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I've done a lot of practice already and I'm starting to recognize patterns rather than really think through them. More reps are helping less than they did at the beginning.
At what point is extra Solve practice just diminishing returns?
Mayank G.CoachSep 14, 2026Ex-BCG | 100% improvement guarantee or you don't pay! | Top 1% Coach!
Over-preparing usually shows up when additional practice no longer reveals new mistakes and you are starting to memorize patterns instead of reasoning through them.
At that point, reduce volume and shift toward mixed review, timing, and maintaining consistency. More repetitions are not automatically better.
You want familiarity without becoming dependent on seeing a familiar-looking scenario.
When I started recognizing the sim instead of reasoning, I backed off.
diminishing returns are real. more isn't always better.
When practicing for McKinsey Solve, is there value in repeating the exact same simulation to improve decision quality and timing, or does that create false confidence because I already know the scenario?
Mayank G.CoachRepeating a practice simulation can be useful for process improvement, but it should not be the only kind of practice you do.
I am starting Solve prep and I am unsure whether to learn the format slowly first or simulate real timing from day one. Does using a timer immediately build better habits, or does it make the first few practice attempts less useful?
Mayank G.CoachStart by learning the current format, then introduce timing quickly rather than treating every early practice as a full simulation.
I like writing things down during assessments, but I am worried I will spend too much time copying information in Solve. How much note-taking is actually useful?
Mayank G.CoachUse notes only when they reduce cognitive load or prevent you from repeatedly searching for the same information.