McKinsey Interview Prep: 2-Week Prep Plan
Updated January 2026-63 total hours
Duration
2 Weeks
Intensity
Intensive
Hours/Day
4-6
Risk Level
Medium
Overview
This 2 weeks prep plan is designed for candidates with some case experience looking for structured preparation. It covers everything you need to perform well in McKinsey & Company interviews, including their interviewer-led case format and Solve Game.
Prerequisites
- Basic business fundamentals
- Ability to dedicate significant daily hours
- Some prior case exposure
Week-by-Week Prep Schedule
1
Week 1
Foundation Building
4h/day
- Days 1-2: Learn all core frameworks (profitability, market sizing, M&A, market entry)
- Days 3-4: Mental math fundamentals and daily drills
- Days 5-6: Research McKinsey format and do 3-4 practice cases
- Day 7: Review week's learning and rest
2
Week 2
Practice & Polish
5h/day
- Days 8-10: Intensive case practice (2 cases/day)
- Days 11-12: Behavioral prep and mock interviews
- Days 13: Focus on Solve Game
- Day 14: Light review and mental preparation
Priority Guide
With limited time, focus on what matters most. Here's how to prioritize your 2 weeks of preparation:
Must Do
Non-negotiable for interview success
- Master core frameworks (profitability, market sizing)
- Complete 8-10 practice cases
- Practice interviewer-led format specifically
- Daily mental math drills (20-30 min)
- Prepare 4-5 behavioral STAR stories
- Prepare for Solve Game
Should Do
Strongly recommended if time permits
- Learn M&A and market entry frameworks
- Practice synthesis and recommendation delivery
- Do at least 2 mock interviews
- Review your practice cases for patterns
Nice to Do
Will give you an edge
- Study industry-specific case examples
- Read about firm culture and values
- Practice with different case partners
- Review firm thought leadership
McKinsey-Specific Focus Areas
McKinsey & Company has unique interview elements. Make sure your prep covers these:
1Master responding to specific questions rather than driving
2Practice pivoting quickly when interviewer changes direction
3Master the Personal Experience Interview (PEI) format
4Practice the Solve game assessment
5Prepare for interviewer-led case pivots
6Focus on the three PEI dimensions: Personal Impact, Entrepreneurial Drive, Inclusive Leadership
Warning Signs You Need More Time
If you experience any of these during your prep, consider requesting an interview delay:
- You struggle to structure a case within 2 minutes
- Mental math takes you more than 30 seconds per calculation
- You can't articulate a clear hypothesis early in cases
- Your recommendations lack specificity and actionability
- You're completing less than half the planned practice
- Progress feels slower than expected
- Behavioral stories aren't polished yet
- You haven't done any timed practice
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Start Practicing NowFrequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare for McKinsey in 2 Weeks?
2 Weeks is achievable for McKinsey interview prep if you're consistent with daily practice. You should have some business background or prior case exposure. Follow the schedule closely and prioritize the must-do activities.
What should I prioritize with only 2 Weeks to prepare for McKinsey?
With 2 Weeks, focus on: (1) mastering the interviewer-led format, (2) mental math fluency - this can't be faked, (3) preparing for Solve Game, and (4) getting actual case practice rather than just reading about cases.
How many practice cases should I do in 2 Weeks?
For 2 Weeks of preparation, aim for 8-15 complete practice cases for McKinsey. Quality matters more than quantity - focus on reviewing your performance and improving specific skills rather than rushing through cases. Include a mix of profitability, market sizing, and McKinsey's common case types.
How should I balance case practice and framework study in 2 Weeks?
With 2 Weeks, spend the first 30% on framework learning and 70% on actual case practice. Frameworks are tools, not ends in themselves. After week one, every study session should include hands-on case work. For McKinsey specifically, practice responding to specific questions.
What makes McKinsey interviews different from other firms?
McKinsey is known for: Solve Game, PEI, Interviewer-Led Cases. They use an interviewer-led case format - Interviewer-led format where the interviewer controls the pace and direction. You'll be asked specific questions rather than driving the case yourself... The behavioral component focuses on Personal Experience Interview (PEI) focusing on three dimensions: Personal Impact, Entrepreneurial D... Tailor your 2 Weeks prep plan to these specific elements.