<PLEASE HELP> Lateral IB Modeling Test

Was told I’d have to take a 2 hour timed modeling test for a lateral – final step before super. Could someone with experience please provide any insight on what to expect / share any model examples to leverage? This would mean a lot and I’d be forever indebted. Thank you.

18 Comments
 

well seeing as how you aren't saying which firm it is, there is no way to know what your firm is going to do. you'll probably need to project out a 3 statement model given certain guidelines, a debt schedule, a sources and uses, and a returns analysis. Potentially they may ask for a quick & dirty dcf, but thats just a linking exercise to your 3 statement and putting together a WACC. Can only do so much in 2 hours

 

Know how to build an operating model and do basic industry research/build a slide if need be. i took a modeling test (LMM bank) and had to do just that. Also did a top MM modeling test and it asked for LBO (basic sources and uses) and a one-pager on a particular industry, my thoughts on industry growth, comps in the industry, etc. due in 2 hours as well. Shouldn’t be overly difficult but you do need to be prepared.

 

Currently at a no name boutique looking to lateral to a MM shop and want to prep for modeling tests.

How did you go about prepping for them?

What did the lbo consist of? Operating model and then basic S&U from that or a debt schedule as well?

Was the industry specific stuff because this was for a coverage role?

 
Most Helpful

Dude just practice for both full 3 statement dcf build and lbo build shouldn’t be that hard.

Lbo modeling tests are pretty easy theres just a few things u gotta remember.

3 statement might be more tricky tbh with making assumptions but they should be both straightforward enough to practice both.

I’d say practice 2-3 LBO and 4-6 reps of a 3 statement test if you have a week to prepare. If only a few days then do 2 LBO and 3, 3 statement. Should do 1-2 a day and also spend about 30 mins reflecting / however much u need.

Bang, ull do great. U need to practice ‘the test’ as much as just learning. But I think someone with 0 knowledge doing the above could do a pretty good job tbh

 

Minus similique est iusto. Omnis iure exercitationem magni ipsa dignissimos aut. Hic reprehenderit eius aut voluptas. Aut et omnis ea aliquid ducimus quia. Et quos molestiae temporibus eveniet maiores placeat qui.

In ut sed optio occaecati sit. Harum corrupti eius molestiae vel qui consectetur. Est debitis aspernatur optio et repellendus dolores dolor.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”