BCG online case (Casey): format, question types and how to prepare

The BCG online case, often called Casey, is a case interview run by a chatbot. Many BCG offices use it as a screen between the application and the first live interview. You work through one business case alone, on a clock, and your answers are scored.

The details differ by office and year, so check your invitation. This is the format most candidates report.

What the BCG online case looks like

You cannot go back to an earlier question, and the information builds: an answer in question 3 may be needed in question 7. Take notes as you go.

The five question types

1. Structure. "Which factors would you look at?" You pick or rank the areas that matter most.
2. Exhibit reading. A chart or table, then a question on what it shows.
3. Case maths. Break-even, market size, margin, growth. You type a number.
4. Judgement. "Which of these conclusions is supported by the data?"
5. Recommendation. A short text or a video: answer first, two or three reasons, risks, next steps.

How to prepare

• Do full cases on a clock. The hard part is keeping pace for half an hour without an interviewer to guide you.
• Drill case maths until it is boring. Percentages, break-even and growth rates should take seconds.
• Practise exhibits. Read the title, the axes and the units before the numbers.
• Record a one-minute recommendation. Most candidates run long the first time. Say the answer in the first sentence.
• Keep clean notes. One line per question with the number you found.

Common mistakes

• Spending five minutes on one calculation and rushing the last three questions.
• Choosing every option in "select all that apply". Wrong picks usually cost marks.
• A video answer that retells the case instead of recommending something.

Practise the format with the BCG Casey-style test and compare it with other firms in consulting online assessments compared.