THE GMAT Club Podcast

Why GMATPractice Techniques for Quant and Data InsightsDeciding to Retake for 695 in 1st AttemptTaking 20 Mocks in 30 Days - How that HelpedLast days before exam & Test Day experienceMy Daily Practice RoutineTips to Improve Data Insights ScoreDealing with Long RC Passages  Which Mock Tests Did I Attempt

Choosing the Army: First Career Step After CollegeBuilding Leadership Confidence in the ArmyFrom Army to MBAWhy MBAMBA Experience: Expectations vs. RealityOvercoming Challenges in Business SchoolLanding My First Job After MBAThe Brand Manager Role at Johnson & JohnsonWas MBA worth it?Otis to Zipcar - Brand Management to General ManagementThe power of your LinkedIn profileNavigating Major Career StrugglesMain hurdle in transitioning from Manager to Leadership roleMy SupoerpowersRapid-Fire Questions with AngeloWhat I'd Tell My 20-Year-Old SelfAdvice to prospective MBA students

About your journeyDid you choose the detour yourself, or were you advised by mentors?What made you stay longer than 2-3 years despite your non-profit aspirations?Did you imagine you'd get an MBA?Did b-school feel daunting with your non-quantitive background?How did you feel starting b-school and any advice for women considering it?How did you decide which b-school's to consider?What advice would you give someone considering this journey?How did you feel about participating in the social impact segment of your class?Would you advocate b-school for young people pursuing careers in social impact?After 7 years at Deloitte, how did you transition to planned parenthood?Starting a job during the pandemic while pregnantHow did you realise you needed to slow down, make changes and adjust your approach?Juggling a job, raising kids and maintaining a partnershipWhat kind of role model do you want to be for your kids?How do you coordinate and collaborate effectively?Walk me through a typical work dayWhat do you love about your job?How did you face and learn from your failures?What moment or incident helped you recognise the gap?What epic decision in your life do you consider good?What advice for MBA hopefuls without a strong network or family business background?Things you gained from business schoolDo you use a vision board or set goals regularly?What motivated you to work with a coach?What's the first app you check when you wake up in the morning?What is your biggest pet peeve?What is your favourite way to unwind after a hectic day?Advice you'd give to your younger selfHow to decide for an MBA?

Switching CareersWhy MBA?Choosing the right MBAMBA ExperienceChallenges during an MBAImpact of an MBAIs an MBA worth it?Moving from one organization to another

CPG to Product Management via MBAWhat I Love about Product ManagementIdentifying Companies with Great PeopleThe Role of Backdoor NetworkingHow MBA Helped in Transitioning into PMWhy MBA RealizationMy Mentors & Support SystemWork Life Balance in PM CareerMistakes I Wish I AvoidedWhat I Loved Most about Business SchoolImportance of BSchool NetworksReflecting on Biggest Decisions of my LifeWhat I Do in Free TimeAdvice to my Younger SelfDoes MBA Help in Choosing the Right Career

01:27 GMAT Prep Timeline of Naman02:25 Inconsistencies in Initial Prep phase06:37 Creating a 4 Month Study Plan; New Study Routine10:50 Preparing for Quant Section12:33 Preparing for Verbal Section15:05 Preparation for Data Insights17:30 Handling Challenging Topics20:35 Learning from Mistakes; Error Log Management22:52 Practice Tests Strategy28:06 How I Analysed my Mock Test Scores31:03 Test Day Experience and Tips35:31 Advice to GMAT Students

Meet SimonBeginning the GMAT PrepHow Gruelling Study Schedules Impacted my ScoreHow I Reset Mindset a Day before the ExamImportance of Good Sleep, Nutrition, and Mental Well-BeingStudy Strategies for Quant TopicsStudy ResourcesOvercoming Data Insights ChallengeAdvice to GMAT StudentsTaking Notes during StudyDeferred MBA Plans

GMAT Classic in Oct 2023 with 710Resuming GMAT Focus Prep in June 2024Using GMAT Club Effectively for PrepHow to Ace Data Insights SectionReading Comprehension and Critical ReasoningBalancing Study and WorkMock Test StrategyTest Day Experience

Kseniia's Background; Undergrad; Full time workGetting Masters at Bocconi UniversityChallenges of coming from non-traditional backgroundTackling low GPA5 GMAT attemptsSetting a compelling narrative in EssaysHandling rejections and reapplyingWhat Really Worked for MeRole of International ExperienceInterview ExperienceWhy MBA in US (over Europe)My Advice for MBA ApplicantsThings I would have done differently

IntroHow I began my GMAT PreparationWhy I enrolled in many GMAT coursesResuming GMAT Prep after Rejection from ISBDrastic Changes in GMAT Prep StrategyBig Learnings from Mock TestsQuestion Review - Is it Useful?Tips for Exam DayDid I follow a Set Study RoutineOffbeat way to look at Reading Comprehension

Lindsay, Hunter and Daisy introsHunter's talks about Stern's flagship experiential learning coursesDaisy talks about some real world experience gained through the Berkley CenterLindsay adds context around experiential learning, how prospective students can explore opportunitiesHunter describes the project he worked on and the skills he was able to build as a result of the Stern Consulting CorpsDaisy talks about the Venture Associates startupLindsay talks about how experiential learning can  be applied in recruitingDaisy talks about sustainability business pitch competitionLindsay gives tips for applicants starting their MBA journey

Beginning the GMAT PrepDealing with Procrastination and InconsistenciesAdvice to new GMAT studentsMagoosh Course & Study RoutineThe Speed vs Accuracy TrapPractice Test StrategyGMAT Day ExperienceThe “Administrative Review” NightmareHow Psychology Plays a Role in GMAT SuccessFuture MBA GoalsAudience Questions

* Which actions to prioritize with the time you have left* Some pragmatic advice on selecting school(s) to apply to* How to "speed run" your way through the application, including essays, recommendations, and the resume* Should you address your last-minute application in the "Optional Essay"?

4 Ways to Finance Your Education AbroadBenefits of Taking an Education LoanSecured Education LoansUnsecured LoansSecured vs Unsecured ComparisonLender TypesNon-Cosigner LoansLoan in INR vs USDRefinancing Loan for a lower rateIndian Loans to NRIsMultiple loansInterest on sanctioned loan or used loanCredit Score requirement

The F1 ApplicationSEVIS Registration, I20Visa Application Form (DS-160)F1 Visa Interview OverviewCarrying documents during travelWhat to Expect in your Student Visa InterviewApplying to Visa from a different countryWhat's next if my visa is rejectedCommon reasons for visa rejectionVisa requirements for partnersNormal visa processing timeAllowed jobs for F1 visa holdersF1 Visa for another degree in the USVisa RenewalErrors in DS-160Changing school/university after visa approval

IntroWalking the MBA application tightrope3 Basic Rules to Remember for Repurposing EssaysThere's Nothing Wrong in Repurposing TextExample of Repurposing Stanford and Fuqua Essays

Intro & AgendaWhat Happens After You Submit MBA ApplicationHolistic Review - What We Really Look in the ApplicationResume and Work ExperienceDo Schools Create Applicant Pools by GeographyDoes a gap year hurt admission chancesHow GMAT / GRE Scores are EvaluatedRecommendation LettersMBA Application EssaysVideo EssaysMBA Interview ProcessHow to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions

Read Mukul's detailed GMAT debrief on GMAT Club https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-fe-705-story-of-perseverence-and-persistence-426685.html 

Studying Nuclear Engineering, Time in ArmyDeciding to go for MBABeginning GMAT PreparationPreparing GMAT Study PlanBalancing Military Duty and GMAT PrepSwitching from GMAT to GREGRE Prep StrategyError Log, Prep Resources, GRE at HomeMeditation and Relaxing Techniques I UsedBrainstorming for EssaysWhy Stanford?Preparing for Stanford MBA Interview

Why MBA after 6 years in gaming industryGMAT Focus vs GRE - How I DecidedStarting the GMAT PreparationCourse correction after first practice testGMAT Study materials I usedMy 6 week GMAT study planStudy strategy for GMAT QuantStudy strategy for GMAT VerbalTiming Strategy for Reading ComprehensionDeciding section orderResearching MBA programs for applyingHow I approached application essaysPreparing for my MBA interviewsMy tips to GMAT students

Lukas, a lawyer turned Management consultant, was always aspiring to get an MBA from top business schools in the world and work in Strategy Consulting. To achieve this dream, he began his GMAT preparation while working full time first as a Lawyer and then as a Management Consultant. After 5 years of rigorous preparation, he managed to score 760 in the 3rd GMAT attempt. After securing 99 Percentile on the GMAT, he approached MBA application process with the same passion and zeal. He applied to 6 best business schools in the world: HBS, Wharton, MIT Sloan, Berkeley Haas, Chicago Booth, and Kellogg. He got waitlisted at Haas but received admits from Chicago Booth and Kellogg schools of Management with decent scholarship amount.

Nimisha recently got into the prestigious Masters in Management of London Business School (LBS MiM) after scoring 730 (90% percentile) on the GMAT with 2 months of preparation. Nimisha has always been very passionate about the MicroFinance sector. To transition into her dream sector, within 1.5 years of completing her engineering in Electronics and Communications and working at KPMG, she decided to pursue a Masters in Management from Europe. She took the GMAT test and scored 730 in the first attempt within 2 months. She then applied to two top MiM programs in Europe: LBS and HEC Paris. She eventually got into the LBS MiM program.

In this video, we interviewed Dauan, a French Korean GMAT student, who improved from 610 to 730 on the GMAT within 4 months. After getting 610 in this first diagnostic test, he knew that he had only around 4 months to prepare and that he had only one shot which if he mess up can't afford to wait for the following year. 

IntroPre-MBA jobs at Blockchain, Mastercard, & Rappi that inspired me for MBAFounding a Startup Planning to do an MBAHow recommendation letters provided strength to my MBA applicationWhat made my application successfulHow do I Shortlist BSchools to ApplyWhich BSchool am I Picking for my MBA?

Anurag, an Indian-origin Engineer based in New Zealand, scored 645 in his recent GMAT Focus edition exam. Anurag's GMAT focus edition prep was a roller coaster ride. He had scored 650 in his first GMAT classic test attempt. He then decided to shift to the new gmat and eventually scored 645 (90th percentile) on GMAT Focus in the third attempt.

 In this interview, we explore her incredible GMAT prep journey, filled with determination, hard work, and strategic methods for GMAT preparation. How Keerthi planned her GMAT study around the tried and tested formula of Concept Mastery, Timed Practice, and Reviews. From understanding the GMAT exam structure and content to devising a personalized study plan, you will gain a comprehensive insight into Keerthi's path to GMAT success. So, if you're aspiring to crack the GMAT, or if you're simply seeking inspiration and guidance on your own GMAT journey, this video is a must-watch! Join us as we unravel the secrets of GMAT success and motivate you to embark on your own path towards achieving your GMAT score goals.

In this interview, we uncover his whole journey of GMAT preparation as well as Masters in Management application for ESSEC, what prep resources he used, his preparation techniques for GMAT Quant and Verbal sections, GMAT study plan, GMAT test-taking experience, and timing strategies on the GMAT.

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring MBA journey of John, a PE/VC Associate and former management consultant. John was raised in a trailer in the backwoods of Alaska, and his family was consistently below the poverty line growing up. Being the first in his family to go to college, John ended up creating Bain & Company's (and MBB's) very first affinity group for FGLI individuals. He also came from a small and little-known growth equity fund so getting into both the Stanford GSB ad Wharton (when he knew that they typically have access to candidates with much more background's than ones such as John) was a massive hail mary for him. In addition, John did not use any MBA consultants on his journey to his MBA programs, which is a bit atypical as well 

In this episode, we interview Deepesh, an Indian student who had received conditional admission offer from IMD's MBA program and had a challenge to get a high test score within the designated timeframe. Deepesh had the choice of taking either GMAT or GRE. He decided to take the GMAT exam and scored 680 in his first attempt. Hoping to improve his GMAT score in next attempts, he continued his study for the GMAT only to find out in subsequent attempts that he was not making any significant progress on the GMAT. Soon he realized that GRE was a better option for him and switched to GRE preparation and scored 333/340 in the very first attempt. In this session, we uncover Deepesh's GMAT & GRE preparation journey, his test taking experience, motivations for MBA, etc.

In this episode, we dive into Arya's journey who got admitted to the MBA/MPP dual degree program at Duke Fuqua. We discuss Arya's pre-MBA preparation story, her extensive social sector work, the highs and lows of business education, and her post-MBA goals. From networking events to work-life balance, Arya offers an authentic and inspiring glimpse into the transformative world of MBA life at Duke Fuqua.

Hear from Diana Economy who is a former Michigan Ross admissions director.

In this episode, Nate Le shares his approach towards applications essays and interviews which landed him into HBS, Kellogg, Haas, Fuqua and Ross.

In the consultant's corner, Sam and Nina discusses what it means to "Be yourself" in the personal statement.

How to pronounce Emory Goizueta?Why MBA and Why now?Non-quantitative background for taking the GMATNon-quantitative background for an MBABusiness school applications during the lockdownHow to write a compelling MBA essay?How to address a few drawbacks in your MBA applications?Why Emory Goizueta MBA?Why it is important to choose the correct school for the MBA?What are some surprising things about Emory's MBA?Core MBA classesAbout Emory MBA's small class size and why it is helpful.What advice do you have for Emory Goizueta MBA applicants?What are some overwhelming parts of the MBA applications?How to spend time on the MBA application process? 

How and why did you choose LBS?What kind of students thrive at LBS?About the Exchange program with NYU sternDifferences between European MBA and US MBAHow LBS has helped you in your career?Advice for prospective LBS applicants Consultant's Corner: Advice for constructing a powerful and effective personal statement

What type of students thrives at IESE?What do admissions look for in an applicant?How to address the lack of international experience?Suggestions for prospective applicantsThe case method and popular classes at IESEInternational experience through Oversees module at IESEWomen and leadership programs at IESECareer support and placements at IESEHow does IESE MBA transform a person and their career?How to use ChatGPT in your MBA applications?

In this episode, we will uncover the MBA journey of Rashmi Singh rashmis2502 a first-generation college grad by discussing on the following.Rashmi's consulting backgroundWhy MBA?Thoughts on Impact ConsultingWhy Oxford Said MBA?Gender equityWhy now for the MBA?European MBA vs US MBA vs Indian MBAOxford Said's application processAdvice on Letters of RecommendationTips on how to prepare a comprehensive MBA applicationHow to write post-MBA goals?Oxford Said admissions interviewHow to use LinkedIn during your application process?Mistakes made as an applicantNegotiating a scholarshipOxford Said cohort/communityIn the consultant's corner, Sam and Nina addressed how to find a balance between making a compelling case as a strong applicant and coming across as bragging.

Sonali's backgroundWhy MBA?How did you choose your target business schools?Why Fuqua?Culture at FuquaAbout Fuqua's 20 random things about yourself essayOne surprising thing about the Fuqua MBA experienceAbout #TeamFuquaAdvise for Fuqua applicantsCareer support at Fuqua

Guest Speaker: Andrea Flores from IE universityAndrea Flores is a professional in the higher education sector with over 10 years of experience, currently Head of Global Recruitment at IE University in Madrid, Spain. Her passion is to see education shape the future of society and how, through sharing IE University's values of humanities, entrepreneurship, social responsibility, and innovation, she can have an impact on the leaders of tomorrow. She currently manages the Global Recruitment department for both graduate and undergraduate degrees at IE University across the five schools, including IE Business School and the MBA programs. Her purpose is to provide candidates an experience in line with IE's vision of the future and to recruit the best talent globally.

Episode Summary:0:33 Intro to Lisa Rios, Assistant Dean for MBA Admissions at NYU Stern School of Business2:12 Intro to Devna Shukla3:55 Intro to Drew Stern7:17 How did you start exploring the MBA?14:43 How did the Stern MBA help you in your career?23:39 Can you tell us about a challenging time at Stern and how did you navigate it?28:20 How did you build relationships at Stern MBA?33:30 Student clubs at NYU Stern36:54 How did the Stern MBA help your leadership style?43:36 Navigating change and uncertainty?43:36 How to answer Stern's essay question about personal call to action?50:45 If you were to do it again, what would you change about your Stern MBA experience?55:45 What would be your advice to NYU Stern prospective applicants?59:14 Closing

Join Senior Associate Dean, Russ Morgan, for insight into what is new at Duke's Fuqua School of Business. From a new Diversity, equity, and inclusion concentration to the entire MBA program becoming STEM-designated, Morgan will shed light on the new and exciting things happening in the MBA program.

From his experience of guiding several MBA applicants, Brian Fobi shares 5 key mistakes that every MBA applicant should avoid to get into their dream business school.

In this episode, Brian Fobi, CEO - Gurufi, tells us whom should you ask to write your recommendations and how you can ensure you get a strong recommendation letter.

Host: Selbi Allaberenova, Marketing Manager at GMAT ClubGuest: James Kent is the Marketing Manager for the full-time MBA programme at China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in Shanghai. Before pivoting his career to b-school admissions, James ran the China desk for a London based recruitment firm providing pathways for China talents to work in Europe.

Stanford essay analysisEssay A: What matters most to you, and why?Essay B: Why Stanford?Optional essays

Tips on how to start a career in Europe.Starting a career in Europe as a non-European?Programs at RSM that help International students?Advise for students thinking about an MBA?Can you learn to start a business through an MBA successfully?How to apply for an MBA as an entrepreneur?Erasmus centre for entrepreneurship.How are the students different at the end of the RSM MBA?

Getting into Wharton as an international student with an over represented profile

IntroductionStudy planThe key to Q51Study materials

If you want to understand Riddhi's GMAT journey in detail, you can watch her GMAT debrief here https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-630-q44-v33-to-a-720-q49-v40-in-one-month-my-journey-400938.htmlRiddhi's GMAT preparation journeyHow Riddhi managed to improve her GMAT scoreWhat practice resources RIddhi used for GMAT Verbal and QuantHow was Riddhi's experience during the GMATRIddhi's timing strategiesHow Riddhi utilized official question banks and GMAT Club practice resources to attain rapid improvement in her Verbal as well as overall GMAT score.

How I started my GMAT prepRole of GMATClub in my prepGMAT QuantIncremental improvementDeveloping intuitionGet data on yourselfWhat is GMAT all aboutTest day experience

In this session, we will interview David - a Member of GMAT Club Community - who recently scored 770 in his first attempt on the GMAT. We will try to find out how he prepared for the test, what materials he used, how was his test-day experience, and of course any advice for future GMAT students. You can connect with David on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Kharatishvilid