For a McKinsey interview, focus on the areas that directly affect the interview score: structured problem solving, clear communication, accurate math, strong insights, and the Personal Experience Interview.
If time is limited, do not spend most of it reading frameworks. Practice complete cases and identify the one or two skills that are costing you the most. For PEI, prepare detailed stories around leadership, personal impact, entrepreneurship or initiative, and difficult situations.
You should also be comfortable driving the case while still responding closely to the interviewer's questions. Quality of thinking matters more than sounding rehearsed. If you want to review the full format and preparation approach, see our McKinsey interview process guide.