Macquarie vs Goldman Sachs Assessment: Which Is Harder?
Macquarie and Goldman Sachs both filter graduates through timed online assessments, but they test different things: Macquarie leans on a broad psychometric battery — numerical, verbal, logical, abstract, personality, and situational judgement — while Goldman Sachs centers on HireVue video interviews plus technical assessments with math and coding elements. Neither is objectively harder; they are hard in different ways, and preparing for one does not fully prepare you for the other.
How the Macquarie Assessment Differs From Goldman Sachs
Macquarie's process is test-heavy up front: a multi-module psychometric battery where speed across diverse question types decides who advances. Goldman Sachs front-loads the HireVue recorded video interview — motivational and behavioral questions on camera — followed by technical assessments that can include math puzzles and, for engineering roles, coding challenges. Macquarie asks "how fast can you think across formats?"; Goldman asks "how well do you present, and can you handle the technical bar?"
Which Assessment Is Harder?
It depends on your profile. Strong quant candidates often find Macquarie's numerical modules manageable but struggle with Goldman's on-camera performance pressure. Confident communicators may sail through HireVue yet get ambushed by Macquarie's Elements-style numerical sprint or abstract sequences. The honest answer: the harder test is whichever one you have not prepared for. Both eliminate the majority of applicants at the early stages.
How to Prepare When Applying to Both
Do not use one preparation plan for two different tests. For Macquarie, drill the full psychometric battery under strict timing — especially numerical speed and unfamiliar formats like long drop-down answers. For Goldman, rehearse recorded video answers until they sound natural and drill the technical question types for your division. Our 2027 Macquarie Online Psychometric Assessment Tutorials cover Macquarie's exact questions and answers across every module, so the Macquarie side of your applications is handled with format-specific preparation. Keep the two preps separate in your schedule — mixing them blurs the distinct skills each test rewards.
Applying to Both? Don't Confuse the Tests
The trap for dual applicants is assuming "bank tests are all the same" and walking into Macquarie's battery with Goldman-style video prep, or vice versa. For the 2027 intake, candidates applying to both firms need two playbooks, not one. The applicants who clear both processes are not twice as talented — they are twice as prepared, with preparation matched to each firm's actual format. Know which test you are sitting before you sit it.
Macquarie vs Goldman Sachs Assessment FAQs
Is the Macquarie assessment harder than Goldman Sachs? They test different skills — Macquarie emphasizes broad timed psychometrics, Goldman emphasizes video interviews and technical assessments.
Can I use the same preparation for both? Partially — general timed practice helps everywhere, but each firm's specific formats need dedicated preparation.
Which has a higher rejection rate at the test stage? Both filter heavily early on; neither publishes official pass rates.
Should I apply to both Macquarie and Goldman Sachs? Yes, if both fit your interests — but prepare for each assessment format separately.
Preparing for Macquarie's assessment process? Our 2027 Macquarie Online Psychometric Assessment Tutorials has the exact questions and answers — $79 one-time, instant download.
