A stress test An attempt to stump, embarrass or scare you A test of your knowledge of a particular industry or business An attempt to replicate months of consulting work in 20 minutes An opportunity to see if you think logically and clearly An opportunity to see how you apply what you’ve learned An attempt to sense how you would interact with clients A way to gain insight into your level of curiosity A chance to expose you to what consultants do Framing/organizing the problem Prioritization of issues Identifying relevant information Drawing conclusions from facts Identifying key implications and next steps Read, read, read… and think Wall Street Journal, Business Week, etc. “Structure the story” from the headline Practice problem solving Case examples (Wet Feet Press, consulting company websites, GSB mock interview/workbook) Friends, family, professors Make it as realistic as possible (e.g. timing, write down ideas/approach, talk out loud) Talk to alumni and friends who went through it Relax – case should be viewed as “fun”, “challenging” Make sure you understand the problem Tell the interviewer if you have heard the case before Ask questions Think out loud Take notes, draw, or sketch if you wish Respond to the issue with your own thought process not set frameworks Accept guidance and clues Do something with numbers if you’re given them Take a structured approach, come to a conclusion