Yes, a small amount of case prep before your MBA can help, but there is little value in trying to finish your entire preparation before school begins.

Use the pre-MBA period to understand what a case interview is, learn the basic components and refresh mental math. That makes the school's formal prep easier to absorb.

Do not burn through dozens of cases without good feedback. Early practice can lock in weak habits if you are solving cases mechanically or memorizing frameworks.

A good goal is familiarity rather than mastery. Once school starts, combine structured club resources, live partners and mock interviews so your preparation becomes more realistic. For more detail, see the case interview preparation guide.

I wish I had at least learned the format before orientation. The first few club sessions moved fast.