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.

Acing the MBA Admissions Interview

You’ve worked hard on your MBA application, aced the GMAT, told a great story through your CV and essays, had your application package reviewed by a professional MBA Admissions consultant, obtained glowing references, and submitted your application on time. Now what?

The next crucial step in your application is an interview. If you were invited for one – congratulations! This means that the Admissions Committee at your dream business school considers you an interesting candidate and would like to meet you to further assess your qualifications and your personality.

Some candidates believe, mistakenly, that the interview is just a formality. If you were applying for a job, would you think that an interview was only a formality? Getting an interview simply means you’re still “in the game”, so take the interview seriously!

Remember, there are many applicants vying for limited seats in the MBA program, and your job is to “sell” yourself to the Admissions Committee. Be sure to know what the school is looking for in candidates and highlight your achievements that are most relevant to that particular business school.

A common question that many candidates ask is: How do I know what the school is looking for? Chances are, this is the first time you’ll be applying to an MBA program, and you may simply not know what you don’t know. The easiest and most straightforward approach is to hire an MBA Admissions consultant with lots of experience in the industry. After all, you can only do your MBA once, so getting into the best possible school that fits your profile and your career aspirations may mean the difference between living your dream career or getting stuck in the jobs you don’t like for another 30-40 years of your professional life.

How do I prepare?

Remember that the interview is a culmination of your entire application. It is a chance to clarify and elaborate on the “story” you told through your application, and make a good impression that will likely result in an offer of admission.

For this reason, your interview prep should begin well before you’re invited for one! When you’re putting together your “story”, be sure to highlight 3 main areas:

1. Where you came from: your background, education, work experience, and community involvement.

2. Where you’re going: your career objectives, your dream job after the MBA, where do you see yourself in the next 2, 5 and 10 years.

3. How this business school can help you get there: why the school is the perfect fit for you, how you would benefit from the MBA, and how you would contribute to the success of others.

If getting professional help with your MBA Applications is not practical, be sure to do extensive research on your own: read com-ments and profiles of other candidates who were successfully admitted to the same school; visit the school campus and talk with cur-rent students; search your LinkedIn network and connect with students and alumni from that school; ask for advice; and definitely have someone, ideally a friend or a colleague who successfully applied to the same or a similar business school, run mock interviews with you and give you honest feedback.

How should I present myself at the interview?

Make a good first impression from the moment you walk into the reception area. Shake hands, maintain a good eye contact and keep a positive attitude. Be humble but confident. Be well rested and well dressed. Be prepared, but don’t sound like you’re reading from a prompter. Most importantly, relax and be yourself. After all, you want the business school to admit you for who you really are!

Should I simply answer questions?

While it’s important to answer your interviewer’s questions, your job is to tell your “story” and further strengthen your application. Be sure to tailor your answers and highlight unique personal stories that make you different.

Let the interviewer guide you through the first steps, but then gently take control of the conversation. Be polite; never cut off the interviewer when he or she asks questions or makes comments. Start your answer by repeating the question; this will help you stay focused. Avoid one-word answers.

Most importantly, prepare 2-3 compelling questions, answers to which you can’t easily find on the Internet. Asking interesting and unique questions will make you more memorable and could tip the scales in your favour even more!
Finally, remember to follow up no later than 1 day after the interview, and ideally the same day if your interview is in the morning. Thank the interviewer(s) for their time and reiterate your interest in the program. Good luck!

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, 2016-2017 Edition.

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.

[styledtable]

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.

[/styledtable]

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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GMAT Model of Success on Test Day

Bobby Umar is Admit Master’s lead GMAT Instructor. Bobby has been teaching the GMAT since 1999 and in 2009-2010 was awarded a title of the Worldwide GMAT Instructor of the Year. He is also the lead author of the new Barron’s GMAT Guide, released in January 2014 and available in bookstores across North America.

I came up with this model after having taught thousands of different GMAT students over the past decade. In every case, students who have had trouble with the GMAT have done so due to one of the following issues. If you want to succeed on the GMAT, you need to make sure that you covered your bases with each of the elements in the model.

GMATModelofSuccess

I have divided this model into a few separate segments. Each of them represent a different aspect of your GMAT journey. Let’s talk about them in detail!

1) THEORY

You have to 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. Some of you may say, “well, I don’t like geometry, so I’ll just skip it”. Bad idea! Geometry can be around 4-6 questions on the math section — that’s 4-6 questions you should be getting right! Again, the material is from high school and the only reason you are intimidated is because it was so long ago.

Secondly, the theory is finite, which means that there is an end in sight. It may seem daunting at first, but with time and effort, you can learn every section that is tested. No one said the GMAT would be easy–it’s work. So learn the theory 100%!

2) STRATEGIES

These are all the tips, tricks, shortcuts and philosophies you use on the test. Strategies are the perfect complement to theory if you want to get to the higher scores (600+). The key is to make sure you have enough DEPTH and BREADTH of knowledge here. By depth, I mean that you need to be very comfortable using the strategy for said problem. By breadth, I mean you need to have a wide range of strategies for the test. You need to be so comfortable with strategies that no matter what question shows up, you have more than one strategy up your sleeve.

3) METHODOLOGIES

The final piece of the big three is to have a process or method to answer most types of questions, whether they are sentence correction, reading comprehension, critical reasoning, data sufficiency, combinatorics, work/rate, mixture problems, or others. Follow a process and know how to approach each type. Having a system gives structure, focus, and confidence.

4) PRACTICE

Once you have started learning the theory, strategies and methodologies, you then work on solidifying your knowledge in those three areas. Practice is all about getting the theory in your head, identifying any gaps in your strategies, and reinforcing the methodologies. The idea here is to make sure that you not only learn, but retain the material. You practice by doing a combination of practice questions and practice tests. Just make sure that you do not ignore practice tests, as they are the most important way to simulate real testing conditions. Too often, students avoid doing the practice tests out of fear. The fact that you fear the tests suggests that it is even more important that you get used to writing them!

5) LEARN

Just because you have read the text, taken great notes, made some index cards, and done hundreds of problems, it does not necessarily mean you have LEARNED the material. Take the time to make sure you have learned it very well. In fact, you need to master the material. How do you know if you know it? You should know it well enough that you can easily explain it to someone else.

6) RETAIN

The best test takers do lots of problems and every time they see something new, they remember it for next time. Too often I tutor someone, and I show them the right strategy and methodology for doing a specific problem. Then, they show up three weeks later not remembering how to do a very similar problem. The more questions you do, the more you should build up your cumulative knowledge database for GMAT questions. If you cannot retain the information for next time, then you are wasting a lot of your time. Learn the material, but also retain it for next time!

7) RESOURCES

It’s important to know all the amazing resources that you have out there, including GMAT Courses from Admit Master! Aside from engaging us, you can search online for tests, questions, drills, info, forums, and other websites that all talk GMAT. You can buy books, DVDs, and downloadable materials. You can get extra tutoring or form a study group or join an existing one. The point is you need to leverage them all effectively and know what you need to get you to your goal. Know all your resources and use them effectively!

8) STUDY PLAN

I know it’s a cliché, but failing to plan is planning to fail! A study plan is your guide, your bible, your business plan to GMAT success. It provides focus, because you can see your plan on a page. It gives you direction, because you take the time to understand the path to the goal. It increases accountability, because if you write it down and plan it, you are more likely to do it. Lastly, it relieves stress because you can see what it takes to get there and that it is possible. In your study plan, set reasonable goals and targets, and be sure to monitor your progress.

9) MONITORING

I once got a call from a student who was about to write his GMAT test that very day. He said, “Bobby, I need your help. I am really worried!” I asked him why and he said that he had done a practice test the night before and only got a 510. I paused and asked him what his last three practice test scores were. He told me his test scores were 510, 530, and 500. I paused a bit longer and then asked what his GMAT goal was. He told me he wanted a 600. I paused for a pretty long time and then just said, “Are you crazy? Don’t write the test.” It makes no sense to write the test when you are not ready and especially if your practice test scores are way off. What would you expect to get?  If anything, he may get somewhere between 470-570 depending on whether he has a terrible day or the most amazing day ever. He ignored my advice, wrote the test, and got 490. He never wrote it again. Monitor your progress and adjust your study plan!

10) TIME MANAGEMENT

Once you have gotten a solid grasp of the fundamentals of theory, strategies, and methodologies, you can start to focus on time management. Timing is a key issue on the GMAT and for many it is a big obstacle. However, if you learn your theory 100%, know your strategies with both depth and breadth, master methodologies for most question types, and you reinforce that learning and retaining with solid practice, then the issue of time management goes to zero.

11) STRESS MANAGEMENT

This is the last big piece of the puzzle, otherwise known as the psychological factor. There are some people who get incredible scores on their practice tests, only to choke on test day, some dropping over 100+ points. Unfortunately, stress does not go to zero, but you do have to manage it. The GMAT is a stressful test. You have a lot riding on your score, it’s you against the machine (or yourself), you don’t want to be seen as a failure, and you really want to change your career life with an MBA. I get it, and I remember what it was like. So how do you manage or minimize your stress?

First, you learn your THEORY 100%, know your STRATEGIES with both depth and breadth, master METHODOLOGIES for most question types, you reinforce that LEARNING and RETAINING with solid PRACTICE, and tackle the issue of TIME MANAGEMENT.

Second, leverage your RESOURCES, make a STUDY PLAN and stick with it while MONITORING your progress.

Third, you approach the test with CONFIDENCE, see it as a CHALLENGE to overcome, and have FUN with the journey. Then you can ace the GMAT!

Of the thousands of students I have met over the years, the ones who had most trouble with the GMAT have failed because of one of the issues above. The biggest issues were not knowing theory, strategies, or methodologies. The GMAT is a lot of work, but it is work that anyone can do. The GMAT is beatable, and anyone can beat it. So can you!

11a) CONFIDENCE: Having that swagger when you approach any question eliminates doubt, confusion, and second-guessing. You know what tools you need, so once you have them mastered, approach every GMAT question with the knowledge that you have everything you need to “crack” ANY question.

11b) CHALLENGE: Try to think of the GMAT as any school or work project that you may have had before. Then have the attitude that you are trying to “win” or exceed expectations on that project. Use your experience in other successful areas of your life and approach your “GMAT project” with the same drive for results and passion.

11c) FUN: The more you have fun with the GMAT project, the more motivated you will be. A negative attitude about any aspect of the GMAT will hinder your success. Don’t like reading passages about multi-cellular organisms? Well, you get in the mood! Try to have fun and find something interesting about it. Have fun doing problems–breaking things down. Most of all, have fun getting questions right!

As you start your GMAT studies with us, I wish you all the best in your MBA Admission journey. Remember, the GMAT, as any other challenge in life, is only scary if you are unprepared. The Admit Master GMAT program will provide you the structure, the guidance, and the best tools. Add your hard work, discipline and dedication – and you have a winning formula for Acing the GMAT!

Bobby.