ecosystem game. 🙁
Be careful!
@@YOUinConsulting Thank you so much
One thing this video doesn't mention and that unfortunately I only realised after taking the test and not managing to find 8 species that could co-exist: When choosing the 3 producers with the highest output and then listing the 10 respective animals, the next step should be to cross out all animals that are carnivores and need more than ANY of the others can provide (or, in case 2 others 'provide' the same and are thus equally consumed, than those 2 together can provide). In my case, that would have ruled out 5/10, leaving only 5 to try to make the ecosystem work and I would have quickly realised that there is no feasible solution within these 13 species and could have moved on.
That is an interesting piece of advice 👍 Did you manage to turn your game around when you realized your mistake?
@@YOUinConsulting Unfortunately not. There was not enough time to analyse an entire 2nd set.
Oh no, that sucks!! Thank you for your honorable attitude to get back here and share your wisdom with the community 🙏 I wish you good luck with securing one of the attractive alternatives! 💪
can you please guide how to access this game ??
Sorry, can you further elaborate your question? When McKinsey invites you to the PSG, you will receive an email with your invitation link to take the assessment.
@@YOUinConsulting i am just an undergrad studying in India , was reading about mckinsey and i came to know about the game . so I asked that how can one access this game. I read undergrads can too play this game. So is it for those applying to the company wherein its a kind of
selection process??
@@jitamdhuvad6342 Yes, if you apply to Mckinsey and McKinsey considers your application, as a first step you will be invited to this McKinsey Problem Solving Game (PSG). You cannot access the game, unless you send an application, for instance, for an internship. Why are you interested in this?
@@YOUinConsulting i was looking for mba in future. gave entrances in india, awaiting results. i thought with the time i have if i can add value to my profile then i should by doing internships or anything. upon searching on internet i went up to what these big companies want in their candidate and i read about this game online so i searched and here i am ..whatsoever, thank you so much sir for prompt response .😇
@jitamdhuvad6342 You are so forward-looking, that is absolutely awesome! Well done for researching the options and requirements well in advance. By the time things get "serious", you will have a great start.
On a further note - all the questions you have, what these companies expect from you, what you ought to do when starting early - I have addressed and broken down in this online course: your-perfect-cv.youinconsulting.com/
Good luck with your next steps 👍🏼
Where is the excel solver?
The Excel Solver was designed and is managed by a third-party provider. Did you watch the video until the end? This topic is explained after minute 52:38
@@YOUinConsultingdoes this mean that the excel solver is also paid?
Yes, the Excel solver and game simulations are paid resources, as explained in detail at 52:38.
Is the Excel file free?
The Excel Solver was designed and is managed by a third-party provider. Did you watch the video until the end? This topic is explained after minute 52:38.
no, not free like 79 usd but if you don't pass, you get a refund
@@Julia-ir1yj paying $79 for an excel file is insanity. Some of these consulting application businesses/coaches are the biggest grifters on the internet
The Combo package contains way more than the Excel Solver, and it is very difficult to create such informative material. The money-back guarantee I find very fair, which is one further reason to endorse it.
Also, you do not believe how much time and work I spent even just to make this video tutorial... Furthermore, you usually only have one shot to join McKinsey.
In the video, I try to show pathways on how to solve the games without further materials. However, for those who can afford the paid resources make passing a piece of cake.
Cant animal 2 eat from animals 1 AND 3? as both provide 3,300 calories
I am not sure which scenario you refer to. In the base scenario at 16:01, animal 2 has animal 1 as the only food source. Later at 25:27, it indeed can prey on animals 1 and 3. However, game rule #2 at 14:19 prescribes that those animals that provide the highest amount of calories are eaten first, hence animal 3. Does this answer your question?
Does McKinsey give feedback for the assessment?
You can expect to get a "yes" or "no", but not a detailed feedback on your assessment. Remember the PSG is a black box by design...
@@YOUinConsultingwdym black box design? Oh so you don’t even get a score or if you were close?
You will not receive any score. In regards to the "black box" issue, kindly take a look at my first PSG video tutorial from minute 2:33: th-cam.com/video/oYrAoUyrFKg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=eWdtRARc8X5bzNH2&t=153
Why do I feel like 3y.o. kid watching this video? All these weird scenes for kids - not helpful in concept explanations, so why do they exist? Feels very inappropriate. the audience for the video are adults who're trying to get into top firms in the world. These sketches are designed for kids, not for this audience... So confusing and irritating
On my business & consulting channel I offer edutainment. Top-quality business insider knowledge, but presented in a fun manner. Many folks get too intimidated by the business world and take it way too seriously, and they give me feedback that seeing a former McKinsey consultants make fun makes them less nervous about their application. Furthermore, there are many other boring, dry business channels out there. Still, you ought to check my videos out - you will hardly find any higher-quality content out there, given the effort I put into my work for you. Sorry if you do not like the wrapping - if it is not for you, then just ignore it and dig for the many content nuggets.
@NhungTran-jm5cx Thank you so much for sharing your view! Every viewer has different preferences, and as you say it is indeed difficult to cater to everyone. And I want to "edutain" on my channel... Thank you for your encouragement and "defending" my approach... 😀 That is really sweet of you, and I am proud to have you as one viewer of my channel ❤
I dived deep
Explorers shall be rewarded... 😉
I dived deep
You are an insider now 😉
I dived deep
Well done! 👏
I dived deep
Are you a treasure hunter 😉