Mistake made during case study

Hi guys, had a quick question, had a cast study for a banking lateral program yesterday and I was walking through the case, the MD I was interviewing with pointed out that I did not properly input my calculations for CAPEX, it was a formula/mathematical error essentially.

The MD said it was not a big deal but i think he was being polite and wanted to move on as it was just me and him in the group.

Been freaking out about this since then and I wanted to find out for anyone that has been on the other side and if this is an automatic ding or if there is still a chance assuming that I aced the other stages of interviews with VPs and Directors, as i was essentially fast tracked because I interviewed with them so well.

What do you guys think? let me know if you have any questions

4 Comments
 

Hey there, don't let this hiccup get you down! We all make mistakes, especially under pressure. It's how we handle them that matters.

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems that a single mistake in a case study, especially a mathematical one, is not necessarily a deal-breaker. It's important to remember that the interviewers are looking at your overall performance, not just one specific area.

In the PE case study thread, it was mentioned that significant mistakes like a 3-statement model not working could be an immediate ding. However, a minor error in CAPEX calculations might not be as critical, especially if you've demonstrated strong skills in other areas.

In the Q&A - 1Y at Bain thread, the interviewee made a small mistake in a market sizing calculation but still received an offer because they caught and corrected the error.

So, don't lose hope! If you've performed well in other stages and made a positive impression, this one mistake might not be as detrimental as you fear. Keep your chin up and fingers crossed!

Sources: Q&A - 1Y at Bain, PE case study mistakes, Mistakes in pitches / models - who is responsible, Interview Failures

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

We know virtually nothing about the case study, error, firm, competition, or your other interviews. Your perception of how things went isn't very useful. Candidates often suck at judging how their interviews went (myself included)

This thread is a product of your anxiety, right? I get it, but it makes no sense to worry about stuff you can't change. Someone's anonymous feedback won't impact the outcome and shouldn't affect your mood.

Channel that nervous energy into other processes and your modeling skills.

 

VP in IB-M&A:

We know virtually nothing about the case study, error, firm, competition, or your other interviews. Your perception of how things went isn't very useful. Candidates often suck at judging how their interviews went (myself included)



This thread is a product of your anxiety, right? I get it, but it makes no sense to worry about stuff you can't change. Someone's anonymous feedback won't impact the outcome and shouldn't affect your mood.



Channel that nervous energy into other processes and your modeling skills.


nothing to add here but just wanted to say great response

 

Aut quisquam officia voluptatem ut a velit. Iure dolores repellendus itaque expedita molestias repellendus. Inventore saepe quod aut velit occaecati quia beatae. Amet et ipsa sunt expedita sit consectetur veritatis.

Quidem a qui id aut officia quis magnam. Eligendi voluptates non sint odio cum sed commodi. Accusantium nam sed nihil odio ipsam. Qui rem ut accusamus in. Architecto ducimus blanditiis sit praesentium. Repellendus ea non illo perspiciatis consectetur deserunt harum. Tenetur odio occaecati doloremque dolores non.

Sed facere repellendus aut ducimus voluptatibus aut autem. Voluptate exercitationem neque officia dolores cum sunt. Exercitationem qui ab fuga. Quos dolores dicta sapiente quam non.

A rem eligendi nihil quaerat ad. Omnis voluptatem est nesciunt nihil et. Omnis perspiciatis consequuntur et nisi nihil. Minus consequatur pariatur quam dolor deleniti ab id ut. Repudiandae saepe quam voluptate nesciunt magnam et quaerat deleniti.

 

Officia veniam excepturi fuga odio cupiditate odit in. Ad molestias ut rerum. Enim qui dolor aspernatur fuga molestiae vel. Sit non dolorum possimus est dolorem.

Nihil dolores accusamus sapiente officiis eos blanditiis. Voluptatem quia voluptatibus laborum sunt quod. Fuga culpa voluptate ut nemo quae et doloribus. Error consequatur fuga et quia vel.

Ut ad omnis aut quaerat id voluptatem rerum accusamus. Temporibus soluta sapiente et et molestiae minima aut et. Placeat earum unde molestiae non. Dolores vel aut provident dignissimos a praesentium. Porro quisquam ut natus ut placeat dolor.

Recusandae omnis ratione veritatis quo. Ea quam sed maiores accusantium qui. Exercitationem non ipsam qui ipsam corrupti dicta.

[Comment removed by mod team]

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $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...”