Start by understanding the current assessment format in your invitation, then practice the specific mechanics you are likely to encounter.

For Red Rock, focus on extracting relevant information, interpreting exhibits, doing accurate calculations and making decisions under time pressure. Generic puzzle practice is less useful than practicing the actual skill mix.

Do enough full-format practice to understand pacing, but spend most of your improvement time reviewing mistakes. Assessment prep should not completely displace live case preparation if interviews may follow soon.

Use current materials because Solve changes over time. Older descriptions can be directionally useful, but your invitation and the latest format guidance should determine what you practice. For more detail, see the McKinsey Solve guide.

Reviewing why I missed questions helped more than doing full mocks back to back.

I kept OA prep contained so I didn't lose momentum on casing.