GMAT is the key to open doors to many business schools

The GMAT exam is the first step towards achieving your dream career! As the gold standard for admission to the world’s top ranked business and management programs, the GMAT exam will help turn your life’s passion into profitable and successful career.

Today the GMAT exam is the most widely used test for graduate management admissions and the most reliable predictor of academic success in graduate business and management studies. The exam measures your verbal, quantitative, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The GMAT exam is the key to quality MBA programs that attract the best candidates and bring the best professional opportunities in the future.

More than 5, 400 graduate-level business and management programs around the world use the GMAT exam to help identify students who can succeed in their programs. Rather that testing your knowledge of business or any other subject matter, the GMAT exam measures higher-order reasoning skills – skills that matter in management environment and global workplace. You will need basic knowledge of geometry, algebra, statistics, and the English language to demonstrate different types of reasoning skills.

1. Analytical Writing Assessment measures your ability to evaluate the reasoning behind an argument and convey your position in writing.
2. Integrated Reasoning section measures your ability to synthesize and analyze data from multiple sources and different formats to solve complex problems.
3. Quantitative section measures your ability to solve quantitative problems, interpret graphic data, and know what data you need to solve a problem.
4. Verbal section measures your ability to read and analyze text, reason and evaluate arguments, and convey ideas effectively in English.

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GMAT Section # of Questions Time Score Scale
Analytical Writing Assessment 1 essay 30 min 0 – 6, in 0.5 intervals
Integrated Reasoning 12 questions 30 min 1 – 8, in single digit intervals
Quantitative 37 questions 75 min 0 – 60, in single digit intervals
Verbal 41 questions 75 min 0 – 60, in single digit intervals
Total score is based on performance on the Quantitative and Verbal sections, reported on a 200 – 800 scale.

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Take the GMAT exam seriously, start preparing in advance, as you already know – a good GMAT score is the best way to get the world’s top business schools to notice You!

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Best strategies for attending an MBA fair

February is a busy time for MBA candidates. You may be still trying to put together applications for September, or are beginning to explore your options for the following academic year. The best way to meet different business schools in one day is to visit an MBA Fair. For the past couple of weeks, cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Boston, and New York hosted multiple events: QS World Grad Grad Tour and MBA conferences organized by QS and The MBA Tour.

If you haven’t had a chance to join MBA fairs in your city this time, we would like to share some tips on how to make the most of your time at the next MBA event you’ll be attending.

Do your homework

Create a list of programs you believe will suit your individual goals, abilities and circumstances. Check the list of the schools that are coming to the fair, visit their websites and at least read some information on their home pages and in program guides. Showing that you know a bit, or a lot, about a specific school indicates that you’re serious about doing your MBA.

Ask the right questions

At the fair, focus on the schools you already know are likely to be a good match, and come prepared with a list of questions to ask, such as teaching style, mix of students, academics, areas of specialization, future career options and the cost of living. Do not ask questions, answers to which could be easily found on the business school’s website. Be interesting, ask challenging and creative questions.

Make a good impression

You won’t have much time with each prospective school, so you’ll want to make the most of it. Take a few moments to introduce yourself and be memorable. Tell the Admissions representative about your background, career goals and how you’ll be able to contribute to your future MBA class. In addition to an engaging and a meaningful conversation, you’ll want to make an impression by establishing great eye contact, having a firm handshake, and telling a memorable story. Bring a hard copy of your resume and don’t forget to exchange business cards!

Make connections

An increasing number of schools now bring alumni to fairs alongside their admissions personnel. Probe them for insights about the pros and cons of their MBA experience. Attend different seminars and panels, ask the right questions, talk to business school representatives and alumni to get more useful and unique information.

Dress for success

While it’s certainly not mandatory to wear a black suit, remember this is your first opportunity to make a good impression. It only makes sense to look and act in a professional manner.

Impress the business schools by knowing the GMAT

At the fair, talk to representatives from Admit Master to get more insights into the strategies for acing the GMAT and for preparing an application that will help you stand out. Come to a free GMAT class before going to the fair, or better yet, begin preparing for the GMAT by joining the GMAT Mastery program designed for 700+ scores.

Not only will you get a head start on the admissions process compared to other applicants, but you’ll also show to the business schools that you’re taking this process very seriously.

Can’t visit us at the fair or can’t wait to get tips on how to ace the GMAT? Sign up for a Free 1 on 1 Consultation with one of our expert GMAT & MBA Application Advisers.

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Pursuing an international MBA – Get out there and stretch your limits!

Now that the MBA Fair season has started, business school representatives from the world over will come to your home town. Are they worth attending?

An MBA education will not only give you arguably the most expensive three letters to attach to your name, but will also provide you with an opportunity to push the limits to where you can take your career. The technical and soft skills you will develop throughout the program will help you advance your career as well as improve you as a person.

Get out of your comfort zone

One common phrase you will hear over and over again throughout your MBA is to stretch yourself out of your comfort zone. Due to the heavy course load and all the extracurricular activities you may want to participate in (such as volunteering your time in student clubs, case competitions, study tours and endless projects), you’ll become comfortable being uncomfortable!

You’ll constantly be challenged by your professors, by your peers, and by your colleagues during your internship, and you’ll be amazed to see how well you transform into a whole new person.

Choose wisely

To get the maximum return on your investment of time, money and energy, consider your options wisely. While pursuing an MBA in your home town is a very attractive option and surely has many benefits, attending an international MBA program at a reputable, well ranked institution will provide you with the truly global experience and will help you develop new skills by stretching the boundaries of your comfort zone even further.

One argument for local MBAs would be the professional network they will provide you within your own city. However, if you are a competitive candidate, this should be the least of your concerns. All top-tier MBA programs have alumni all over the world. Most established universities have been around for a long time and offer very large alumni networks of tens of thousands of graduates

Want to go global?

If you crave international opportunities and decide to attend a local university, you could go on an exchange, join a study tour, or complete an international project. Most MBA programs in Canada and the U.S. offers such exciting opportunities. However, if you leave your comfort zone and live in a different country for a year or two (or longer if you decide to work in that country after graduation), you’ll gain a lot more international exposure and will not only take your career global, but will also meet new friends and develop a truly international personal and professional network!

Pursuing an MBA degree is a great investment and if you choose a business school with the right “fit” for your personal and career goals. Before diving head first into the application process, be sure to weigh all your pros and cons so that you maximize the return on your investment of time, money and energy.

The second round application deadlines are coming up soon. If you haven’t yet written your GMAT or began planning your MBA Applications, you still have time to get help and put your best foot forward.

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Pros and Cons of Applying to an MBA in Rounds 1, 2 & 3

Apply in Round 1 or Wait till Round 2?

This is the question that pops into the minds of many candidates.

In last week’s blog, we talked about the differences between round-based and rolling admissions, and shared some general advice: Apply as EARLY as you can with the BEST possible application.

However, you may have decided to pursue an MBA later in the application cycle. Or, it may have taken you longer than expected to get a competitive GMAT score.

Should you wait till next year, or should you apply as soon as you can, even if it means applying in later rounds?

This week, we look at the pros and cons of applying in each MBA application round.

Round 1 (early in the year for rolling-based admissions)

Pros: Business schools view early applicants as serious and well-prepared candidates. Statistically, your chance of getting admitted early in the application cycle is higher, because you’re only competing with applicants in that round.

Applying in the first round signals to the business school that it is your top choice; this gives you a better chance for an entrance scholarship. And, just in case you don’t get into your top school, applying early gives you an opportunity to apply to other schools in Round 2.

Cons: If your application is not the strongest, a business school may decide to place you on a wait list and wait to see what other applications arrive later that year. If you could submit a better application in Round 2, it may be worth waiting.

Round 2 (mid-year for rolling-based admissions)

Pros: If you need a few extra weeks (or months) to improve your GMAT, or if you’ve only recently began working with an MBA Admissions Consultant and need more time to prepare a stellar application, then applying in Round 2 may be the way to go.

Applying later may also give you a chance to attend the schools’ information sessions, to visit the campuses, and to better tailor your application to each school.

Cons: Round 2 is when most applications arrive. You’ll be competing with a greater number of candidates (including those from the first round), so the Admissions Committee may be less willing to give consideration to your less-than-perfect application.

Round 3 (late in the year for rolling-based admissions)

Pros: Most business schools will still have a few spots available for outstanding candidates. If you have an amazing background and a super strong application, even top business schools might still offer you admission in Round 3, rather than lose your application to competing schools.

If you’re applying to a second-tier school, it may have had a few spots opened up, because some of its accepted candidates decided to go to a different school. If you could present an interesting and unique application, you’d have a better chance of picking up the vacant spots late in the game.

Cons: The odds are not in your favor if you apply late. Most seats have already been filled. Most scholarships have been given out. If you’re applying to top-ranked schools, you may be better off waiting a few months and applying in Round 1 of the following application year.

Yes, this may mean waiting another year to start your MBA, but – remember, that once you get your MBA, you won’t get a second chance in doing another MBA. Waiting a year and studying at a school that’s a much better choice for your career may be worth it in the long run.

What about applying to multiple schools?

The general advice we share with candidates is to apply to all their desired schools around the same time. However, if you don’t have the time or resources to prepare all applications at once, consider splitting your school list into top choice and second choice schools, and apply to all of your top choice schools FIRST and in the same round.

(This should be obvious, but so many candidates do the exact opposite!)

Applying to schools with rolling admissions is even trickier, since if the AdCom considers your application very strong, it may make a decision very quickly and may give you a limited time to accept the offer and pay your deposit, especially if you’ve been offered an entrance scholarship.

Would you want to be under pressure to accept an offer from your second choice school before you have a chance to hear from your top school?

Navigating application deadlines is a bit like solving a jigsaw puzzle. You’ll need to look not only at “Application Deadlines”, but also at the “Decision Release Dates” published by b-schools with round-based admissions, and decide on your timelines well before applying.

We can help you figure out the best application strategy.

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MBA Application Rounds: What’s the best time to apply?

Perfect Timing! Apply at the “right” time, and your MBA admission is all smooth sailing. Apply at the “wrong” time, and you could get relegated to the wait list, or even worse, get rejected.

While much of this belief is an “urban legend”, and while “timing is NOT everything”, it certainly is important. Here’s what you need to know about MBA Application timelines.

Rounds-Based Admissions

Most U.S. and many International schools accept application in Rounds. This means that your entire application needs to be submitted by a certain deadline.

For example, the 2017 Round 1 deadline for Harvard Business School is September 7, 2016 at 12 noon EST. To be considered for Round 1, your essays, resume, transcripts, recommendation letters, and the official GMAT score report must all be received by the Admissions Office by the deadline. If at least one of the components of your application is missing, your application will be automatically moved to Round 2.

Round-based admissions also mean that your application will not be reviewed before the application deadline, so technically there is no benefit in applying earlier vs. later within the same round (of course, it’s always better to have a “buffer” in case of last minute delays – the last thing you want to do is submit your application at 11.59).

When you apply in a specific Round, you’re guaranteed to receive a decision by the published deadline. This is helpful if you’re applying to multiple schools and want to hear from them around the same time.

Rolling Admissions

Most Canadian and some International schools offer Rolling Admissions. This means that your application will be reviewed within a certain time (usually 4-6 weeks) after it is submitted, but could be evaluated much sooner if you’re applying during a “slower” season.

Many schools that operate on a rolling admissions basis still publish round deadlines, however these timelines are often recommendations, rather than strict deadlines. If you don’t submit your entire application package by the published deadline, you won’t need to wait until the next round to hear back from the school.

What is the common cause of application delays?

The most common “missing pieces” of MBA applications are GMAT scores and recommendation letters.

If you’re applying to a school with round-based admissions, you MUST have the entire application submitted by the deadline. If at least one piece is missing, you’ll be considered in the next round.

If you’re applying to a school with rolling admissions, your application will be reviewed when all pieces of the application are received by the admissions office. Some business schools will do pre-assessments and may get back to you even before receiving your GMAT score or the missing recommendation letter, but this will be up to the AdCom’s discretion and may depend on the strength of your application.

When should I apply?

We’ve asked this question to Admissions directors from many business schools, including Wharton, Berkeley Haas, Michigan Ross, Darden, Duke Fuqua, Schulich, Rotman and McGill, and always got the same answer: The EARLIER you submit your BEST application, the better.

Generally speaking, you have a better chance of getting in when you apply early. Fewer seats will already be taken. More scholarships will still be available. And, just in case you don’t get into your top choice school(s), you may still have a chance to apply to your backup schools later in the year.

If you’re ready to apply in Round 1, there is no reason to wait till Round 2 (more on this in our next blog). However, if your application is not yet strong – for example, if you need to rewrite your GMAT to get a better score, or if you’ve only recently began working with an MBA Admissions Consultant and want to give yourself enough time to prepare the best possible application – it would be best to apply in the next round, when you’ll have a much better application ready.

What if I don’t get in during Round 1, could I still reapply?

A simple answer is no. You will not be able to reapply in later rounds in the same application year, however you could apply the next year if your profile will change considerably, or if you could prepare a much better application package.

Put your best foot forward, the first time around. Plan ahead and apply early.

Next week… we’ll look at pros and cons of applying in each round, and will share tips on timing your application to multiple schools. Don’t miss it!

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10 Best GMAT Preparation Tips for 2018

The GMAT could easily be the most difficult test you’ll ever write. Questions are tricky. Timing is brutal. The exam gets progressively more difficult with every question you get right.

To score well, you need to be better than hundreds of thousands of candidates who took this test in the last 3 years. Knowing formulas and tricks is simply not enough to get a competitive score.

Preparing for the GMAT could certainly be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.

Follow the step-by-step guide in this week’s Top 10 GMAT Preparation Tips and you’ll be well ahead of other candidates who are still struggling to get started!

1. Refresh your Math theory

Learn all the theory. This is the most fundamental element of the GMAT. Many test takers are afraid of this, but remember that most of the theory is high school or earlier. So, if you learned it back then, you can learn it again.

Moreover, the theory is finite, which means that there is an end in sight. Believe it or not, it’s possible to learn all the GMAT Math theory within a couple of weeks.

As you learn the theory, be sure to not just read about the concepts, but also practice. Knowledge is power only when you can apply it!

If possible, attend a Free GMAT Math Refresher class in Toronto, you’ll get not only an excellent overview of Math fundamentals, but also will learn the GMAT prep strategies to help you achieve a 700+ score within a matter of weeks, not months.

2. Get reading!

The #1 mistake everybody makes on the test is mis-reading. On the GMAT, you’ll be expected to read long, confusing passages that are really boring!

Start reading complex passages and academic articles – this will help you get used to reading an analyzing difficult texts on unfamiliar topics – a skill that will go a long way on the test day!

3. Take a free practice test

After you’ve refreshed your basic Math theory, but before you started studying for the GMAT, take a free diagnostic test. This will help you understand your starting level and build a solid study plan to get you to your dream score.

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Didn’t score well on the diagnostic test?

Remember, diagnosis is not the same as prognosis. With the right time, effort and support, you can achieve your dream score – guaranteed. To do so, however you need a study plan.

4. Have a realistic study plan

Know where you’re starting from (your diagnostic score), where you want to be (your target score), and how much time you could spend studying each week. Build a study plan and be sure to run it by someone to see if it’s realistic.

If you write our practice test, we’ll help you with your study plan for free.

5. Follow your plan, adjust if necessary

A plan will only work if you stick to it. However, if you’ve overestimated your time commitment, or underestimated your abilities, your plan will need a review. Be sure to look at your plan at the end of each study week and adjust, if necessary.

Spend 10-15 minutes at the end of each week to record your progress and tweak your future plan. Remember to keep it real – be honest with yourself!

6. Don’t rely on memorization

If you’ve studied for a while and haven’t seen improvement, you may be focusing too much on memorizing concepts and question explanations. After all, this is what most of us did on college exams.

However, this strategy will not work on the GMAT. To master the test, you need to develop skills to take on this challenging exam, not simply memorize the steps to solve a problem.

Do you think you could learn how to swim by memorizing how to do it?

Learn new skills. Don’t simply memorize. If you decide to come to the Admit Master GMAT Mastery program, you will learn advanced skills we call “Thinking Like a CEO”. These skills will help you not only do well on the GMAT, but make better decisions in your everyday work and personal life.

7. Learn from your own mistakes

Many people are afraid of making mistakes, but mistakes are good when you study! They give you an opportunity to get outside of your comfort zone and learn better ways to approach problems.

8. Do online practice questions

You may have already been doing questions from GMAT books; however, there is no substitute for the computer-based practice. An online study platform not only will help you get used to doing questions on a computer, but also, most importantly, will keep track of your progress and will tell you what you need to focus on, helping you study more efficiently.

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9. Write 6-8 practice tests

Full-length, 4 hour GMAT practice tests will give you real insights into what you can expect on the test day. They will also help you chart your study progress and understand when you’re ready to face the real exam.

Once you learn GMAT strategies and methodologies (ideally by taking a professional GMAT course), be sure to schedule 6-8 practice tests once or twice a week before your test day, and don’t forget to allocate time to analyze your performance and learn from your own experiences.

Want to know what practice exams to take? Read our recent blog about this here.

10. Don’t forget the rest of the application!

It’s been said that GMAT may be the most important part of your MBA application. However, this is only partially true.

For most top business schools, a high GMAT score is a necessary, but not a sufficient condition to get in. The strength of your application will play a much more important role in the admission decision.

Many business school students will tell you the GMAT was the easy part. Do you have what it takes to get into a top MBA program (assuming you can do well on the GMAT)? Do you have realistic expectations? And are you not selling yourself short? We can help you answer all of these questions at a free 1-on-1 MBA Admission Consultation.

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10 Best MBA Application Tips for 2017

Applying to an MBA program is as exciting as it is often confusing!

  • How do I pick the right program?
  • When is the best time to apply?
  • How do I make my profile stand out among thousands of other applicants?

 

This week, we kick off the new 2017 MBA Application season with top 10 MBA Admissions tips.

1. Do the school research!

First of all, understand WHY you want to do the MBA and WHAT you want to get out of it. There are a lot of different criteria to consider: location, class composition, program type, program length, tuition, rankings, career opportunities, etc.

Write down your career goals and pick the schools that will help you get there. Be sure to visit MBA fairs and talk to as many school representatives as you can – you may have read some blogs and visited business schools’ websites, but there is no substitute for getting first hand comments from real people!

2. Get to know your dream schools better!

Once you create a short list of your target schools, do a more thorough research into the schools’ profiles to make sure you get the right fit: visit the campus, talk to current students, feel what it’s like to spend a day of the real MBA life on campus. You may have a very different feeling towards a school after visiting it, but you will definitely find your perfect fit!

Take your school selection seriously. After all, an MBA degree is a big investment of your money and time that has the potential to pay you back many times over and fulfill you personal and career dreams. Get the right support and the right resources, and you could take your career to the heights you never thought possible!

3. Get your GMAT or GRE done!

Some business schools will accept either the GMAT or the GRE. Some will require the GMAT only. If you haven’t taken any of these tests yet, choosing the GMAT (the Graduate Management Admission Test) will show the Admissions Committee that you’re serious about getting a Business Degree.

If you’re targeting one of top business schools in the United States, Canada or Europe, you will need an above-average GMAT score, ideally over 700. Since only 11% of test-takers get such a high score, take your preparation seriously and allocate enough time to prepare for this test!

Write a diagnostic test before you begin studying. Put together a realistic study plan. Sign up for a Free 1-on-1 Consultation with a 99%-ile GMAT trainer who will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses and develop a study strategy.

Take a GMAT course if it’s available in your city, or an online prep program if a live course is not feasible. Many other candidates applying for the same MBA spots do!

After all, the GMAT is not a test of intelligence or any subject matter. It’s a test of how well you can study and learn from your own mistakes. No matter how you did in high school or University, you can get a good GMAT score with the right strategies, the right focus, and the right training.

Look for a blog post next week with top 10 GMAT preparation tips!

4. It’s not only about the GMAT…

Nor it is only about your undergraduate GPA. Remember that an MBA is a professional degree, not simply an academic degree. While your academic achievements are important (and getting a low GMAT score and, to a lesser extent, low GPA could be a deal breaker), AdComs look for well-rounded individuals who can succeed not only in the program, but also in their future careers.

Be sure to take the entire application process as seriously as you’re taking your GMAT prep. Even if you plan to prepare the application on your own, get a professional opinion on the strength of your profile before you apply. Admit Master offers free MBA Admissions Consultations, sign up here.

5. Observe the deadlines!

Many top business schools accept applications in rounds. To be considered for a round, you must submit all documentation by the posted deadline (note: they can be different for different schools!)

Leave yourself plenty of time to get your application in order. Learn about financial aid application deadlines (they could be different). Keep in mind that recommendation letters as well as the GMAT prep may take longer to complete.

Look for a blog post in 2 weeks with important tips on the timing of MBA applications!

6. MBA Application Essays: tell a story!

The most successful applicants tell a compelling story. They don’t simply answer the essay questions; they develop a story that helps them stand out among thousands of applicants. You may have a very strong GPA, GMAT and work experience, but how are you different from everyone else who does?

Writing a personal story is often the hardest part of the application, which is so frequently overlooked. Hire an MBA Admissions coach if you need to – it will be a small expense relative to the benefits you’ll get from earning a degree from your dream business school!

Make sure to write targeted essays for each school you apply to. Avoid copying and pasting your essay answers from school A to school B. Business school admission committees will catch these errors right away and your reputation will be undermined. Proofread before submitting your essays.

The worst mistake you can make is to misspell the name of the school or to write about a different school in your essay – this will be a sure-fire way to get your application thrown out before the admissions officer even finishes reading it!

7. Not your typical resume!

The MBA Application resume is different from a typical work resume. Think of quality vs. quantity. Ditch the list of technical skills and focus more on your career progress and your leadership skills.

Whenever available, include specific figures (e.g. the number of employees you supervised, or the amount of sales growth your efforts yielded). Punch up the tone with a variety of verbs, rather than repeating the same, blanket action words. Highlight major certificates or awards, and remember to mention your community and volunteer involvement.

Finally, limit your resume to a single page. An easy task, right?

8. Pick the best recommenders!

Choose people who know you well and can speak about your character, work ethic, dedication, and commitment. Don’t go for titles – your immediate supervisor is often a much better reference than a CEO or a VP who only saw you a handful of times.

Be sure to give your recommenders plenty of time to write your recommendation letters. You don’t want to be chasing your managers or clients at the last minute.

In most cases, schools won’t allow personal friends or family members to write your recommendation letters, and won’t be interested in academic references, unless you’re applying for direct entry Master’s or Co-op MBA programs.

Your letters of recommendation are opportunities to present glowing, third-party endorsements. With proper planning, they’re a foolproof way to boost your application.

9. Ace the Admission Interview!

Some candidates take the MBA Admission interviews too lightly. Don’t!

If you were to invited for a job interview, are you guaranteed the job? Approach the business school interviews even more seriously than you were a job interview.

Do a thorough research into the school you are going to have an interview with. Be ready to answer behavioral questions and address any gaps in your profile.

Let the interviewer lead the session and set the tone, but don’t forget that an interview is a two-way exchange process. Tell your story. Ask compelling questions, answers to which can’t be easily found online.

Don’t miss your opportunity to shine! Once you’ve been invited to the interview, that one hour with the admissions officer may be the most important hour of your future career! It may mean the difference between getting rejected, being on a wait list, or getting in with a huge entrance scholarship!

Even if you haven’t used Admissions Consultants to help you with the entire application process, hiring a coach to help you prepare for the interview is usually an excellent idea!

10. Money can be found!

High MBA tuition fees can certainly be a turn-off for many applicants; however, if you have what it takes to get into a top business school, money can usually be found!

Remember that there are many sources of funding. Business schools have dedicated departments to help you figure out the sources of funding. Moreover, you have a lot of influence over your chances of getting a large entrance scholarship! Don’t let the fact that you don’t know where the funds will come from – yet – deter you from applying to world’s best business schools.

An MBA degree is an investment in yourself that takes careful planning. Follow these best practices and create a competitive MBA Application that will surely make it to the top of the pile! Make the right choices, and your career can be changed for the better forever.

Admit Master is one of North America’s leading MBA Admissions and GMAT prep companies headquartered in Toronto. Admit Master is known for its unique personalized approach, professional GMAT training, and expert MBA Admissions Consulting offered by a team of former Admission Directors from top business schools.

Sign up for a Free 1-on-1 Consultation and let us guide you to a successful admission to your dream business school!

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GMAT Mock Exams – When, Why, What and Where?

If you clicked through to this article, you’re already aware, by now, that you need to take multiple practice tests to get prepared for the test day. Keep reading if you’d like to know:

  • When should I take the GMAT practice tests?
  • Why should I take them?
  • What tests should I take?
  • Where should I take them?

GMAT mock tests are not created equal, so we’ll also be busting a couple of GMAT myths.

Your first GMAT Practice Test

When?

Before you begin studying. Yes, that’s right!

Why?

  • Understand your existing skills level and build a realistic study plan to reach your score goal.

Need more convincing?

GMAT exam is based on basic theory from high school and measures skills you have developed over a long period of time through education and work.

If you’re considering an MBA program, you must have graduated from high school, and you’ve likely developed at least some skills required for the GMAT!

Taking a test before you delve into the preparation will help you assess your existing skills and save time in the long run.

What test should I take?

Before we answer this question, let’s bust the first GMAT myth:

GMAT Myth #1: The Official GMAT Practice Tests are the best out there, therefore I should only take these tests.

Fact: It is true that the Official GMAT Practice Tests resemble the real test most closely. However, there are 2 big downsides to taking the “official” tests early in your studies:

  1. The Official GMAT Tests don’t include question explanations. Wouldn’t you want to know how you did and what to improve? Unlike many simulated tests, the Official Tests provide very limited analytics.
  2. There are only 2 free Official GMAT Tests. While 4 more tests could be purchased for approximately US$100, the Official Tests are best taken when you’ve already studied extensively and are getting close to your test day. They’re good for simulating the real test environment, but they’re not very helpful for studying.

Most simulated tests developed by reputable test prep companies include detailed analytics that help you understand what areas specifically you need to improve. Moreover, these tests let you review and read an explanation for each question you’ve seen on the test.

AdmitMasterOnlineAnalytics

When you’re only beginning to study, taking a simulated GMAT test with analytics and explanations is a much better idea.

Where should I take the first “diagnostic” GMAT test?

Wherever a reputable simulated test is offered (not the “Official GMAT Test”, you already know why)!

Admit Master offers monthly GMAT mock tests based on the industry leading software. Not only will you get an accurate assessment of your score, but also – exclusive to Admit Master – you’ll be able to access your full exam results from home, including a report of your strengths & weaknesses and all question explanations!

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Your second (third, fourth, etc.) GMAT Practice Tests

When?

After you’ve learned strategies to tackle every type of GMAT questions.

Why?

  • Evaluate your study progress
  • Get used to the adaptive test algorithm
  • Assess your strengths and weaknesses at the new score level
  • Train for the rigor of the test day
  • Understand when you’re ready to face the real test

As you could see, you will take your second (and third, and fourth, etc.) tests for very different reasons than your first test. However, simply taking multiple tests is not enough – with every test you should be analyzing your performance and learning from your own mistakes.

What tests should I take?

As you continue studying, you should still focus on “unofficial” tests that provide good analytics and question explanations – after all, your main goal is to learn from your mistakes, and you need a report to see your mistakes!

As you’re starting to reach practice test scores closer to your “target score”, take both “Official GMAT Practice Tests” to get used to the exact software interface that will be used on the real test.

Where should I take these tests?

Most prep companies offer a pack of simulated tests when you take an online or a classroom program. Admit Master’s GMAT Mastery or GMAT Online students receive 9 simulated online tests included with each prep course.

If you’re studying on your own, you could get a pack of 5 simulated tests for only $39.99 here.

Bonus: How many tests should I take?

Practice GMAT tests will not only help you prepare for the test day, but also will help you understand when you’re ready to face the real test. Statistically, your real test score will be within +/- 50 points of the average of your last 3 practice test scores.

While an average student will take 6-8 tests, you could end up taking fewer (or more) tests depending on your own progress. This is why you need to have access to 6-8 (or more) different practice tests.

GMAT Myth #2: Each practice test could be taken multiple times, so there is really no limit to how many tests I could take. One test prep center in Toronto even goes as far as to claim to offer “unlimited free mock GMAT exams”.

Fact: Each practice test has a pre-selected pool of questions. If you take the same test the second time, you’ll see many of the same questions. This will not only skew your results, but also is counterproductive! Take each test only once.

Ready to take your first test?

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Been studying for a while and need more practice tests?

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Have more questions or need help with anything else?

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Want to get a 700+ (90%+) score on the GMAT? Here’s how

Canada’s best GMAT trainers share tips on acing the GMAT… and enjoying the challenge!

Have you ever taken on a new challenge? How did you overcome it? Did you simply read a book about it, or did you follow any training program to help you succeed?

Many beginner students approach the GMAT as if it were a “traditional” content-based exam. They read 10-12 books, or maybe even attend a 100-200 hour “cramming” course that requires them to memorize lots and lots of content.

Bad idea!

This strategy may have worked in college, but it will not work on a standardized test such as the GMAT.

The GMAT measures advanced reasoning skills, rather than knowledge of any specific subject matter. There’s not much to memorize – instead, you need to learn how to answer dozens of progressively harder questions quickly and accurately. This requires a new approach – an approach we call “Thinking Like a CEO”.

Help me! How should I study?

Because the GMAT is a skills-based rather than a content-based exam, if you want to do well on the test, you need to train for it as, if you were to train for a marathon or for another sports challenge!

Follow these tips, based on our experience training hundreds of students for 700+ GMAT scores, to make your test preparation efficient – and enjoyable!

    1. Learn the rules of the game. On the GMAT, this is Math and English Grammar theory from high school. It may have been a while since you’ve learned it, but you did it before – and you can certainly do it again! Moreover, the theory tested on the GMAT is finite, meaning there is end in sight. Learn 100% of it!
    2. Learn how to play the game. Learning all of the rules of soccer will not – yet – make you a good soccer player. You need to learn the strategies for winning a game. You could try to figure out the strategies on your own, but this approach may easily become the case of “not knowing what you don’t know”. Training in a small class environment for 6-8 hours/week and doing lots of exercises between classes will let you master the best strategies and achieve a GMAT score well above your expectations!
    3. Get coaching, keep practicing. Even if you attend the best GMAT course in the world, you can’t get good results if you don’t continue practicing on your own. To study more efficiently, get a coach who will help you overcome your weaknesses and make learning more enjoyable.Each student in the GMAT Mastery program gets a coach, but even the best coach cannot be with you 100% of the time. When you attend the program, you will learn how to coach yourself – a useful skill you could apply to any area of your life!

Avoid expensive mistakes

If you’re only beginning to study for the GMAT, you may be tempted to memorize lots of content or cram – after all, this is what we all did in college or university (OK, maybe you were an exception – but I sure did!). Doing so on the GMAT will not only lead to poor results, but will cause you much frustration and may even discourage you from pursuing an MBA degree!

Avoid expensive mistakes that could jeopardize your chances of admission to your dream business schools. Accept GMAT as a challenge to overcome, train for it properly, and not only will you get great results, but you will also enjoy the process!

Want to learn more?

Sign up for a Free 3-hour GMAT Class and get a lowdown on the strategies that could help you reach a 700+ score in a matter of weeks.

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Can’t attend the class?

Sign up for your Free 1-on-1 Consultation with a 99%-ile GMAT trainer and get personalized feedback on building a successful GMAT study plan.

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Admissions Interviews – Deal breakers?

After the GMAT, the admissions interview is definitely the most stressful part of an MBA Application. You will be meeting with an admissions officer who will present your application to the admissions committee. You want to make the right impression and get him or her on your side.

From the day you received your interview invitation, to the minute you meet with the admissions officer, you practice and practice and practice. You’ve built your confidence; you’ve rehearsed compelling answers to behavioral questions, and you’ve prepared a few questions of your own.

On the day of the interview, you think you did well. You believe that you’ve impressed the admissions officer and you enjoyed the conversation yourself. You had an opportunity to share your talking points, you got to know the school even better, you thanked your interviewer for his or her time and you followed up with a thank you note.

The next one or two weeks seem to be the longest weeks of your life. Finally, you hear back from the school and – unfortunately – you didn’t get in. What could have gone wrong?

You review again all the reasons why the school should admit you:

  • You have 4 years of solid work experience at a large organization.
  • Your GPA meets the minimum requirement.
  • Your GMAT score is good.
  • You are sure your references said great things about you.
  • You know you nailed the interview!?

 

Well, maybe you didn’t…

Just like with job applications, once you get invited to an interview, you are not – yet – guaranteed a spot. Remember that there are many other candidates vying for a limited number of seats in the program.

If you got invited to an interview but didn’t get in, then most likely your interview did not go that well. If this is the case, we strongly encourage you to get feedback from the school, if at all possible.

Following that, you should take an objective look at your candidacy and re-evaluate your interview performance. If you’ve used an admissions consultant, ask him or her for a review. If you didn’t, it may be a good idea to work with one for your next application.

There may be a few reasons for “failing” an interview.

You thought it would be very easy so you didn’t feel the need to prepare. The admissions officers take the time to read your application documents and meet with you. You need to take the interview seriously and prepare well.

You didn’t make a good first impression. This is often the hardest part; it is said that hiring managers form an opinion about a candidate within the first minute or two; the same applies to admissions officers. You’re being evaluated from the first handshake, to how you sit down and introduced yourself. When you set the tone right, the interview flows well.

Making the best entrance is important but certainly not enough! Of course, you need to maintain your positive attitude throughout the interview. Your personal story will play a large role in creating a long lasting impression. If you can’t tell a compelling personal story that will captivate your audience, you should definitely seek professional help in improving your interview skills.

Your answers were too rehearsed – you told the interviewer exactly what you thought he or she wanted to hear, but you lacked authenticity. Being authentic is key to “nailing” any interview. You’ve got to be yourself, not who you think the school is looking for.

Feel free to connect with student ambassadors and alumni to learn more about what the school is looking for in candidates, but don’t try to reshape who you are and sell yourself like a “package” to the admissions committee. If you’ve done your research and you believe there is a good fit with the school’s culture, you should certainly be able to demonstrate your good “fit” while being genuine and authentic.

Is the interview just a formality?

Many candidates believe that an MBA Admissions interview is just a formality. The truth is, if you get invited for an interview, you’re only half way there and you still need to ace the second half of the application process!

If you tell a compelling story, show the right attitude, and develop a good connection with your interviewer, you can considerably increase your chances of admissions and be considered for a scholarship as a bonus! Give your admissions officer a reason to vouch for you in front of the admissions committee!

Even if you’ve already submitted your application, consider getting professional help with your interview prep, ideally from a former Admissions Director who interviewed hundreds of candidates. Admit Master offers interview prep packages that start from only $499 Canadian.

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