I applied as a west coast APD candidate - I have not finished my PhD, but have progressed far enough to be considered at the Associate level. This was a big differentiating factor for me in terms of McKinsey versus other firms. After campus info session in the fall, applied in early January 2011 via their website. Received a notice a week or two later that I would be invited for round 1 PST. Flew into SFO for the day, at their downtown office. Test was grueling and difficult - much more so than the online practice. However, I apparently did well enough to move on, which I found out the next day. Between round 1 and 2, you are assigned McKinsey buddy, who you met during group practice cases in round 1. Mine was helpful in terms of answering my questions, but I did not receive as much constructive feedback as I had hoped - according to my buddy, there wasn't much for me to work on. He seemed confident in me, which was a very nice boost. Round 2 was in Silicon Valley. Three 1:1 interviews, one just case, the other two part experience (PEI) part case. I made two fairly obvious math mistakes in my first case, and was very down on myself afterwards. Managed to struggle through. They will get back to you within 10 days - I got a call on the 9th day. Much to my surprise, I was told that I had done a great job, and was moving on to the final round. Also to my surprise, I was placed in the Manhattan - NYC office. Again, they gave feedback after the round, and again mine was very sparse. I was told that I did a great job of connecting with the interviewers, had great analytical insight, all good stuff. I was told to work on structuring more, with the caveat that everybody gets that piece of feedback. They all loved me, were very high on me, thought I had it in the bag. This was all music to my ears. Then came the final round. I must say, the experience with the NYC office was literally the opposite of what I had gotten in prior rounds. Interviews were now with partners and above, whereas round 2 had been associates and engagement managers. The partners were stiff and mechanical - much harder nuts to crack. All three interviews were part experience, part case. First two cases were a little rough - some good points, some bad, but nothing amazing or crushing. My final interview was with Rodney Zemmel - big big big dog at NYC office, runs the New England recruiting, and is very high in their life sci division. Long story short, I felt this was by far my best interview of all. Afterwards, I asked him for feedback, and he said I nailed the case, reached levels of insight he rarely sees in APD candidates, and the only concern he had was how my personality would mesh with clients, which he said wasn't a huge concern. So, I left NYC thinking I had it in the bag. Final round was on Friday, they said I would hear by Monday. Most restless days I've had in a long time, as each minute without a call only heightened the suspense. Monday passes, no call. Tuesday passes, no call. Finally, I email on Wednesday and ask if my timeline has been revised. Hear back that Rodney was supposed to reach out to me personally, and she would check. Get a call an hour and a half later, from Rodney. He's sorry to inform me that he has bad news for me - no offer. Ask for feedback, and he said, "This will really frustrate you, I'm sure, but we don't really have any pointed feedback for you. Everybody thought you were solid across the board - there aren't any real weaknesses we want to see you improve upon. We just didn't feel you were quite what we were looking for." So, there you go. Frustrating and nerve-wrecking end to what was otherwise a great experience. Good luck to everyone who applies.