Macabacus in modeling tests

If I’m doing off cycle PE recruiting, is it safe to practice my modeling with Macabacus on? Or is it common for a firm to require you to model on their devices?

Side note: is there anything better than Macabacus that I should consider for formatting hotkeys? I actually like it a lot, but just wondering.

Thanks!

5 Comments
 

When preparing for off-cycle PE recruiting, it's generally a good idea to practice modeling with tools like Macabacus if you're comfortable with it. However, keep in mind that some firms may require you to complete modeling tests on their devices, which might not have Macabacus or similar plug-ins installed. To be safe, you should also practice building models from scratch without relying on any plug-ins. This ensures you're prepared for any scenario during the interview process.

As for alternatives to Macabacus, it remains one of the most popular tools for formatting hotkeys and Excel efficiency. While there are other options like FactSet or Capital IQ plug-ins, Macabacus is widely regarded as a top choice for its functionality and ease of use. If you're already comfortable with it, there's no pressing need to switch unless you find a specific feature lacking.

Sources: Q&A: 3rd Year PE Associate ($10bn+ AUM, MBO/LBO, equity, mezz, distressed debt), My Path - MBA Banking Associate to PE, 2021 On-Cycle Private Equity Recruiting, Q&A: MBB BA/AC/A headed to UMM this summer and guide to off cycle PE recruiting for consultants, Is H1-B required for Private Equity Recruiting (on-cycle)

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