Most Common GMAT Traps (Avoid them at all costs)

Have you ever done a GMAT question and were confident you did everything correctly, only to discover – to your huge surprise – that you got that question wrong?

If you have, you’re not alone! Almost everyone falls into GMAT traps sooner or later, so learning these traps will definitely help you avoid them! Moreover, knowing the silly mistakes that other people are making can often lead you directly to the right answer without doing too much work!

While there are too many traps to list in this short blog, here are the most common ones – among the dozens of traps that we teach in our GMAT Express self-prep program or the GMAT Mastery instructor-guided course:

Arithmetic Traps

How many numbers are there between 10 and 20, inclusive?…

Are you trying to decide whether there are 9, 10, or 11 such numbers? If you are, think again! There is an infinite number of numbers between 10 and 20. We mostly use whole numbers in our everyday lives, and the GMAT can’t wait to take advantage of our common habits! Unless the GMAT tells you that the number is an integer, it doesn’t have to be!

Speaking about habits, you may have experienced, by now, that sometimes our bad habits drag us down. The key to success on the GMAT will be learning good strategies upfront, and then practicing them until they become good habits.

When you shop around for a GMAT prep course, be sure to choose a course that not only teaches you good strategies, but also includes personalized coaching from an experienced instructor who will help you break old habits and replace them with new, good habits. An Admit Master GMAT Mastery course includes 60+ hours of live classes and 3 hours of private tutoring, giving you a superior personalized experience from start to finish.

Algebra Traps

If x/y>2, is x>2y?…

Most people will say yes, of course, but the answer is: we don’t know. What if y were negative? If we multiply both sides of the inequality by a negative number, we need to flip the sign.

Because y is a variable, it could be both positive and negative. Depending on the sign of y, we may or may not need to flip the sign in the inequality. Hence, we actually don’t know whether x>2y or x<2y. This rule will be super useful when you’re dealing with Data Sufficiency inequality questions, so make sure you’re super comfortable with it!

Geometry Traps

If the distance from A to B is 25, and B to C is 15, what is the distance from A to C?…

If you don’t draw a picture, it’s so easy to fall into this trap and think that the answer is 40. How do we know that C is not between A and B? Or, maybe, these 3 points are not even on the same straight line?

Always draw a picture on a Geometry question, even if one is shown to you. Almost always you need to do something with the picture, so having your own copy is super helpful! Moreover, the GMAT will often manipulate the picture and draw it “not to scale” to mislead you. Redrawing the shape will help you avoid visual traps in Geometry.

Sentence Correction Traps

Why would a dog’s tail be between its legs when it’s raining outside?

Do you know how to correctly use ‘s? Do you also know that its use in pronouns is different than in nouns? Paying attention to such details is going to be very important on the GMAT.

In fact, did you know that the most common skill tested on the GMAT Sentence Correction is attention to detail? How do you develop this attention to detail? By knowing what detail to pay attention to! In our GMAT Mastery and GMAT Express programs, you will learn exactly what to look for in each Sentence Correction question, so that you can master this skill with ease!

Critical Reasoning Traps

The Earth is flat. Therefore, one can fall off the Earth by walking far enough.

Could we weaken this argument by saying that the Earth is actually round? Surprisingly, the answer is no. The first statement was the evidence, and trying to weaken the evidence is one of the most common traps in Critical Reasoning.

Critical Reasoning is definitely a mind-bender, so knowing what to look for will be critical (no pun intended). Be very clear where is your conclusion and where is the evidence, and never strengthen or weaken the evidence!

Reading Comprehension Traps

Should you read the question first or the passage first?

It would be helpful to read the question first if there were only 1 question, but each passage has 3 or 4 questions! Reading efficiently, paying attention to just enough detail, and seeing the big picture is key to your success on Reading Comprehension.

Most people read passages more than once, but truthfully you barely have time to read it once! Some people just skim and miss important details. Some other spend too much time reading into the details that are not even that important.

You may have experienced this pattern in your studies, as well! Often, when we read a GMAT book, we find a lot of details about every topic, but did you know that some topics are way more important than others (obviously)?

In our GMAT Mastery program, we will show you what’s really important to know and what won’t show up on the test very often, so that you can study efficiently and enjoy the process!

Come join us at our next GMAT Mastery live program and get the structure, the coaching, and the support necessary to help you get into your dream business school. Or, if you prefer to study by yourself, check out our GMAT Express self-study program and ace the GMAT at your own pace!

Join our community today – check out self-prep study resources and sample live classes now!

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Study smarter, not harder… and beat the GMAT!

Why, oh why do we do it? Why do we get stuck in the same, old patterns of behaviour and never change them, even though they don’t get us the desired result? Most students, whether in high school, post-secondary, or graduate level studies believe they have perfected their tactics and mastered their studying technique when it comes to hitting the books. They repeat those same, time-honoured techniques they learned from their parents and teachers, over and over again, and yet, don’t seem to achieve the results they hope or expect to. On the other hand, how is it that some students, who seemingly invest half the time and effort, significantly outperform their peers?

Firstly, as a disclaimer — there is no substitute for investing the proper amount of time into your studies, especially if you are studying for tests that require very specific skills, such as the GMAT! Natural intelligence certainly plays a factor, but in most cases it simply boils down to better – and more efficient – study habits! In fact, developing these highly efficient study strategies can determine your success in further studies. It is not just about the time you put in, but it is also about the way you study. Read on to find out what key skills you need to build to study smarter, save time on the GMAT, and achieve your goals faster!

Your SMART GMAT Study Plan

1. Choose your GMAT resources wisely

When you first embark on your GMAT journey, you may be tempted to buy as many books as you can while you have the momentum, but diving head first and grabbing every textbook in sight isn’t necessarily going to help you! If you subscribe to the “less is more” philosophy, you’re already ahead of the curve in terms of the GMAT. While it is important to have good resources to help you to study; having an overwhelming amount of material won’t help you to study smarter—in fact, it’s more than likely that you won’t have the time to crack even half of the spines of those mountains of resources you have obtained. Resources should be comprehensive, but ideally should be kept to no more than what is needed to help you learn and review basic concepts and practise those concepts.

2. Research your target programs

Research the schools you are interested in applying to and the scores they are looking for. It is important to understand what their GMAT score criteria is, so that you are able to use this information to help you plan your studies. Once you have done your research and understand your score goal, it is imperative that you understand where you stand in terms of your present GMAT score. A key to studying smarter is knowing where you’re starting from — no matter how daunting it may seem to take a diagnostic test. You need a score to start from, so that you can better understand how much you need to do to reach that target, and have a more accurate picture of how long it might take you to get there. If you don’t start with a diagnostic test, you’ll feel like you’re trying to use the GPS to drive to a new destination without having any idea where you are at the moment! Understanding where you are missing the mark is important, so that you are able to build up your skill level in this area. Key takeaways: Never skip the groundwork, and don’t cheat the process! Accurately assess where you stand today, so that you can improve tomorrow.

3. Consistency and Persistence

Having continuity in your studies is important. Create a well thought-out study plan, and stick to it! Treat your study sessions like an important meeting you can’t afford to miss, and hold yourself accountable for the progress you achieve. Make sure you keep a record of your successes and failures. They are not meant to demoralize you, but to keep you honest and on track with your own progress. Select certain days you can dedicate to studying, and create a timetable on what topics you will cover in that time frame. Whether you can study for an hour every evening 6 days a week, or can spend a few hours twice a week—it’s imperative to establish a rhythm. You also don’t want to “overdo” it and overwhelm yourself. Don’t set timetables that you can’t realistically meet, especially if you have a lot of other things going on in your life. Pro Tip: Switch up the topics when studying for the GMAT, and break up your study time into realistic portions. You may have “crammed” a few all-nighters when you were in college, but on a skills-based test such as the GMAT, cramming all your studies in a few days is not going to work well!

4. Teach someone else, to teach yourself

One of the most effective ways to see if you have really absorbed the information, is to teach the concept(s) to someone else. This will check your understanding, as well as help you relay the concepts back to yourself. Key takeaways: If you are going to attempt to teach someone else a concept, it’s essential your own understanding is solid. Remember that if you don’t have a firm grasp on the concept yourself, the person you are trying to teach it to will not, most likely, understand it either. This is why it’s important to be able to summarize and understand the information you are studying, not simply memorize it!

5. Writing > Reading

An effective way to study smarter, is to write down your notes to help organize yourself. Scientific studies say that writing something down once is more effective than reading it seven times. This is understandable because writing something down increases the focus given to a specific piece of information. Though the process of written notes does take longer, increasing your effort by taking the time to write something down will actually help you encode that information much more efficiently. In other words, when you write something down, you will remember it better and it will stay with you longer.

6. Consider GMAT Study Groups / Professional Help

You might want to consider studying with someone or in a group to help motivate you, especially if you lack momentum and want a better sense of accountability. Studying with others is also helpful if you tend to procrastinate or put off your work, and need that extra push you get from others in a study group! If you want the motivation of learning in group settings, but are also specifically looking to learn important skills and get a highly competitive score, professional preparation may be invaluable for you. Why? You’ll learn the material from experienced, top-scoring instructors and learn the best ways to leverage your time and build your skills. You will have someone else to be accountable to and will have the responsibility of completing homework and practising constantly. Professional training of concepts and learning how to master difficult GMAT questions will certainly help fill the gaps in learning that you might experience when studying alone. Not to mention the confidence you will gain when you start seeing marked improvements!

As mentioned above, there is no substitute for investing the proper amount of time in your preparation, nor is there any “silver bullet” that will help you achieve the result you want without having to put in the work! When it comes to studying for important exams such as the GMAT, which can significantly impact your future career; it is essential not to cheat the process, however it is important to understand the process of training for a skills-based exam. The quality of the time spent dedicated to studying as well as learning how to maximize your efficiency will give you an envious score, without leaving you feeling overwhelmed!

7. Go ahead and create your personal GMAT study plan!

We will be happy to help! Please book your 1-on-1 Study Plan Review below. If you haven’t yet taken a practice test, take one first to get the most out of your free 1-on-1 consultation.

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Master the GMAT: Build the Right Skill Set

GMAT is a test of skills, rather than knowledge

As of July 11, 2017, for the first time in the history of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), test-takers can choose the order of the four exam sections (a small pilot was run in 2016, but it affected fewer that 1% of test-takers). Why was this change implemented, how will it affect your test-taking experience, and, most importantly, what could you do to take advantage of this change to maximize your GMAT score?

Developed specifically as an admission test to business schools, the GMAT exam has been evolving over its 65-year history to better assess candidates’ potential for success in b-school. The initial version of the GMAT contained just Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections. In 1994, the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section (that contained two types of essays) was added to the GMAT to help schools assess candidates’ writing abilities. In 1997, the exam was transformed from a pen and paper test to the computer-adaptive format (CAT) that ensures a more precise evaluation of the level of the skills tested, based on an intricate scoring methodology that selects the questions based on the answers of the previous questions. In 2012, one of the two essays was replaced with a new section – Integrated Reasoning (IR) – that evaluates a candidate’s ability to synthesize and analyze data from multiple sources and different formats to solve complex problems.

Following the recent change, candidates can choose the order of the four sections of the exam – you can now start with the Essay (as in the “traditional” GMAT format), the Verbal, or the Quant section. This change provides greater flexibility to test-takers and enables candidates who are challenged by the Quant or Verbal sections to potentially improve their scores by starting the test with a “harder” section, while they are less tired.

Before you decide what strategy works best for you, a thorough understanding of the essence of the test is a must.

So what is the GMAT all about?

GMAT is unlike almost any other test you’ve ever taken. Most exams test your knowledge of specific content, such as Math, English, or Chemistry. Even during your professional life, you may have taken certification exams that evaluate your understanding of a certain Body of Knowledge. GMAT is an admission test to graduate-level business and management programs, so you may be forgiven for thinking that this exam measures how well you know business. Then, if you looked at the exam structure (the GMAT consists of an Essay, as well as Quantitative, Verbal and Integrated Reasoning sections), you may have thought that the GMAT is an exam of Math and English language…

Both of these misconceptions are quite far from the truth. Here is an excerpt of the official GMAT brochure: “Rather than testing your knowledge of business or any other subject matter, the GMAT exam measures higher-order reasoning skills – skills that matter in management classrooms and in the 21st century global workplace.” The creators of the test have said it themselves: the GMAT is a test of skills, rather than knowledge – yet most candidates completely miss this fact! Even if they don’t, many of them still focus on trying to memorize a lot of content instead of on developing the right skillset that not only will help them reach a 700+ score, but also will be invaluable for their MBA studies and for their future careers.

So what skills does the GMAT actually test?

You already know, by now, that the GMAT measures advanced reasoning skills that are relevant to your success in a business school and beyond. Moreover, because the GMAT is the only standardized way for admission committees to evaluate candidates from different backgrounds, business schools look at GMAT scores very seriously. Your GMAT results will help MBA Admission Committees assess how well-developed your skills are and, therefore, how likely you are to be successful in the MBA program.

At Admit Master, we strongly believe in long-term value of skills development. All our GMAT Courses (available in person in Canada and the United States, and online globally) follow a skills-based approach. We call the skills tested on the GMAT “Thinking like a CEO”. If you’re able to analyze and synthesize information, ask the right questions, make the right decisions, and manage your time well, you’ll not only do well on the GMAT, but will also be a valued candidate for future employers after graduation. After all, if you want to become a CEO, you should first learn how to think like one!

If the GMAT is a test of skill, why do so many people try to study for it by memorizing content?

Mastering skills instead of memorizing content not only takes longer, but is also an unfamiliar way to study for most people. As you may remember, most exams you’ve ever taken required you to memorize lots and lots of concepts, so this is how most of us are used to studying.

Unfortunately, many GMAT preparation resources and even some GMAT prep courses offer “content-based curriculums” that are designed for the memorization style of learning because this is what most people can easily relate to. While these resources may cover the GMAT content in great detail, they often fall short in helping students develop the higher-order reasoning skills that will help them achieve the “gold standard” score 700+ (on a 200 – 800 scoring scale). As a result, an average GMAT test-taker will get a score of around 550 – certainly limiting their chances of admission to top tier business schools. Sign up for a free Online GMAT Practice Test here.

Moreover, developing skills takes time and effort. Many people don’t see quick progress and get discouraged, or may even give up. However, if you stick with the process of building the right skills, if you focus on understanding the big concepts and their applications for the test, and if you get the right support and coaching, you can achieve remarkable results, as many of our students do.

Getting a 700+ GMAT score requires investment of a lot of time and effort. Is it worth it?

When we meet new candidates, and ask what score they’d like to get on the GMAT, we often hear: 700! So why is getting a high score on the GMAT so important? Indeed, there is a lot of value in doing well on the GMAT.

A high GMAT score will help you:

  • Demonstrate that you have developed a skill set for success in business school and in managerial roles.
  • Meet the admissions requirements of a large variety of reputable MBA programs globally.
  • Qualify for higher entrance merit-based scholarships that will consequently boost your ROI and free up your resources for new business ventures.
  • Have a better chance at landing a job in a competitive industry, because recruiters in these industries consider GMAT scores to filter top candidates.
  • Signal that you are a top candidate committed to exceeding expectations with persistence and dedication.

 

We at Admit Master strongly believe that anyone can achieve a high score (and many of our clients do); however, statistically only 10% of candidates get a score of 700 or more. Achieving a high score on the GMAT not only requires knowledge of rules or formulas, but also a deeper understanding of the test, as well as commitment to developing the skill set for success in business school and beyond. The GMAT is not just an admission test – it is a learning opportunity that prepares you for success.

Have personal questions related to MBA Admissions or GMAT preparation, or would like to receive a free professional evaluation of your profile?

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This article was originally published in the Access MBA Guide, 2017-2018 Edition.

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!

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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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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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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Honing your Soft Skills pre-MBA

The majority of candidates looking to gain admission into business school focus their energy and time on the more technical and quantifiable aspects of getting into business school, such as the GMAT, GPA, work experience etc. What most people don’t realize is that your soft skills are going to play as important a role in your admission to business school as your technical and quantifiable skills. The admission interview, one of the key steps to gaining entry to business school, is one way a business school looks for these skills in candidates, but it is not the only way.

One of the best things you can do to improve your chances of getting in is connecting with the admissions officer at your target business school, so that you can get the best guidance. You need to share your story and listen to all the tips and tricks the admissions officer has to share. The insight you gain from these conversations will help you a lot in the long run. You will get to know the school culture and the program better, and you’ll be able to build a more effective personal story.

Admissions representatives speak with hundreds of candidates at any given event, how do I make myself memorable?

This is a question on the minds of many and it is a great question because, believe it or not, admissions professionals are thinking the same thing! They speak with great candidates and they know that each of these candidates is targeting multiple programs, so how do they make their program stand out?

What about one-on-one meetings?

One-on-one meetings are great because they give you the opportunity to have the undivided attention of the admissions officer. Use this opportunity wisely! First and foremost, keep in mind that body language makes up a large chunk of the way we communicate. So get in front of a mirror and imagine you’re introducing yourself to an admissions officer at your target school. How is your executive presence? Are you making eye contact? How’s your hand shake? Too firm, or too loose?

Secondly, are you a good listener? We all know, by now, that everyone involved in the admissions process is looking for the right fit! We also know that being a “cultural” fit is more important than being a “technical” fit. When you start a conversation, how do you carry on? Are you listening to what the person has to say? Or are you bombarding the person with questions? Here’s a tip: if you are hearing your own voice more than his or hers, this is not a good sign!

How about making a good impression during info sessions?

Information sessions, where you are one amongst a group, are the best venues for admissions professionals to screen candidates. Whether it’s an informal coffee chat, or a formal information session at a business school – group meetings are the places when candidates show their “true colours”. You can be the strongest candidate in the room BUT you don’t need to shout about it! Any good admissions professional can spot a competitive candidate within the first two minutes of a conversation.

Carrying yourself appropriately is more important than showing off your resume or your impressive 760 GMAT score. Be humble and respect others. You’ll be part of a team constantly during your MBA and no admissions officer will admit a candidate who has no respect for the other candidates. How you behave in a group setting is a strong indicator of your future conduct in a team activity. Think of the other candidates also: do you make them comfortable and want to be on your team?

In summary, you’ve made a very difficult decision to pursue an MBA, you are leaving your job to go back to school for a year or two to enhance your skills. Don’t sabotage your own future by letting your ego get in the way. Be mindful of the nonverbal cues you convey, and most importantly, regardless of your competitive skills, always be humble, so you can impress not only the admissions officer, but also everyone else in the room!

Need help deciding how to best present yourself to a business school?

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When should I start preparing for the GMAT?

Because we work with hundreds of MBA candidates each year, many of whom are targeting 700+ GMAT scores and are applying to top business schools around the world, we often get asked:

When is the best time to take the GMAT?

3 months before the deadline? 6 months? 2 weeks? 2 years?

And is there a “best time” of the year to take the test?

You may already know, by now, that most major cities have test centres where you can take the GMAT almost any day of the year. For example, Toronto is home to 2 GMAT test centres: one downtown at St. Claire & Yonge, and one in the West End near Dundas & 427. Moreover, if you’re not picky about the time and day, you could find availability for an exam within a few days.

Tip: you might notice available times within 1-2 weeks of today’s date, then almost no availability for another 2-3 weeks, and then lots of available spots 1 month out. This is because candidates sometimes reschedule their exams as they get closer to the date and realize they’re not ready (you could reschedule the test for a fee of $50 until 7 days before the exam date).

If you study properly (more on this later), you could take the exam close to your target school’s application deadline, though we recommend leaving yourself a buffer of 1-2 months in case you’re not happy with your results and need to retake the test.

(You could take another test 16 days after your earlier one, and not more than 5 times per year. These restrictions apply even if you cancel your scores on the test day. Each exam attempt is US$250.)

Remember also that schools that accept applications in Rounds will need your official score results by the deadline posted on their website – this means that you’ll need to take your test at least 2-3 weeks before the deadline, and ideally earlier. The MBA application process is already stressful enough, you don’t need the extra worry of the exam results not reaching the school on time.

When would be the best time to start my preparation?

The short answer is, as soon as possible. GMAT is a difficult exam that is frequently underestimated not only by novice test takers, but also by many amateur tutors. Your exam results are valid for 5 years, so if you think you’ll apply within 5 years and have time to study now, start now!

Tip: If you’re still in University, take the GMAT while you’re in school (hey what’s one extra test?) You’ll improve your chances of getting a higher score and won’t have to worry about it when you graduate.

How long would it take me to prepare for the GMAT?

Your progress is measured in score improvement, not simply your current score. For this reason, it’s very important that you take a diagnostic test before you begin studying. Sign up for a Free GMAT mock exam in Toronto (offered in a proctored environment that simulates the real test), or take a Free online GMAT exam from home.

To estimate your required length of study, we recommend using the following guidelines:

Study Option 1: If you study on your own with books, or attend GMAT courses focused heavily on theory, you’ll need to spend on average 20 hours for every 10 points improvement (e.g. if you need to improve by 200 points, you should allocate 400 hours for your GMAT prep).

Study Option 2: If you take a well structured online program (such as this one), you’ll spend on average 15 hours for every 10 points improvement (e.g. if you need to improve by 200 points, you should allocate 300 hours).

Study Option 3: If you enroll in a well structured in-person training program (such as this one), you’ll spend on average 10 hours for every 10 points improvement (e.g. if you need to improve by 200 points, you’ll be able to reach your goal, on average, by spending 200 hours of study).

When building your study plan, make sure to estimate a realistic amount of time you could spend each week and you’ll be able to understand your timeline for the entire GMAT preparation. For example, if you need to spend 300 hours and could allocate 15 hours a week, your GMAT prep will take about 20 weeks, or 4-5 months.

Remember that the speed of your improvement, and your ultimate success on the test, are determined not only by the number of hours you spend, but also by the quality of resources and coaching you get.

We meet many students who studied with dozens of books for hundreds of hours, or took 100-hour and even 180-hour GMAT courses and showed little improvement.

Don’t fall into the one-dimensional “it’s all about the number of hours” trap. GMAT preparation is about smart training, not simply about raking up hundreds of hours of study.

For this reason, Option 3 (a well-structured classroom program that focuses on developing advanced skills) will not only let you learn faster, but will help you achieve higher scores as a result.

What is the best first step to start my GMAT prep?

In the next posts we’ll talk about how to select best resources for your GMAT prep, how to avoid most common mistakes of unsuccessful test takers, how to stick to your study plan, and how to evaluate your progress along the way, so that you know when you need to adjust.

In the meantime, be sure to take the first step as soon as possible. Don’t begin studying until you take a diagnostic test to evaluate your current GMAT skills – this will help you build an efficient study plan and realistically assess your preparation timelines!

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Make your success in the New Year inevitable!

Have you made your New Year’s Resolutions yet?

Are some of them exactly the same you’ve made last year??

What is the chance you’ll stick to them in the New Year???

According to research by the University of Scranton, 1 in 3 people that make New Year’s Resolutions will ditch their goals by end of January, and only 8% will achieve them by end of the year!

If an MBA degree is on your New Year’s Resolution list, you simply can’t afford an 8% chance of succeeding! Each year that you postpone your entry to an MBA program costs you $30,000 – $100,000 because you’re delaying your chance to make a lot more money while doing the job you really love.

So how could you beat the statistics?

We’ve put together a few tips to help you keep your resolutions in the New Year:

1. Make it real

If you simply decide to eat healthier, or have a better career, how would you know if you’ve achieved your goals?? Instead of committing to a process, commit to the result.

For example: “I will lose 10 pounds by July 1st”, or “I will get a GMAT score of 700 by end of May”.

Resolving to achieve a measurable result lets you not only chart your progress, but also celebrate your achievement when you reach your goal.

Write down your desired result where you can see it every day, and also…

2. Know why you want it

According to Tony Robbins, there are 2 forces that drive human behaviour: a desire to achieve pleasure and a desire to avoid pain.

Write down how your life will be better when you achieve your result, and what things you can avoid once you reach it.

For example, “Getting a GMAT score of 700 by May will allow me to get into a top MBA program this year. I will enjoy making new connections, learning new things and travelling to new places. When I graduate, I will make a lot more money. By starting the MBA program this year, I will also avoid doing the same job I already don’t like for another year”.

Knowing why you want to reach your goal will create a sense of commitment. Another thing you could do to stay focused is to …

3. Ask questions

According to a recent research paper published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, asking questions creates a “self-fulfilling prophecy” that helps you reach your goals.

Asking questions serves two purposes:

1. Asking Yes/No questions and then answering them, instead of making statements, makes you more successful in changing your behaviour, according to the study. For example, you’re more likely to actually get a 700 GMAT score if you ask yourself “Will I get a 700 score?” and then say, “Yes”, instead of just telling yourself “I will get a 700 score”.

2. Asking open-ended questions, such as “What do I need to do to get a 700 GMAT score by May?” taps into the immense resources of your subconscious mind (responsible for learning and long-term memory), and lets your brain find the way to get to your goal much faster.

Asking yourself questions is a powerful technique. What’s even more powerful is to …

4. Get around people that share the same goals

According to the same research, when you team up with a friend who shares the same vision, you make the commitment somewhat public. Committing to others makes you more accountable, making it much more likely that you’ll actually follow through!

Finally, you will dramatically increase your chance of success when you …

5. Take immediate action that makes success inevitable

The hardest thing is often deciding to take the first step. Has it ever happened to you that you really wanted something, but kept procrastinating, and several months later you still haven’t gotten any closer to your goal?

Did you know that the word “decide” comes from Latin “de” + “caedere” that means to “cut off”? When you decide to take the first step towards your goal, you’re cutting off the possibility of not reaching it.

The best way to decide is to take immediate action. If an MBA degree is on your resolution list this year, do something right now, before you close this browser, to make your success inevitable.

To help you reach your goals this year, we’ve put together a 2016 Kick-Off Party – tonight!

Commit to your success. Get around people that share the same vision. Ask yourself a question: “Is there anything more important than my long-term success right now?”

Take the first step before you close this page.

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