PE Model Tests

For interview model tests that are supposed to start from scratch, is there any reason I shouldn't have a personal template to leverage? Not necessarily a super complex template with formulas flowing throughout, but a shell with different sections broken out (S&U, IS, BS, CFS, DS, etc.). Feels like this could save 10 - 15 minutes of formatting. Could just copy and paste the shell into a new excel file when completing a test.

11 Comments
 

I mean if you want, but that’s kind of like going to the Tour de France with a bike with training wheels. This shit is not that deep. Perfect the shell and structure enough where you can create it from scratch quickly and seamlessly.

The reality is that for any >$1B fund, the acceptance rate is sub 5% after getting interviews. Being “ok” isn’t really enough here.

 
Most Helpful

Yes, recommend doing this for at home tests. Would suggest making a template with live formulas (basic IS which includes revenue EBITDA, interest etc., basic CFS with all common items, basic debt schedule with 1-2 tranches and Returns section) and thoroughly checking it through ahead of time to make sure no linking errors and so that you’re very familiar with it and can make small adjustments to the structure as needed on the fly during the test. Make it look nice with basic formatting.

Doing this gives you a nicely formatted (basic) template that you can just plug in assumptions (pending small modifications as needed) and get returns very fast. This saves a bunch of time and if it’s a test that requires a write up, this lets you allocate more time to a thoughtful written analysis. Would caution not to make its super fancy to the point where it’s COMPLETELY obvious that you had stuff clearly prepared ahead of time (don’t include a ton of unneeded bells and whistles).

Lastly, also make sure you CAN do similar work from scratch under real time constraints. Firms aren’t stupid and sometimes will have you do a second (more complex) model test or case study in person. Good luck!

 

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