While McKinsey, BCG, and Bain all recruit using case interviews and behavioral questions, the format and focus at each firm vary in subtle but important ways. Understanding these differences can help you tailor your prep and stand out during interviews. At a high level, all three firms assess your structured thinking, analytical ability, and communication. You'll face at least two rounds of interviews at each firm—typically a first round with associates or consultants, and a final round with partners. Each round usually includes a case interview and a behavioral or fit interview. But the similarities largely end there.

McKinsey is known for its interviewer-led case format, meaning the interviewer guides you through a series of structured questions rather than allowing you to drive the case. This format places a premium on clarity, logical thinking, and the ability to answer questions succinctly under pressure. Equally important is the Personal Experience Interview (PEI), where you'll be asked to walk through specific stories about leadership, conflict, or overcoming challenges. These stories are heavily weighted and expected to be delivered in detail, often more than once across rounds. McKinsey cases tend to be less math-heavy than others but demand precision in both communication and reasoning.

BCG interviews tend to use a hybrid case format, blending both interviewer- and candidate-led styles. In some interviews, the interviewer might guide you through key questions; in others, you may be expected to take more initiative. BCG is known for its creative and occasionally unconventional case topics, which might involve non-profit work, international issues, or macroeconomic scenarios. Behavioral interviews at BCG are generally less rigid than McKinsey’s PEI, but strong interpersonal and storytelling skills still matter. You'll often be given exhibits or charts early in the case and expected to draw insights or make trade-offs from the data.

Bain, on the other hand, tends to follow a more traditional candidate-led format, where you're expected to lead the case, define the structure, and ask for data as needed. Bain places strong emphasis on personal fit—interviewers often ask why you’re interested in Bain specifically and how you work in teams. Math and market sizing questions can be more intensive, and many Bain cases draw from retail, private equity, and consumer sectors. Fit matters a lot at Bain; they look for candidates who are coachable, collaborative, and driven.

Though all three firms are looking for strong problem-solvers, the nuances of each process reflect their cultures and expectations. McKinsey emphasizes structured communication and crisp execution. BCG values creative insight and adaptability. Bain prioritizes business intuition and cultural alignment.Knowing what to expect—and practicing cases in the style of each firm—can give you a real edge. That’s why our MBB-style case examples are tailored not just to simulate a case, but to simulate the way each firm runs their process. The better you understand the format, the more confidently you’ll perform when it matters most.