The BCG Online Case—known internally as “Casey”—is a chatbot-driven case interview that has become mandatory for most BCG offices worldwide. Based on our analysis of candidate experiences, approximately 70% of applicants now encounter Casey as their first screening hurdle, replacing the traditional BCG Potential Test in many regions.
What Is the BCG Online Case?
Casey is a 25-30 minute assessment where you solve a business case through an interactive chat interface. Unlike traditional case interviews, there’s no human interviewer—you’re responding to a bot that presents scenarios, data exhibits, and questions in sequence.
The test typically includes 6-8 questions covering a single case scenario. Common case themes include:
| Case Type | Frequency | Example Prompt |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Reduction | ~35% | “Client’s margins have declined 15% over 3 years” |
| Growth Strategy | ~25% | “Client wants to expand into adjacent markets” |
| Market Entry | ~20% | “Client considering entering Southeast Asian market” |
| Pricing Optimization | ~20% | “Client’s pricing strategy is under competitive pressure” |
After the chat portion, you record a 60-second video pitch summarizing your recommendation. This video is separate from the 25-30 minute timer.
Casey’s Four Answer Formats
Understanding the interface prevents costly mistakes—once submitted, answers cannot be changed.
flowchart TD
A[Question Appears] --> B{Answer Format?}
B -->|Multiple-Select| C[Click 'See Options'<br/>Select specified number<br/>Submit when ready]
B -->|Single-Select| D[Options visible immediately<br/>One click = instant submit]
B -->|Long Text| E[Type response<br/>4-6 lines max<br/>Enter to submit]
B -->|Short Text| F[Numbers only<br/>Follow rounding instructions<br/>Enter to submit]
C --> G[Review before submit]
D --> H[No review possible]
E --> G
F --> H
Critical interface details:
- Multiple-select: You see “Select 3 best options”—the number tells you exactly how many to choose
- Single-select: Clicking ANY option immediately submits—there’s no confirmation
- Short text: Numbers only, follow decimal/rounding instructions precisely
- Long text: Keep responses under 6 lines; no formatting available
Question Types and How to Approach Them
1. Structuring Questions (First Question, Always)
Every Casey case opens with a structuring question that tests your ability to break down the problem systematically.
Example: “Which of the following information would be most helpful for understanding why client profits have declined?”
Approach: Mentally build an issue tree from the options. Select choices that collectively cover the MECE framework—don’t pick three options that all address the same branch.
mindmap
root((Profit Decline))
Revenue Side
Price changes
Volume changes
Mix shift
Cost Side
Fixed cost increases
Variable cost increases
Operational inefficiency
External Factors
Competition
Market dynamics
Regulation
2. Quantitative Questions (2-3 per case)
Math questions present data exhibits with approximately 20 data points—roughly half are distractors. Calculators are allowed, but the real challenge is identifying which numbers matter.
Common calculations:
- Weighted averages
- Compound percentages
- Break-even analysis
- Simple probability
Pro tip: If the follow-up question asks you to “elaborate on your calculation,” your answer is likely correct. If Casey prompts you to “reconsider step X,” you probably made an error.
3. Critical Thinking Questions
These assess logical reasoning through cause-effect relationships. Pay close attention to qualifiers:
| Qualifier | Strength | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| “would likely lead to” | Weak | Probable but not certain |
| “would lead to” | Medium | Strong causal relationship |
| “would certainly lead to” | Strong | Must be logically airtight |
A “likely” question accepts reasonable business judgment; a “certainly” question requires bulletproof logic.
4. Intuition/Insight Questions
The hardest category—no formula exists. You’re asked to brainstorm factors, root causes, or solutions within a specific context.
Example: “What factors might explain the client’s declining customer retention rate?”
Approach: Think across multiple dimensions—customer, product, competition, operations, external market. Select options that demonstrate breadth and business judgment, not just obvious answers.
BCG’s Scoring Criteria
While BCG doesn’t publish exact weights, the assessment evaluates four dimensions based on our experience coaching candidates:
Problem Structuring (Highest Weight)
- MECE breakdown of issues
- Hypothesis-driven approach
- Prioritization of key factors
Quantitative Processing
- Calculation accuracy
- Appropriate use of relevant data
- Speed under pressure
Business Intuition
- Sound judgment on costs/benefits
- Realistic recommendations
- Context-appropriate insights
Data Synthesis
- Drawing conclusions from multiple sources
- Identifying patterns across exhibits
- Connecting findings to recommendations
Unlike older BCG assessments, Casey does not use negative scoring—you won’t lose points for wrong guesses. Always answer every question.
Casey vs. Traditional Case Interviews
| Dimension | Casey Chatbot | Traditional Interview |
|---|---|---|
| Time pressure | Intense (constant countdown) | Moderate (interviewer paces) |
| Feedback | None | Real-time guidance available |
| Calculator | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Correction opportunity | None | Interviewer can redirect |
| Text processing | Heavy reading required | Verbal exchange |
| Presentation | 60-second video | Live discussion |
The key implication: Casey mistakes compound. In a traditional interview, a calculation error might get corrected mid-case. In Casey, one wrong number can cascade through subsequent questions.
Preparation Strategy
Week 1-2: Build Foundations
- Practice profitability cases and market entry cases to strengthen structuring
- Review our BCG case interview guide for company-specific patterns
- Time yourself on BCG practice cases from our case library
Week 3: Simulate Test Conditions
- Practice with strict 25-minute timers
- Complete cases without asking clarifying questions
- Record yourself delivering 60-second recommendations
Final Days: Interface Familiarization
- Understand the four answer formats
- Practice reading data exhibits quickly
- Prepare your video recording setup (lighting, background, camera angle)
Video Pitch Best Practices
Your 60-second video is often overlooked but carries real weight. Structure it as:
Opening (10 sec): State the recommendation clearly
- “I recommend Client X pursue Option A because…”
Supporting logic (40 sec): Two to three key reasons with brief evidence
- “First, the data shows… Second, this aligns with…”
Closing (10 sec): Acknowledge risk and propose next steps
- “The main risk is X. To mitigate this, I’d suggest…”
Dress professionally—BCG sees this recording. Maintain eye contact with the camera, not the screen.
Key Takeaways
- Casey is a 25-30 minute chatbot interview with 6-8 questions plus a 60-second video pitch
- Four answer formats exist—single-select submits instantly, so know the interface before test day
- Structuring questions always come first; build mental issue trees before selecting options
- Quantitative questions include distractor data—identify what’s relevant before calculating
- No negative scoring means always answer, even when uncertain
- The video pitch matters—structure it with clear recommendation, supporting logic, and risk acknowledgment
- Practice under strict time pressure with no clarifying questions to simulate real conditions
Ready to practice? Explore BCG cases in our library to build pattern recognition, or test your structuring skills with our AI Mock Interview feature that provides real-time feedback on your case performance.