How to practice consulting cases on your own
Practicing consulting cases on your own means simulating a case interview by yourself: reading a prompt, structuring the problem with an issue tree, performing calculations on paper, and closing with a recommendation. It’s a key step because it helps you build fluency in both structure and math before practicing with peers or coaches.
While it doesn't replace group practice, it's the best way to start confidently and identify your weaknesses without external pressure.
1. Why practice cases alone?
Practicing on your own allows you to build a solid foundation. By solving a case by yourself:
- Review frameworks and issue trees.
- Begin to structure complex problems.
- Practice mental math without a calculator.
- Practice your verbal communication.
- Identify gaps and correct them at your own pace.
Many advanced candidates dedicate at least one hour daily to solving cases or designing issue trees. This practice builds your confidence, improves your skills, and sets the stage for peers and coaches' sessions to be much more valuable.
2. How to start your solo practice?
2.1 Choose good cases
Not all cases are created equal. Start with readily available cases that include the prompt, data, and solution. For example, at NextEp MBB, we have:
- Crack the Frameworks: How to build issue trees and adapt frameworks to different problems.
- Crack the Case: Complete cases with detailed solutions.
2.2 Replicate the interview setting
To make the practice realistic:
- Time: Around 30 to 45 minutes.
- Process: Prepare a sheet with the template you always use to solve cases, review the problem, formulate hypotheses, build your issue tree, perform calculations, and conclude with a recommendation.
- Review: Record your session or keep a case log to track and identify patterns in your mistakes.
2.3 Develop specific issue trees
Not everything has to be a full case. Dedicate time to:
- Frameworks: Build issue trees for different problems.
- Market sizing: Quick estimations of demand or population.
- Closings: 1–2 minute recommendations that are concise and top-down.
We highly recommend using this practice to train and internalize the practical advice we share in our FlashTips. If you are interested, you can register below:
3. Limitations of individual practice
Practicing alone has many benefits, but also some limitations:
- You don't receive immediate feedback.
- It's easy to accept your answer without questioning it.
- It becomes difficult to stay motivated.
- Communication skills aren't fully developed if no one interrupts or asks questions.
Therefore, individual practice should be the first step and a constant exercise, but always complemented with sessions with peers or coaching.
4. Common mistakes when practicing alone
- Memorizing frameworks instead of building tailored issue trees.
- Practice without the pressure of time constraints.
- Relying on calculators and neglecting mental calculation.
- Not recording progress or reviewing errors.
- Always solving the same type of case.
- Not sufficiently challenging your answers.
5. Mini-FAQ
How many cases should I practice on my own?
Practicing between 10 and 20 well-prepared cases is sufficient to build a solid foundation before practicing with others.
How much time should I dedicate to each practice case?
A complete case should take 30–45 minutes plus 10–15 minutes for review.
Is practicing alone enough to succeed in interviews?
No. It's a very helpful first step, but you need to supplement it with paired practice or coaches to receive real feedback.
When should you stop practicing alone?
Start combining practice with others when you can confidently open, structure, and close cases on your own.
How do I practice communication on my own?
Speak out loud, record your session, and review whether your explanation is clear and top-down.
What resources do you recommend for practicing alone?
Specific books that teach you how to framework cases and practice them.
6. Resources and next steps
Practicing alone gives you structure. But to reach real interview level, you need materials that teach you how top firms think and force you to apply method under pressure.
- NextEp MBB Resource Section: Guides, templates, and downloadable materials to enhance your preparation, track your progress, and practice effectively.
- Book – Crack the Case Interview: 20 business cases designed to replicate real consulting interviews. Includes charts, tables, detailed solutions, and explanatory notes to help you learn to think and communicate as you would in the interviews.
- Book – Crack the Frameworks: The most practical guide to mastering frameworks and issue trees. Learn how to structure any problem from scratch, with guided exercises and examples applied to the most common industries in interviews.
Follow our guide to continue preparing for your consulting interviews.