Navigating Modeling Tests from A Template

I've been using a prep course that's constantly talked about on this forum (think PF, PF, & PF). Primarily practiced modeling from scratch, and a couple runs with the templates provided in the PF course. When I'm practicing cases with a model from a template, I notice that I'm having a hard time navigating the layout and linking things correctly (specific example: net debt in the balance sheet summary). When I do a FCF check, I can't get it to equal 0. Lastly, the walk to FCF, balance sheet summary, and a couple other items in the model aren't present or are different, which throws me off since I've practiced following the PF course. Does anyone have any recommendations on navigating/practicing modeling tests from a template? 

TL;DR: I have been finding that model tests from templates have been throwing me off regarding proper linking, layout, etc. Does anyone have any recommendations on navigating/practicing modeling tests from a template? 

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

If you can do an LBO from scratch quickly, doing it in a template should be significantly easier. You might be falling into the trap of assuming that whatever is given in the case template is the only room you have to work with and that you must only fill in the given cells and nothing else. I don't see any reason why you can't add helper rows and formulas and then link that to whatever's in the template. The template is a guide and an output, do what you need to do to get to the correct answer / function. This isn't first-year banking analyst shit where you're mindlessly filling in a comps template

 

Beatae consequatur corrupti optio velit non repellat. Quae aut consectetur quis alias et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Ardian 98.9%
  • Blackstone Group 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (97) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (234) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (95) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (271) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (37) $80
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (351) $61
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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
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...”