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Bank of America·Software Engineer·Online Assessment (OA)·Intermediate

IntermediateRejected
Jul 2026

Summary

Took a Criteria cognitive assessment for a role I felt genuinely qualified for, got rejected because I didn't meet the minimum threshold, and now I'm questioning everything. The recruiter told me to just guess if I don't know the answer, which honestly raised more questions than it answered.

Questions Asked (2)

Q1

Math and numerical reasoning problems requiring calculation under time pressure.

Algorithms & Data Structures
Author's notes

I finished 44 of 50 questions and felt pretty good about most of them.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

First, clarify the problem and constraints to ensure you understand what is being asked. Then, quickly outline a solution strategy, focusing on efficiency and correctness, and perform calculations carefully while managing time. If stuck, consider edge cases and simple examples to guide your reasoning.

Pro tip: In banking, numerical accuracy is critical; double-check your calculations and state your assumptions clearly. Also, practice mental math and common algorithms to improve speed under pressure.

1. Understand the Problem

Restate the problem in your own words and ask clarifying questions to confirm requirements and constraints.

2. Plan Your Approach

Choose an algorithm or method that balances efficiency and simplicity, considering time and space complexity.

3. Execute Calculations

Perform the necessary calculations step by step, keeping track of units and intermediate results.

4. Verify and Sanity Check

Review your answer for reasonableness, check edge cases, and ensure no arithmetic errors were made.

5. Communicate Clearly

Explain your reasoning and final answer concisely, highlighting key steps and assumptions.

Key Points to Mention

  • Time complexity analysis of the chosen algorithm
  • Edge cases and how they are handled
  • Assumptions made and their impact on the solution
  • Accuracy and precision in calculations
  • Relevance to banking or financial applications
  • Clear and concise communication of the solution

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.

Q2

Pattern recognition questions as part of a timed cognitive aptitude assessment.

Adaptability & Ambiguity
Author's notes

Nothing felt hard.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Treat the pattern recognition section as a timed game: work quickly, skip questions that stall you, and return to them only if time remains. Practice common patterns (number sequences, shape rotations, matrix logic) under strict time limits to build speed and accuracy. Remember that this assesses cognitive agility and adaptability, not deep reasoning—so prioritize answering as many as possible correctly.

Pro tip: In timed cognitive tests, accuracy on easier questions matters more than struggling with hard ones; flag and move on, then revisit if time permits. Also, get familiar with the test platform beforehand to avoid wasting time on navigation.

1. Understand the test format

Before starting, know the number of questions, time limit, and question types (e.g., sequences, analogies, matrices). This helps you pace yourself and avoid surprises.

2. Scan and triage

Quickly scan each question and identify the pattern type. If the answer isn't obvious within a few seconds, mark it and move on to easier questions first.

3. Apply common pattern strategies

For number sequences, check differences, ratios, or alternating patterns. For shapes, look at rotation, reflection, or progression. For matrices, examine rows and columns for consistent rules.

4. Manage time aggressively

Allocate roughly equal time per question, but be willing to guess on time-consuming ones. Keep an eye on the clock and ensure you answer all questions, as there's no penalty for wrong answers.

5. Review and refine

If time remains, revisit flagged questions. Double-check answers for careless mistakes, but don't second-guess correct intuitions.

Key Points to Mention

  • Practice with online cognitive aptitude tests to familiarize yourself with common patterns and time pressure.
  • Use a process of elimination to narrow down options quickly, especially when the pattern is unclear.
  • Stay calm and focused; anxiety can slow you down and lead to errors.
  • Prioritize accuracy on straightforward questions to maximize your overall score.
  • Leverage any test-taking strategies like skipping and returning to difficult questions.
  • Remember that this section assesses adaptability and quick thinking, which are valued in software engineering roles.

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.