Prep guide
IMC NeurOlympics Practice Test: Game Based Cognitive Screening Guide
Game based cognitive assessment used in first round IMC screening. This page explains what exactly to expect, what each game consists of and what they are looking for when you play it, honest advice from actual quants that have passed this test, and of course unlimited practice for you to try it yourself before you have to do it for real.
Use it alongside other online assessment practice for quant and trading interview prep.
Independent practice guidance. QuantKing is not affiliated with IMC or BrainsFirst.
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What is the IMC NeurOlympics assessment?
What is it
The IMC NeurOlympics is a game based cognitive assessment used in early stage screening for trading roles. Candidates are tested on reaction time, accuracy, decision making, and adaptability through a series of short interactive games.
At the end of NeurOlympics you will get a small digital booklet showing your spider diagram of characteristics they tested throughout the games, such as reaction time, memory, thinking ahead, and so on. The NeurOlympics is used in all their applications as the initial round and it is designed to cull the majority of applicants, which is why it is important you practice here.
How it works
The NeurOlympics involves four distinct games, each different in mechanism and what they are testing for, although the last two are very similar.
Each game rewards a different behaviour. Some prioritise accuracy, while others reward speed or strategic decision making. Raw tempo rarely wins on its own: before you settle into rhythm, infer what each round is actually rewarding.
Round by round advice
- Game 1: This is a memory game. There are different types of rounds you will encounter, including icons flashing up one at a time where you must remember which icons flashed. There is another round with distractor icons you do not need to remember the position of, and a round with arrows where you remember which direction they were facing after they flash once and flash a second time, with one arrow being in the wrong direction.
- Game 2: There are six tubes. Whenever a ball of any colour shows up in the furthest left or the furthest right tube, use your diagonal cannons right away and do not hesitate on those outer lanes. As play moves toward the middle tubes, slow your diagonal cannon responses and be more deliberate.
- Games 3 and 4: These are both reaction time games. Focus on the middle of the screen, do them in a quiet room, do some light exercise beforehand, and take caffeine to boost reaction time.
How to prepare
Preparation for game based assessments is often overlooked, but it can make a significant difference. The goal is to reduce unfamiliarity and improve your consistency across different task types.
Honest advice
This assessment is not recorded like a technical interview, but it can still decide whether your application moves forward. Game style screenings are often used to filter candidates early for IMC summer internships and graduate roles.
If you are applying for quant roles, you are already putting in serious work. Do not lose out because of unfamiliar reaction time games or avoidable mistakes. Practice first so you do not waste strong applications on something you could have prepared for.
Your state of mind matters. Take the assessment when you are alert, focused, and free of distractions. Two of the games lean heavily on reaction time, so being tired or mentally flat can hurt your performance.
Some candidates prefer taking caffeine beforehand if they already tolerate it well. Train how you want to perform on the day.