Macquarie aptitude test?

I am interviewing for an equity research job at Macquarie and was told that I will need to take their aptitude test - absolutely everyone hired by Macquarie needs to take this test. The person said that it is more or less like GMAT, with math and verbal sections and also some IQ/personality questions. However, other people have told me that it is basically an IQ test that you cannot prepare for. Can anyone tell if this is like a GMAT thing that I need to prepare for? It's hard to imagine if everyone needs to take it, that MD-level people would need to brush up on their geometry and quadratic equations to get a job.

23 Comments
 

There should be a practice test available online. It was a long time ago since I took this, but I remember there was a chart-reading section, an IQ section where they have a bunch of pictures and ask which one follows the pattern, and a very VERY long personality test at the end. All of the questions are easy, but if you aren't used to them, then you will be very time-constrained. Definitely review the practice test.

 

You can definitely prepare for the math and verbal section of it. Look for practice tests online but the math is basically reading a chart and answering questions based on that chart. I think it was easier than a gmat. The verbal is answering some questions based on a very short passage, again, pretty easy. Time is the only issue.

That being said, the personality part sucks and I think thats what got me. Basically its a crap ton of questions designed to ask very similar things in different ways to both catch you in lies and determine your "true personality." Also, there are many questions where all the answer selections seem bad. Basically, the only thing I would say about this part of the test is try and be as honest as possible on every question. Do not answer with things they "want" to hear.

 

You can definitely prepare for the math and verbal section of it. Look for practice tests online but the math is basically reading a chart and answering questions based on that chart. I think it was easier than a gmat. The verbal is answering some questions based on a very short passage, again, pretty easy. Time is the only issue.

That being said, the personality part sucks and I think thats what got me. Basically its a crap ton of questions designed to ask very similar things in different ways to both catch you in lies and determine your "true personality." Also, there are many questions where all the answer selections seem bad. Basically, the only thing I would say about this part of the test is try and be as honest as possible on every question. Do not answer with things they "want" to hear.

 

I wouldnt even bother preparing for it. The math and verbal are short questions and its all multiple choice. So its say a "which statement is proved true in this paragraph?" sort of thing. Same with the math.

The personality test is def something where you must be honest cause they try to catch you lying and there are some hard choices to make. Like rate which is most like you with 4 words that you want to say yes to all to.

 

So there definitely is a math section? Is it just simple mental arithmetic, or do I need to brush up my stats, trig, quadratic equations, etc.?

 

Strange... the interviewer told me that the math and verbal sections "are like GMAT". Is there any chance that I'll suddenly find myself taking a GMAT-like test?

 

Not unless they changed it...I definitely remember circles, triangles, and personality tests. Some math and verbal, but nothing remotely hard.

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If it's for the US, you have nothing to worry about. The only hard part is being able to sit still for 3 hours. It's not even conducted at Macquarie - they outsource it to some third party company.

 

thanks guys. I did the practice test, didnt seem too tough. I'm just hoping the personality questions truly reflect my personality, because some of the questions were weird.

 
thisguy1thanks guys. I did the practice test, didnt seem too tough. I'm just hoping the personality questions truly reflect my personality, because some of the questions were weird.

Are the tests taken at an assessment center OR they send a link? Are you applying to UK or US?

 
Best Response

i did it, and the MD said I passed, however I did not see the results.

The reading is easy, just read it while making sure you are trying to pay attention, because the time is very constrained and you will not be able to search for the answer (nor will you really have to).

I thought the math was harder. I think there was 15 ?s, and i spent too much time converting $/Euro to Yen/Euro or some shit...and ended up guessing on the last 5.

The personality test is the same questions over and over, which is weirder than it sounds. Just focus on being consistent.

For example I was literally given this:

Would you sell to your own family? Y/N

If you had to could you sell to your own family even if you did not believe in the product? Y/N

How likely would be to sell to your own family? Likly---->Not likely.

Your family hates salespeople...would you sell to them?

Do you hate salespeople?

Do you think salespeople are scum?

What would you tell your family if you were in sales and they hated them? (various options)

Many people have a negative stereotype against salespeople. Do you think it is deserved?

Who would you be okay selling to: A) Interested people B)interested + some sourcing C)anyone -- even your own family

Yea...expect something like that, X 300 or so questions. It was wack. This was for ER.

 

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