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32 episodes with executive assessment
2 episodes with executive assessment
2 episodes with executive assessment
Summary In this episode, Travis Morgan from MBA Whisperer discusses the intricacies of applying to business schools, debunking common myths and providing valuable insights into the application process. He emphasize the importance of resumes, essays, and understanding school fit over rankings. The discussion also covers the significance of test scores, the role of waitlists, and alternative testing options like the Executive Assessment. Takeaways Your resume is the first impression in applications. Connecting with current students can enhance your application. Admissions committees want to see a three-dimensional applicant. Essays should reflect your personal story, not just professional achievements. Top schools are not the only path to success in business. Rankings should not dictate your school choice. Lower-ranked schools can still offer valuable opportunities. Waitlisted candidates are still strong contenders. The GMAT is not solely a math or English test; it's about problem-solving skills. The Executive Assessment is a viable alternative for many applicants. Chapters 01:03 - Myth 1: Business Experience Required for MBA 03:26 - Myth 2: Apply in Round One for Best Chances 05:36 - When to Start Preparing Your Application 08:12 - The Importance of Networking 09:26 - Myth 3: Your Resume Should Be All Business 11:46 - What About Essays? 14:39 - Myth 4: Only High-Ranked Schools Matter 18:13 - Finding the Right School for Your Goals 20:32 - Myth 5: Lower Ranked Schools Are Easy to Get Into 23:05 - Myth 6: You Can't Get Off the Waitlist 27:07 - Myth 7: The GMAT is Harder Than the GRE 32:08 - Myth 8: The Test Score is the Most Important Part of My Application 34:29 - Can a Test Waiver Hurt Your Chances? 36:13 - Myth 9: Is the GMAT Just a Math + English Test? 39:44 - Myth 10: There Are No Other Exam Alternatives 43:15 - Switching from GMAT, GRE to EA
In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the Round 2 activity on LiveWire; UNC / Kenan Flagler, Yale SOM and Georgetown / McDonough were among the top MBA programs scheduled to release Round 2 decisions last week. For this upcoming week, IESE, Harvard Business School, Northwestern / Kellogg, Columbia, Chicago / Booth, Berkeley / Haas, UCLA / Anderson, Texas / McCombs, Washington / Foster, Boston College / Carroll, Michigan State / Broad, Imperial College and London Business School are releasing their final decisions. Graham highlighted the Spring Survey that Clear Admit conducts each season. These surveys are important to understand the decisions of each applicant cohort. Here is the link for this season's survey: https://bit.ly/casurvey25 Graham noted that we have now nearly finalized the line-up for our Application Overview series of virtual events in May. These events will be hosted on May 6 and 7, and May 20 and 21. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/appoverview25 Sandwiched in the middle of these events is Clear Admit's MBA admissions fair in Boston, on May 14th. Twenty-four of the top 25 U.S.-based MBA programs are planning to attend. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/mbafair2025 May truly kicks off the new season of MBA admissions at Clear Admit! Graham mentioned a recently published admissions tip that offers a primer on the Executive Assessment test. This article is a result of the queries we are seeing on the Ask Clear Admit AI bot tool. Graham then highlighted a Real Humans alumni spotlight, an alum from NYU / Stern working at PepsiCo. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three DecisionWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is choosing between Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, and UVA / Darden. They want to work in consulting on the west coast after business school. This week's second MBA candidate is choosing between Chicago / Booth's EMBA program and Cambridge / Judge's full-time program. They are from Japan and wish to begin a career in the United States. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, and Michigan / Ross. They want to work in tech in New York City. They have a $100k scholarship offer from Ross, and a $30k offer from Johnson. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!
This episode is geared toward job seekers who may encounter assessment requirements that can range from a single personality or aptitude test to a more comprehensive executive assessment. The program will include various assessment strategies that employers use, the jobs to which they apply, and the most productive attitudes and actions for the job seeker to show. The conversation may consider strategies for job candidates to use, particularly when having faced a series of rejections, both early on and closer to the goal of an offer. Watch https://www.transformationtalkradio.com/watch.html
This episode is geared toward job seekers who may encounter assessment requirements that can range from a single personality or aptitude test to a more comprehensive executive assessment. The program will include various assessment strategies that employers use, the jobs to which they apply, and the most productive attitudes and actions for the job seeker to show. The conversation may consider strategies for job candidates to use, particularly when having faced a series of rejections, both early on and closer to the goal of an offer. Watch https://www.transformationtalkradio.com/watch.html
This episode is geared toward job seekers who may encounter assessment requirements that can range from a single personality or aptitude test to a more comprehensive executive assessment. The program will include various assessment strategies that employers use, the jobs to which they apply, and the most productive attitudes and actions for the job seeker to show. The conversation may consider strategies for job candidates to use, particularly when having faced a series of rejections, both early on and closer to the goal of an offer. Watch https://www.transformationtalkradio.com/watch.html
When you're applying to business school, you will almost certainly have to take one of these standardized tests as part of the application process: the GMAT Exam, the GRE, or the Executive Assessment (EA). The question becomes, which one?In this conversation excerpted from Brett's recent appearance on MBA Waves, Brett breaks down the key differences between the three exams, explores which exam is best for which type of applicant, discusses the mindset you should adopt when starting to prepare for your exam, and shares the reasons you absolutely should NOT choose one test over another. He even lets slip which exam he would opt for if given the choice!There's no need to stress about which exam to take. After listening to this wide-ranging conversation about the GMAT, GRE, and EA, we're confident that you will have a clear sense of the key decision points and a firm understanding of your next steps as you prepare to dominate your test. RESOURCES / LINKSGet a feel for the different types of questions on each exam with Dominate Test Prep's free trial offers: https://www.dominatetestprep.com/free-trial-optionsFollow MBA Waves on YouTube for more great content about business and MBA admissionsConnect with Bara SapirConnect with Krithika SrinivasanSIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 69: Psychometrics of the GMAT Focus EditionEpisode 57: How to Prepare for the Executive AssessmentEpisode 55: Key Differences Between the Executive Assessment and GMATEpisode 42: GMAT vs. GRE for MBA AdmissionsA DOSE OF MOTIVATION"Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house." — Proverbs 24:27Connect with Us Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT Exam, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT) Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Questions? Comments? Email us at support@dominatetestprep.com.
In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the activity on MBA LiveWire; UPenn / Wharton released its interview invites for Round 1 last week, while Chicago / Booth released deny decisions for those who it did not invite for an interview. Several other top MBA programs continue to roll out interview invite decisions. For this upcoming week, Cornell / Johnson is scheduled to release its interview invite decisions for Round 1, while Irvine / Merage, Oxford / Said, Maryland / Smith and Washington / Olin all have application deadlines. Georgetown / McDonough is scheduled to release its Early Action round decisions. Graham highlighted the upcoming webinars series scheduled for deferred admissions candidates, which begins on November 6 with Columbia, Harvard, Chicago / Booth and Yale SOM, signups are here: https://bit.ly/cadefermba Graham also noted the upcoming webinar series for Masters in Management programs, which begins on December 3, signups are here: https://bit.ly/camim24 Graham then highlighted a recently published story that covers the history of the “M7” group of MBA programs, as well as an admissions tip on some of the more unusual interview practices at top MBA programs. Graham then noted three Real Humans stories, focused on MBA students at Emory / Goizueta, Vanderbilt / Owen and Boston College / Carroll. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries. This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from Italy, now living in Spain. They appear to have a very solid career history and outside activities. They also have a master's degree in economics. Unfortunately, they were not able to perform well on the GRE test, so have requested test waivers. We think this will harm their MBA options, overall. This week's second MBA candidate applied to all their programs in Round 1 and appears to have a decent profile, overall. This includes a 3.64 GPA, 324 GRE and 5 years of work experience. They already have an interview invite at Dartmouth / Tuck. The final MBA candidate is from Brazil, and appears to have a very good profile overall, but has taken the Executive Assessment test, instead of the GMAT or GRE. Like our first candidate this week, we think this may negatively impact their overall options. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!
No one is immune from burnout. Not even accomplished leaders. In fact, we often find that it's thehighest performing, most passionate leaders who are most at risk from burnout.So, what can you do to address this growing problem? What are the warning signs of burnout? And,when a leader reaches burnout, what are the consequences for the individual and the organization?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Nic Cutts, GuylaineDavid, and Henryk Krajewski—who share their perspectives on:How leaders can spot the warning signs of burnout in themselves—and their teams.Why it's important leaders reframe their attitudes toward burnout.How leaders can avoid creating a burnout culture in their organization.How toxic positivity can lead to burnout.A closer look at the research from this episode:World Health Organization, Burnout: An Occupational PhenomenonRussell Reynolds Associates, Redefiners Podcast, Season 2 - Ep. 18 | From Burnout to Performance: Creating a Culture of Resiliency (Re-Release) with Annastiina Hintsa, CEO, Hintsa PerformanceRussell Reynolds Associates, Executive Assessment & BenchmarkingRussell Reynolds Associates, The New Wellness at Work: Improving Culture via Employee WellbeingAXA UK and Centre of Economic and Business Research, The true cost of running on empty: work-related stress costing UK economy £28bn a yearThe Mindful Business CharterBBC News Lloyds boss: Mental health issues can break livesBBC News Jacinda Ardern to quit: ‘I no longer have enough in the tank'The Negative Impact Of Toxic Positivity In The Workplace (forbes.com)Why Six Hours Of Sleep Is As Bad As None At All - Fast Company
In our latest episode of SaaS Fuel, we are joined by Jordan Burton, who has transitioned from a career in consulting and entrepreneurship to becoming a talent assessment guru. He specializes in data-driven interviewing techniques, focusing on understanding a candidate's true fit for leadership roles in high-growth SaaS companies. Jordan's expertise lies in eliminating the pitfalls of traditional, gut-feeling-based interviews by promoting structured, data-centric methods that enhance the effectiveness of the hiring process. Learn how to craft concise and inspiring job descriptions, create standardized interview guides to reduce bias, and leverage networks for effective hiring in high-growth SaaS companies. Discover the importance of personal connections in recruiting high-performing engineers and explore Talgo on Demand, a platform designed to enhance interviewing skills and entrepreneurial leadership.Key Takeaways[00:00:59] - Data Driven vs Traditional Interviewing Pitfalls[00:06:17] - Data Driven Interviewing in Talgo Hiring [00:08:07] - Leveraging Networks for Talent Acquisition[00:13:22] - Defining Role Context in Interviewing[00:19:44] - Hiring Engineering Leadership for Business Impact[00:24:35] - Overcoming Bias in Executive Assessment[00:26:59] - Note Taking in Executive Assessments[00:31:25] - Quality of Working vs Non-Working Candidates[00:36:37] - Using Humor in Data Driven Interviews[00:41:50] - Talgo Online Competitive AdvantageTweetable Quotes“Most of us do it that way though that's right. I mean, the vast majority of interviewing is really bad.” - 00:01:30 Jordan Burton“Data-driven interviewing is about like let's actually learn about them. Where have they been, what have they done and how relevant is that for what we're looking to hire them to do?” - 00:04:15 Jordan Burton“A significant number of hiring mistakes come down to a misalignment of stakeholders on what success means in the role.” - 00:10:45 Jordan Burton“The mistake we see businesses high growth, SaaS, and otherwise make is an over-reliance on job postings. Essentially, you're never even going to see high performers through a job post.” - 00:21:35 Jordan Burton“What we want to see is that when we come together as a team, we are reviewing an aggregated set of facts, of stories, of things from this person's past.” - 00:35:20 Jordan BurtonSaaS Leadership LessonsEmbrace Data Driven Decision Making in Hiring: Traditional hiring methods often rely on gut feelings and uncoordinated interviews, leading to suboptimal decisions. By implementing data driven interviewing techniques, leaders can ensure a thorough and objective assessment of candidates. This approach helps in understanding a candidate's true fit for the role by examining verifiable facts and past performances, thus reducing bias and redundancy.Craft Inspiring and Transparent Job Descriptions: Effective communication is necessary in talent acquisition. Leaders should focus on creating concise and inspiring job descriptions that clearly reflect the organization's mission and the role's impact. Innovative methods like video job descriptions and transparency about the role's challenges can attract the right candidates and ensure they are well informed about what to expect.Leverage Networks for Talent Sourcing: Founders and leaders often struggle when hiring for roles outside their expertise. Leveraging existing networks can streamline the hiring process by tapping into a pool of trusted and high performing candidates. Engaging with these networks can also help in identifying the right talent through personal...
June 2024 was the last LSAT with Logic Games. Love 'em or hate 'em, Logic Games were a huge part of the LSAT exam and a right of passage for many a law school candidate — and they are no more. RIP, Games. So what does this mean for you? What does the new version of the LSAT look like moving forward? How should you prepare for it? With Logic Games being replaced by a second Logical Reasoning section, how can you learn to love LR and get a great score on test day? We're joined by LSAT expert Dave Hall, LSAT instructor at Dominate Test Prep and founder of Velocity LSAT, to break it all down for you. The only constant is change, as they say, and this change to the LSAT presents a great opportunity for you to separate yourself from your peers by preparing effectively for the new-look LSAT. Dave is here to tell you how. RESOURCES / LINKSFree Logical Reasoning Lesson: "Introduction to Conditional Reasoning + Practical Applications for the LSAT"Get Started with LawHub - An extensive library of Official LSAT PrepTestsPrepare for the LSAT with Dave Hall's comprehensive LSAT Prep Course (Month-to-Month Access) - https://www.velocitylsat.com/offers/NRLpWowXPrepare for the LSAT with Dave Hall's comprehensive LSAT Prep Course (4 Months Access) - https://www.velocitylsat.com/offers/LzTwauXZPrepare for the LSAT with Dave Hall's comprehensive LSAT Prep Course (12 Months Access) - https://www.velocitylsat.com/offers/Qjs3WYgGSIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 53: LSAT vs. GRE for Law School Admissions, with Dave HallEpisode 30: 5 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Starting Law School, with Dave HallEpisode 4: On the New Digital LSAT (and a Good Ham Sandwich), with Dave HallA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“All good things must come to an end.” — Geoffrey ChaucerConnect with Us Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT Exam, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT) Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Questions? Comments? Email us at support@dominatetestprep.com.
On February 1, 2024, the “old” GMAT is going away and the new GMAT Focus Edition is the version of the business school entrance exam that MBA hopefuls will take as part of the admission process moving forward. In this episode we take a deep-dive look a the new GMAT exam from a psychometric standpoint, meaning the intellectual abilities and skills GMAT Focus tests and the psychological traits built into the makeup of the exam. Specifically, we analyze the GMAT Focus Edition on five fronts:Why the changing business school landscape necessitated a rethinking of the GMAT exam and how the GMAC meets the needs of business schools with GMAT FocusHow the GMAC ensured the validity and reliability of the GMAT Focus Edition despite reducing the number of questionsKey differences between the GMAT Focus Edition and the legacy GMAT that renders GMAT Focus a very different test (note: it's not just a shorter GMAT)Understanding the new GMAT Focus scoring algorithm and how to compare scores to the old GMATThe new Review & Edit feature of GMAT Focus and how to maximize it from a test-taking standpoint (hint: be very careful about changing your answers!)While we geek out a bit when talking about certain features of the GMAT Focus Edition, we always bring it back to what it means for you as a test-taker in terms of being able to get more right answers on test day. If you're planning to take GMAT Focus, you'll have a much better understanding of what you're in store for after listening to this episode. If you're an MBA admissions officer or consultant, you'll have a better feel for what the GMAT Focus Edition measures, how it compares to the old GMAT, and how to think about a student's score when evaluating their application.RESOURCES / LINKSArticle: "Equating GMAT Focus vs GMAT Scoring Scales"Take the guesswork out of preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition with the industry's top-rated Complete GMAT Focus Prep Course (fully updated and specifically designed for the GMAT Focus Edition)SIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 65: Initial Thoughts on the New GMAT Focus Edition, with Barbara CowardEpisode 50: What Good are Standardized Tests Anyway?Episode 42: GMAT vs. GRE for MBA AdmissionsA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” — Muhammad AliConnect with Us Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT Focus, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT) Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Questions? Comments? Email us at support@dominatetestprep.com.
Join us as we chat with Martin Cinke of Martin Cinke Tutoring to talk about the current state of affairs with SAT & ACT in college admissions. Martin Cinke Tutoring provides expert tutoring in SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment test preparation. Martin also tutors high school English, Math, and Reading. Martin has almost 20 years' experience and has helped thousands of students get into the programs of their choice. Foundations of CONNECTION: https://www.parentweenconnection.com/Foundations-of-CONNECTION/ ParenT(w)een Village: https://www.parentweenconnection.com/ParenTweenVillage/ About ParenT(w)een Connection When friends of Joe & Clarissa Constantine were going through a REALLY tough patch with their then-15-year-old daughter, the mom said, 'I just wish I had other parents to talk to.' It was like a lightning bolt for Clarissa, and The ParenT(w)een Connection was born. We launched a Facebook group and within a few days had over 100 parents join - talk about proof of concept! We knew we had the potential to make a huge global impact and went to the drawing board to sketch out a vision. As it stands today, we have four unique but interwoven segments: Trusted Expert Network: Think Angie's List, but specifically featuring professionals who support families with kids between the ages of 10 and 20. If you're a parent, browse the listings to find professionals who can support you. If you're a professional, join what will become the world's largest network geared toward connecting you with other professionals who support the same clients. https://www.parentweenconnection.com/trustedexperts ParenT(w)een Village: Joining our Facebook group is a GREAT first step! And when you're ready for more - more community, more support, more sharing of knowledge - then it's time to join the ParenT(w)een Village. Connect more with other parents, tune into podcast livestreams as the interviews take place, access exclusive training from many of our podcast guests, join our monthly CONNECTION Calls, and more! https://www.parentweenconnection.com/ParenTweenVillage/ Local Communities: It's one thing to connect with other parents online; it's another to be able to get together in person and build even more supportive relationships. Our local communities & events will be managed by local professionals who are dedicated to cultivating relationships with parents & other professionals in their geographical area. ParenT(w)een Foundation: It's one thing to say, 'Hey, look at all these awesome professionals who can help you & your family.' But if finances are an obstacle to working with these pros, that's not okay in our book. We want to help you get the help you need. Learn more at www.parentweenconnection.com/foundation As we grow, it's our mission to help families avoid many of the difficulties we experienced. We want to give parents a safe place to connect with each other. We want to help you find trusted experts who can help you when you just don't know what to do on your own. We want to give you different ways to connect with your kids so you can have awesome relationships with them. We believe that the better your relationship is with the kids in your life, the happier you'll all be - and the fewer kids we'll lose to suicide. Follow us everywhere online through www.linktr.ee/ParenTweenConnection --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parentweenconnection/message
Join us as we chat with Martin Cinke of Martin Cinke Tutoring to talk about the current state of affairs with SAT & ACT in college admissions. Martin Cinke Tutoring provides expert tutoring in SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment test preparation. Martin also tutors high school English, Math, and Reading. Martin has almost 20 years' experience and has helped thousands of students get into the programs of their choice. Foundations of CONNECTION: https://www.parentweenconnection.com/Foundations-of-CONNECTION/ ParenT(w)een Village: https://www.parentweenconnection.com/ParenTweenVillage/ About ParenT(w)een Connection When friends of Joe & Clarissa Constantine were going through a REALLY tough patch with their then-15-year-old daughter, the mom said, 'I just wish I had other parents to talk to.' It was like a lightning bolt for Clarissa, and The ParenT(w)een Connection was born. We launched a Facebook group and within a few days had over 100 parents join - talk about proof of concept! We knew we had the potential to make a huge global impact and went to the drawing board to sketch out a vision. As it stands today, we have four unique but interwoven segments: Trusted Expert Network: Think Angie's List, but specifically featuring professionals who support families with kids between the ages of 10 and 20. If you're a parent, browse the listings to find professionals who can support you. If you're a professional, join what will become the world's largest network geared toward connecting you with other professionals who support the same clients. https://www.parentweenconnection.com/trustedexperts ParenT(w)een Village: Joining our Facebook group is a GREAT first step! And when you're ready for more - more community, more support, more sharing of knowledge - then it's time to join the ParenT(w)een Village. Connect more with other parents, tune into podcast livestreams as the interviews take place, access exclusive training from many of our podcast guests, join our monthly CONNECTION Calls, and more! https://www.parentweenconnection.com/ParenTweenVillage/ Local Communities: It's one thing to connect with other parents online; it's another to be able to get together in person and build even more supportive relationships. Our local communities & events will be managed by local professionals who are dedicated to cultivating relationships with parents & other professionals in their geographical area. ParenT(w)een Foundation: It's one thing to say, 'Hey, look at all these awesome professionals who can help you & your family.' But if finances are an obstacle to working with these pros, that's not okay in our book. We want to help you get the help you need. Learn more at www.parentweenconnection.com/foundation As we grow, it's our mission to help families avoid many of the difficulties we experienced. We want to give parents a safe place to connect with each other. We want to help you find trusted experts who can help you when you just don't know what to do on your own. We want to give you different ways to connect with your kids so you can have awesome relationships with them. We believe that the better your relationship is with the kids in your life, the happier you'll all be - and the fewer kids we'll lose to suicide. Follow us everywhere online through www.linktr.ee/ParenTweenConnection --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parentweenconnection/message
It's common to hit a plateau as you're preparing for your standardized test. Your momentum stalls, your practice test scores stop going up, and no matter how much you keep studying, you don't seem to be making any progress. The key to getting un-stuck so that you can get off your prep plateau and continue growing toward your goals lies in the "Growth Formula" as laid out by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness in Peak Performance. In this episode we dissect their formula and reveal what may just be the secret ingredient for you to achieve the breakthrough you're looking for. Incidentally, the components of the Growth Formula will help you achieve excellence in all areas of your life to which you apply them. Even if you haven't [yet] hit a plateau as you're studying for your exam, the concepts and studies discussed here will help you optimize your preparation so that you can experience peak performance on test day.RESOURCES / LINKSPeak Performance, by Brad Stulberg and Steve MagnessComprehensive prep courses for the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, and LSATSIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 17: Nutrition Hacks for Improved Focus, Memory, and Mental Clarity, with Dr. Barrett DeubertEpisode 33: How to Get Started Again if Something Derails Your PrepEpisode 40: Proven Principles of Perfect Practice, with Mike BerginA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“The process of setting a goal on the outer boundaries of what we think is possible, and then systematically pursuing it, is one of the most fulfilling parts about being human.” — Brad StulbergConnect with Us Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, GRE, EA, LSAT) Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Questions? Comments? Email us at support@dominatetestprep.com.
Reflecting on trends that impacted graduate admissions in 2022, Linda Abraham shares her predictions for 2023 and offers an action plan for those planning to apply in the new year. [Show Summary] Thanks for joining me for today's solo show. I'm going to review a few trends from 2022 and also attempt to inspire you for the upcoming year. You can email me at ast@accepted.com when my predictions prove wrong in the course of the year. Predictions: More law schools will withdraw from U.S. News rankings [1:16] I predict that more law schools will withdraw from U.S. News rankings. Will the rankings influence end with the withdrawal of these schools? I actually don't think so. U.S. News will use publicly available data and still rank programs. Its rankings will continue to influence admissions, recruiting, and applicant decisions. But are they going to hold as much sway as they have in the past? I don't know. That's hard to say. I don't think the U.S. News is going to just stop ranking schools. I don't think applicants are going to stop looking at rankings, and I don't really think schools are going to stop being influenced by rankings. Perhaps a little less so in the past, but I think you're going to see changes on the margins in that segment. What about other segments of the higher education market? I don't think medical schools are going to stop ranking or participating in the U.S. News ranking. I also think that the rankings are a little bit less influential in the med school arena than they are in law schools or business schools. It'll be really interesting to see if business schools withdraw from the rankings. Certainly, the admissions directors there have no greater love of rankings than the law school admissions directors and deans. I think if you see the M7 schools withdraw, you might see a trend very similar to what you've seen in the law school market, where it's the elite programs that have largely withdrawn, and the lower-down ones are not withdrawing yet. There are some that have but not that many. We'll link to posts that Accepted has on the withdrawal of specific schools from the U.S. News rankings. Prediction: More experimentation with test options and waivers [3:05] What about test optionality? That has been a trend that's been growing and increasing over the last several years. It really took off with COVID. I don't think you're going to see much change in the law school space this year. I think you will see it if, as anticipated, the ABA approves making tests optional for its accredited programs. I think you're going to see more experimentation in the grad and MBA market with test optionality. And you may also see, throughout the graduate and undergraduate arenas, acceptance for a larger variety of tests. Many law schools are accepting the GRE in addition to the LSAT. In the business school world, you're seeing widespread acceptance of the GRE or the GMAT to the extent that the test is required. You're seeing more waivers. You're also seeing greater acceptance of the Executive Assessment, which was originally designed for Executive MBA programs. And at some schools, you're seeing them basically saying, whatever has an alphabet soup in it is fine. I think you're going to see more and more experimentation. You'll see more waiver options and there's been a lot of experimentation with that in the B school market. I'm not sure you're going to see wholesale test optionality at the elite programs. I think med schools will stick with the MCAT. It has some correlation to performance on the USMLE, which is obviously the test that doctors have to take at the end of medical school. And medical schools very legitimately want to know that the people they admit are going to perform in medical schools. Grad schools are all over the map outside the professional designations that I've just discussed. Some are going to require a GRE or another test; some won't. Again,
It's easy to feel like more is better when it comes to preparing for your standardized test. More instructional videos. More practice problems. Another book. Another course. But the reality is that more is not always better on high-stakes exams, as it can lead to uncertainty -- and therefore wrong answers -- during the time pressure of test day. Instead, we explain in this episode why it's important to have "one voice" as you're learning the underlying content and test-taking strategies in preparation for your exam. We also tell you how to find that voice and make recommendations for resources you can trust.Questions? Comments? Topic suggestions for future episodes? Reach out to us at support@dominatetestprep.com. We'd love to hear from you!SIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 5: The Success Triad + Time Management TipsEpisode 61: Priorities if You're Short on Study TimeEpisode 56: How to Use Practice Tests (and What to Avoid), with Vinay NarangA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“Too many cooks spoil the broth.” - English Proverb
Performing well on your standardized test becomes a whole lot easier if you can read faster while retaining more of what you read. As guest Bara Sapir, developer of the MindFlow Speed Reading Program, explains, that's a skill that can be developed with improved technique and practice — and by letting go of some of the common "bad" reading habits that you've likely developed to this point in your academic journey.If you're eager to get a leg up on the reading comprehension portion of your exam — or even to just read faster at work or for pleasure — learn from Bara as she shares:How reading is a skill that can be learned and improved, no matter your current ability;The bad reading habits of "fixation" and "subvocalization" and how to fix them;How many words per minute (wpm) you're likely currently reading, and how many wpm you need to shoot for on test day;Why getting lost in the details on a reading passage is slowing you down, and why it's not necessary for getting right answers anyway;The "finger technique" for getting your eyes to scan words more fluidly;How your brain will eventually catch up with your eyes as you train them to read more quickly;Reading tips for non-native English speakers;External factors (sleep, diet, etc.) that can influence your focus — and thus comprehension — while reading;And more!Contrary to common wisdom, improving your reading speed and comprehension is something you can do in a relatively short amount of time, provided you put in the time to learn the necessary skills and practice their implementation. Running out of time on the reading portion of your test doesn't have to be an issue for you any longer. Learn how to fix it in this episode.RESOURCES / LINKSTake MindFlow's free speed reading test: https://app.mindflowspeedreading.com/free/speed-readLearn more about the MindFlow Speed Reading Program and register: https://mindflowspeedreading.com.Comprehensive prep courses for the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, LSAT and SATSIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 39: What Should I Be Reading?Episode 13: Reading Comprehension Strategies for ESL Students (and Everyone Else!)Episode 15: Overcoming Test Anxiety, with Bara SapirA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” — Confucius
Tune in to hear all you need to know about the Executive Assessment [Show Summary] Who is the Executive Assessment for? What is it? And how to prepare for it? Introduced by GMAC a few years ago, for the Executive MBA, the “EA” has gained credibility and acceptability for a variety of MBA programs. Brett Ethridge, test prep expert, weighs in and answers all these questions in this informative interview. Interview with Brett Ethridge, founder and president of Dominate Test Prep [Show Notes] Welcome to the 483rd episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Thanks for listening. You've seen the stats that most people have a great return on their MBA investment. But what about you? Are you going to see that return? How much could it be? We've created a tool that will help you assess whether the MBA is likely to be a good investment for you individually. Just go to accepted.com/mbaroicalc, complete the brief questionnaire, and you'll not only get an assessment but also the opportunity to calculate different scenarios. And it's all free. Try the MBA ROI Calculator! It gives me great pleasure to have back on Admissions Straight Talk, Brett Ethridge, founder and president of Dominate Test Prep. Brett earned his Bachelor's in Public Policy Studies from Duke in 2000 and then joined the Peace Corps for two years where he worked in Madagascar. He then earned a Master's in International Finance, Trade, and Economic Integration from the University of Denver. In 2010, he founded Dominate the GMAT, which became Dominate Test Prep. Today, Dominate Test Prep provides test preparation for the GMAT, the GRE, SAT, ACT, LSAT, and most importantly for today's conversation, GMAC's Executive Assessment. The Executive Assessment is accepted by many Executive MBA programs, an increasing number of part-time MBA programs, and even several highly ranked full-time MBA programs, including Columbia, Darden, Duke Fuqua, Georgetown, NYU Stern, UT McCombs, and Vanderbilt. Let's learn all about the Executive Assessment. Let's start with a basic question. What is the Executive Assessment? [2:42] It's a standardized test used as part of the admissions process for a wide range of primarily Executive MBA programs in the United States, but also overseas. It's also being used by an increasing number of online MBA programs, part-time MBA programs, and full-time MBA programs. It's very similar in a lot of ways to the GMAT exam, which is the widely used entrance exam for business school, but different in distinct ways as well. In short, it's a standardized test that a lot of students are taking right now to get into various MBA programs. Why did GMAC develop the Executive Assessment if it already had the GMAT? [3:32] Because they were asked to (if the story is correct). I actually first learned about the Executive Assessment myself at a forum that the GMAC hosted at their headquarters in Ruston, Virginia back in 2018. I think the Executive Assessment had been around for maybe a year or so at that point. It's a fairly new exam at four or five years old. It was my first time really learning about the exam. At that point, only a couple dozen schools were even using it. The story they told us, so this is straight from the GMAC's mouth, is that the admissions directors at a lot of the top executive MBA programs came to them and said, "Look, we love the GMAT. We're currently asking applicants for our Executive MBA programs to take the GMAT. But it's a really steep hurdle in the application process for a demographic of applicants who are in their forties, sometimes fifties. These people have been out of school for decades and now you're asking them to do the advanced math that's on the GMAT and spend months and months and months preparing. Can you come up with something that's a slightly lower barrier to entry? Not in terms of being easier, necessarily. We want to make sure that the applicants have the quantitative chops and also verbal reasonin...
It seems like there's never enough time to do all the things we want to in life. That can be especially true when it comes to preparing for your standardized test. You're busy: job, family, school, hobbies, etc. And yet, you need to carve out sufficient time to study effectively for your exam. But how?That's exactly the concern submitted by one of our students, Madeline, who wrote: "I am concerned about having enough time to study. I work full time (most weeks, more than 40 hrs a week)...and the math is a lot to take in and relearn.”Sound familiar?In this "mailbag" episode we address Madeline's hang-up and provide practical prep tips for students who fall into one of two categories:You don't have a lot of time to prepare for your standardized test because you're scheduled to take it in just a few weeks (or even days!);Your test date is still a ways off, but your days are super busy and you're not sure where you're going to find the time to fit in adequate studying.In a perfect world, you'd be able to drop everything and devote 100% of your time over the next couple months preparing for your exam. But that's not realistic. Yet, it's still possible to get a great score even if you're limited on study time -- provided you prioritize the right things and structure your study sessions optimally. By the end of this episode, you'll know how.Questions? Comments? Topic suggestions for future episodes? Reach out to us at support@dominatetestprep.com. We'd love to hear from you!SIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 33: How to Get Started Again if Something Derails Your PrepEpisode 8: How I Raised My GMAT Score 120 Points, with Matt KunzlerEpisode 52: How to Stay Consistent With Your StudyingA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“If you want something done, ask a busy person.” — Benjamin Franklin
Graduate schools generally have more than one application deadline throughout the year, and when you apply often impacts your likelihood of being admitted. Indeed, it's more important than ever that you apply as early as possible in the admission cycle, according to Linda Abraham, founder of Accepted -- especially given the expected increase in application volume resulting from trends in the current economic landscape.In this episode, Linda elaborates on that thesis as we discuss:The distinction between "rolling admissions" and "rounds" and the approximate application deadlines for each submission period;Why current economic trends (inflation, rising interest rates, impending recession) suggest that applying early (i.e. Round 1) is a good idea this application cycle;The benefits of applying Round 1 even in a "normal" year;Four (4) criteria to consider that will help you determine if you're ready to apply;How long it takes to put together a polished application;Why it's a mistake to rush an application just to meet Round 1 deadlines;Whether it's better to apply in later rounds this year or wait until Round 1 next year;And more!If you've already decided that graduate school is in your immediate future, there's no time to waste when it comes to getting your test score and starting to work on your applications. After listening to this episode and hearing what Linda has to share, you'll understand why. Enjoy!RESOURCES / LINKSFrom the Accepted Blog: “When Should I Plan to Apply to Grad School? NOW!!!”Quiz - Are you ready for an MBA?Quiz - Are you ready for law school?Quiz - Are you ready for an Engineering degree?Quiz - Are you ready for med school?Contact Linda AbrahamPrepare for your standardized test with Dominate Test Prep's industry-leading prep coursesSIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 37: When is the Best Time to Take Your Exam?Episode 34: How to Determine Where to Apply, with Linda AbrahamEpisode 3: Framework for a Successful Grad School Application, with Linda AbrahamA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” — Benjamin Franklin
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) recently released the results of its Prospective Students Survey 2022, a tool used to provide graduate business schools with critical insights into the decision-making processes of people currently considering applying to a graduate management education (GME) program. Many of the findings are valuable for applicants as well, as they shed light on current trends in the business school industry and paint a picture of the education landscape students will be navigating over the next few years.To help unpack some of the report's most interesting results, we've invited MBA admissions consultant Barbara Coward, founder of MBA 360 Admissions, to share her perspective. We discuss:The current state of graduate business education in a post-pandemic world;Why 4 out of 5 respondents still see significant value in a business degree;Acknowledged barriers to going back to school;The relative desire for 1-year vs. 2-year MBA programs, and whether U.S. business schools are ever likely to move to a 1-year model;The role of hybrid learning in the future given respondents' strong preferences for in-person learning;Where test-optional policies stand;Triggers for students deciding to go back to school;And more!This year's report is chock-full of interesting data about current trends in the GME space. With Barbara's help, we do a thorough job of distilling some of the most salient insights for you. But if you also want to hear the GMAC's perspective on their own survey, you can attend their webinar on May 18, 2022 where they will further discuss key findings.RESOURCES / LINKSSummary Report: GMAC Prospective Students Survey 2022GMAC Prospective Students Survey 2022 - Deans SummaryGMAC Prospective Students Survey 2022 - InfographicReport: Post-GMA Career AspirationsContact Barbara Coward, founder of MBA 360 AdmissionsContact Brett Ethridge, founder of Dominate Test PrepRegister for complete prep courses for the GMAT, GRE, or Executive AssessmentSIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 23: Should You Hire an Admissions Consultant?Episode 28: The Value of an MBAA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.” -- Jim Rohn
The Executive Assessment (EA) is different from other standardized tests in a number of important ways. As such, the way you need to prepare for the EA is distinct in several key respects as well. In this episode we highlight those unique aspects of the exam and lay out a game plan for preparing for the Executive Assessment, including:The "EA Success Triad" -- three interrelated components that are integral to studying effectively for the EA;Key differentiators between the Executive Assessment and other standardized tests, and the preparation mindset you should adopt as a result;Which of the three sections of the exam to prioritize with your study time (hint: it's probably not what you think!);Recommended resources for learning the content and test-taking strategies necessary for a high EA score;Go-to sources of EA practice problems and practice tests;And more!If you're applying for an EMBA or MBA and need to take the Executive Assessment, you'll come away from this episode knowing exactly what you need to do to prepare effectively and dominate the EA on test day. Enjoy!RESOURCES / LINKSFree Executive Assessment QuizBuy Official EA Practice Tests and Official EA Practice Questions from the GMACAdditional EA practice via the GMAT Official GuideNon-Standard EA math strategies: "Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid on the Executive Assessment"Complete Executive Assessment Prep Course from Dominate Test PrepContact UsSIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 55: Key Differences Between the Executive Assessment and GMATEpisode 35: Understanding the Executive Assessment, with Manish Dharia of the GMACEpisode 42: GMAT vs. GRE for MBA AdmissionsEpisode 28: The Value of an MBA, with Tim MunyonA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“Don't wait for the fear to be gone. That day will never come. Feel the fear — and then do it anyway.” — Holly Tree Richardson
Love 'em or dread 'em, practice tests are an essential and invaluable part of preparing well for your standardized test. They reveal your strengths and weaknesses, help you hone your time management, get you comfortable with the testing experience, and so much more. Yes, practice tests are important -- but only if you use them correctly. In this episode of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast, we'll show you how.Joined by special guest Vinay Narang of GMAT Genius, we cover:The role that practice tests should play in your test preparation;How to overcome the fear of taking your first practice test -- and what to expect in terms of results;How many practice tests you should plan to take, and when you should take them;Why there is often variability in your practice test results;What to do immediately after taking a practice test, and how to assess your relative strengths and weaknesses;Why keeping an error log isn't overly helpful, and what to do instead;What it means if your real exam score is lower than your practice test scores;Tips for ensuring that your practice test experience simulates the real test-day experience as much as possible;How to know when you're ready to schedule your official exam;No-no's when taking a practice test (things to avoid);And more!Whether you're just starting your test prep journey and are gearing up to take your first practice test or you've already taken a bunch of practice tests and are wondering what to do next, the insight Vinay shares in this podcast will point you in the right direction. Enjoy!RESOURCES / LINKSOfficial GMAT Practice Tests (2 Free)How to Get the Free GRE Practice Tests from ETSOfficial Executive Assessment Practice TestsLawHub - Official LSAT Practice TestsAll About the GMATContact UsSIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 6: Test Mastery Pt.2: Customizing Your Study Plan, with Vinay NarangEpisode 31: Do's and Don'ts for Reviewing Your Practice Test ResultsEpisode 40: Proven Principles of Perfect Practice, with Mike BerginEpisode 15: Overcoming Test Anxiety, with Bara SapirEpisode 11: 9 Ways to Avoid Making Careless ErrorsA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“Chance favors the prepared mind.“ — Louis Pasteur
Applying to business school? You'll likely need to take either the GMAT or Executive Assessment (EA) for admission. The two exams are similar in many ways, as the EA was developed by the same organization that created and administers the GMAT exam. But the EA and GMAT are also very different in several key ways -- and understanding those differences is crucial for you in deciding which exam to prepare for.In this episode we provide a brief history of each test so that you better understand what they are designed to accomplish in the context of MBA / EMBA admissions. We then explain important differences between the Executive Assessment and GMAT in five areas:Who should take each exam based on the type of graduate business program you're applying to;Philosophical differences between the two tests, and what it means in terms of how to prepare and what score to target;The relative importance of the Integrated Reasoning section on the GMAT vs. EA, with tips for studying for it;Content differences;Format differences, including how the adaptive algorithm differs for each exam and what it means for you in terms of navigating the sections.As you'll learn, it would be a mistake to simply think of the Executive Assessment as an "easier" version of the GMAT, or as "GMAT Lite" as some have called it. To the contrary, the EA is its own entity designed for a specific type of MBA applicant. By the end of this episode, you'll know whether or not that's you!FREE EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT QUIZWhat are you in store for on the Executive Assessment? Take our free 6-question EA Quiz to find out!https://www.dominatetestprep.com/what's-on-the-eaRESOURCES / LINKSGMAT vs. EA: Which Exam Should You Take? [YouTube]GMAC Official Site: "How the Executive Assessment is Structured"From mba.com: GMAT Exam StructureComplete Executive Assessment Prep CourseComprehensive GMAT Prep CourseContact Brett Ethridge at Dominate Test PrepSIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 35: Understanding the Executive Assessment, with Manish DhariaEpisode 53: LSAT vs. GRE for Law School Admissions, with Dave HallEpisode 42: GMAT vs. GRE for MBA AdmissionsEpisode 41: SAT vs. ACT for College AdmissionsA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“Trust that the sacrifices you make today are putting you on the path toward a better tomorrow.” — Brent Fikowski
Greg Hiebert has over 39 years of practicing, studying, teaching and coaching leadership in the public and private sectors at all levels of leadership to include Boards. Following his deep passion for teaching and coaching leadership, Greg started his own consulting company “leadershipForward” in 2002 where he serves as Managing Partner today. The mission is to provide clients with results-focused leadership, education, and development solutions at the senior executive and operational leadership levels. Over the past 18 years at leadershipForward, Greg and his firm have provided executive and team coaching and development to thousands of executives and hundreds of companies in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Additionally, Greg has become a national speaker and expert on building resilience, greater agility and posttraumatic growth. In 2018 Greg released an Amazon Best Seller entitled, “You Can't Give What You Don't Have: Creating the 7 Habits that Make a Remarkable Life”. In 1981 upon graduation from the United States Military Academy, Greg served in a host of elite Army units to include two assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division where he served as an infantry unit commander and Battalion primary staff officer. Based upon his leadership academic performance, he was selected to teach leadership and organizational change at the United States Military Academy where he earned the highest educator ratings for teacher excellence and selected as the only non-tenured faculty member to teach the Academy's graduate program on leadership and organizational change while serving as the Program Director for the Academy's core leadership course. In 1993, McKinsey & Company, a global strategic consulting firm, recruited Greg to continue his focus on issues of leadership and organizational change in the private sector. BellSouth Telecommunications, a McKinsey Client, recruited Greg to form an internal strategic consulting and organizational transformation group. As a key operational and strategic executive, he led several large-scale organizational change initiatives to include the creation of a $4 billion Small Business unit that included 22 call centers and 2,200 employees serving 1.5 million customers. In 1998 Greg was recruited away by a start-up competitor to serve as Vice President of Operations where he led a team of network and software engineers that developed and delivered e-business and Internet integration solutions to clients. In 2000 Greg joined a global executive search firm, Egon Zehnder International, and provided human capital consulting services to clients consisting of senior executive search and assessment, succession planning, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. In 3 years he conducted over 50 searches at the “C” level serving several Fortune 100 clients. He also implemented several large-scale senior executive assessment projects that provided client CEOs and their Boards with an in-depth assessment of their organization's senior leadership supply. On a personal front, Greg's father was a career Army Officer serving including being a Green Beret. Greg was the 2nd of 6 children and all served in the U.S. military. When one of his brothers retired in 2016 it marked the end of 117 years of his family's active duty service to the United States. Greg has been married for 39 years to Claudia, a Pediatric Nurse. They have four children, three grandchildren and reside in Atlanta, Georgia. -------------------------------------------------------- DENNIS O'NEIL, PhD EXECUTIVE / LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT Dr. Dennis O'Neil is a prominent thought leader, speaker and subject matter expert on executive coaching and leadership development. He has over 25 years of practical leadership experience at the highest levels of Fortune 500 Companies, the White House, the military, and academia as a full Professor of Strategic Leadership. He has been a trusted executive and advisor providing strategic and analytical guidance to public and non-profit boards, CEOs, senior government and military officials, and multi-national operations. An accomplished executive coach and leadership development expert, Dennis' speaking and training methods inspire individuals and teams to deliver top-tier performances through one-on-one coaching and team engagements. He has over 25+ years practical leadership experience in public, private and academic sectors where he has been a trusted advisor providing strategic and analytical guidance to public company boards, CEO's, and Pentagon Chiefs of Staff. Dennis earned his PhD in Psychology at Duke University, where his emphasis was on personality and character strength predictors of leadership effectiveness. He also was adjunct professor at Duke's Corporate Education program; and served as Assistant Professor and led the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY. Most recently, O'Neil served as an executive at Alcoa / Arconic Inc., a global leader in lightweight metals technology, engineering and manufacturing. Directly advising the Chairman and CEO, as well as Alcoa business and resource units, he provided strategic advice, guidance, coordination and oversight during the founding of Arconic. He joined Alcoa / Arconic from the Eisenhower School for National and Resource Strategy at the National Defense University, Washington, DC, where he was a Professor of Behavioral Sciences. He served as the Director of Strategic Leadership, Director of the Executive Assessment and Development Program, and Director of the Adaptive and Agile Leaders Networks concentration. Previously, O'Neil served in the White House for the National Security Division, Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President overseeing more than $10 billion in discretionary outlays. He was also the Executive Director of the White House Performance Improvement Council responsible for implementing the President's approach to improving interagency performance and accountability. As a career Army officer, O'Neil served in strategic roles directly supporting the highest levels of Pentagon leadership, including three Chiefs of Staff of the Army. Earlier, his career included experience as an armor officer and Army strategist including combat tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He was a faculty member at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Dennis holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Psychology from Duke University and a B.S. in Management from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He resides with his family in the Washington, DC area. Social Media Links: leadershipforward.com
We've all been there: You're cruising along on your exam, slaying questions, feeling good, and then boom, you're presented with a question that you're not quite sure how to answer. Your mind goes blank. You can't figure out how to make inroads. You're stuck.So what do you do?You follow the 5-step game plan that we lay out in this episode to get unstuck on challenging questions. These tips and strategies won't guarantee that you'll get a right answer; some questions are just plain hard. But employing these methods will at least give you a fighting chance. More than that, they'll keep you in the right frame of mind so that you're able to perform your best on the rest of the exam as well.Oh, and be sure to listen all the way to the end where we share an invaluable way to avoid getting stuck in the first place. Enjoy!RESOURCES / LINKSWatch the complete solution to the sample probability question ("Triangle Inscribed in a Circle") discussed in this episode.Register for one of Dominate Test Prep's comprehensive prep courses.Contact Us.SIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 29: How to Answer Questions FasterEpisode 38: 3 Ways to Worry Less for Better Test-Day PerformanceEpisode 6: Test Mastery Part 2 -- Customizing Your Study PlanA DOSE OF MOTIVATION:“Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” — Mike Tyson
Changing Altitude: How to Soar in Your New Leadership Rolehttps://www.amazon.com/Changing-Altitude-Soar-Your-Leadership-ebook/dp/B09JYW1FJK/Greg has over 39 years of practicing, studying, teaching and coaching leadership in the public and private sectors at all levels of leadership to include Boards. Following his deep passion for teaching and coaching leadership, Greg started his own consulting company “leadershipForward” in 2002 where he serves as Managing Partner today. The mission is to provide clients with results-focused leadership, education, and development solutions at the senior executive and operational leadership levels.Over the past 18 years at leadershipForward, Greg and his firm have provided executive and team coaching and development to thousands of executives and hundreds of companies in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Additionally, Greg has become a national speaker and expert on building resilience, greater agility and posttraumatic growth. In 2018 Greg released an Amazon Best Seller entitled, “You Can't Give What You Don't Have: Creating the 7 Habits that Make a Remarkable Life”.In 1981 upon graduation from the United States Military Academy, Greg served in a host of elite Army units to include two assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division where he served as an infantry unit commander and Battalion primary staff officer. Based upon his leadership academic performance, he was selected to teach leadership and organizational change at the United States Military Academy where he earned the highest educator ratings for teacher excellence and selected as the only non-tenured faculty member to teach the Academy's graduate program on leadership and organizational change while serving as the Program Director for the Academy's core leadership course.In 1993, McKinsey & Company, a global strategic consulting firm, recruited Greg to continue his focus on issues of leadership and organizational change in the private sector. BellSouth Telecommunications, a McKinsey Client, recruited Greg to form an internal strategic consulting and organizational transformation group. As a key operational and strategic executive, he led several large-scale organizational change initiatives to include the creation of a $4 billion Small Business unit that included 22 call centers and 2,200 employees serving 1.5 million customers.In 1998 Greg was recruited away by a start-up competitor to serve as Vice President of Operations where he led a team of network and software engineers that developed and delivered e-business and Internet integration solutions to clients.In 2000 Greg joined a global executive search firm, Egon Zehnder International, and provided human capital consulting services to clients consisting of senior executive search and assessment, succession planning, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. In 3 years he conducted over 50 searches at the “C” level serving several Fortune 100 clients. He also implemented several large-scale senior executive assessment projects that provided client CEOs and their Boards with an in-depth assessment of their organization's senior leadership supply.On a personal front, Greg's father was a career Army Officer serving including being a Green Beret. Greg was the 2nd of 6 children and all served in the U.S. military. When one of his brothers retired in 2016 it marked the end of 117 years of his family's active duty service to the United States. Greg has been married for 39 years to Claudia, a Pediatric Nurse. They have four children, three grandchildren and reside in Atlanta, Georgia.Dennis O'Neil:EXECUTIVE / LEADERSHIP CONSULTANTDr. Dennis O'Neil is a prominent thought leader, speaker and subject matter expert on executive coaching and leadership development. He has over 25 years of practical leadership experience at the highest levels of Fortune 500 Companies, the White House, the military, and academia as a full Professor of Strategic Leadership. He has been a trusted executive and advisor providing strategic and analytical guidance to public and non-profit boards, CEOs,senior government and military officials, and multi-national operations. An accomplished executive coach and leadership development expert, Dennis' speaking and training methods inspire individuals and teams to deliver top-tier performances through one-on-one coaching and team engagements.He has over 25+ years practical leadership experience in public, private and academic sectors where he has been a trusted advisor providing strategic and analytical guidance to public company boards, CEO's, and Pentagon Chiefs of Staff.Dennis earned his PhD in Psychology at Duke University, where his emphasis was on personality and character strength predictors of leadership effectiveness. He also was adjunct professor at Duke's Corporate Education program; and served as Assistant Professor and led the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY.Most recently, O'Neil served as an executive at Alcoa / Arconic Inc., a global leader in lightweight metals technology, engineering and manufacturing. Directly advising the Chairman and CEO, as well as Alcoa business and resource units, he provided strategic advice, guidance, coordination and oversight during the founding of Arconic.He joined Alcoa / Arconic from the Eisenhower School for National and Resource Strategy at the National Defense University, Washington, DC, where he was a Professor of Behavioral Sciences. He served as the Director of Strategic Leadership, Director of the Executive Assessment and Development Program, and Director of the Adaptive and Agile Leaders Networks concentration.Previously, O'Neil served in the White House for the National Security Division, Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President overseeing more than $10 billion in discretionary outlays. He was also the Executive Director of the White House Performance Improvement Council responsible for implementing the President's approach to improving interagency performance and accountability.As a career Army officer, O'Neil served in strategic roles directly supporting the highest levels of Pentagon leadership, including three Chiefs of Staff of the Army. Earlier, his career included experience as an armor officer and Army strategist including combat tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He was a faculty member at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.Dennis holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Psychology from Duke University and a B.S. in Management from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He resides with his family in the Washington, DC area.Learn More: https://leadershipforward.com/Influential Influencers with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-greg-hiebert-dennis-oneil-partners-at-leadershipforward-authors-of-the-bestselling-book-changing-altitude
Changing Altitude: How to Soar in Your New Leadership Rolehttps://www.amazon.com/Changing-Altitude-Soar-Your-Leadership-ebook/dp/B09JYW1FJK/Greg has over 39 years of practicing, studying, teaching and coaching leadership in the public and private sectors at all levels of leadership to include Boards. Following his deep passion for teaching and coaching leadership, Greg started his own consulting company “leadershipForward” in 2002 where he serves as Managing Partner today. The mission is to provide clients with results-focused leadership, education, and development solutions at the senior executive and operational leadership levels.Over the past 18 years at leadershipForward, Greg and his firm have provided executive and team coaching and development to thousands of executives and hundreds of companies in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Additionally, Greg has become a national speaker and expert on building resilience, greater agility and posttraumatic growth. In 2018 Greg released an Amazon Best Seller entitled, “You Can't Give What You Don't Have: Creating the 7 Habits that Make a Remarkable Life”.In 1981 upon graduation from the United States Military Academy, Greg served in a host of elite Army units to include two assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division where he served as an infantry unit commander and Battalion primary staff officer. Based upon his leadership academic performance, he was selected to teach leadership and organizational change at the United States Military Academy where he earned the highest educator ratings for teacher excellence and selected as the only non-tenured faculty member to teach the Academy's graduate program on leadership and organizational change while serving as the Program Director for the Academy's core leadership course.In 1993, McKinsey & Company, a global strategic consulting firm, recruited Greg to continue his focus on issues of leadership and organizational change in the private sector. BellSouth Telecommunications, a McKinsey Client, recruited Greg to form an internal strategic consulting and organizational transformation group. As a key operational and strategic executive, he led several large-scale organizational change initiatives to include the creation of a $4 billion Small Business unit that included 22 call centers and 2,200 employees serving 1.5 million customers.In 1998 Greg was recruited away by a start-up competitor to serve as Vice President of Operations where he led a team of network and software engineers that developed and delivered e-business and Internet integration solutions to clients.In 2000 Greg joined a global executive search firm, Egon Zehnder International, and provided human capital consulting services to clients consisting of senior executive search and assessment, succession planning, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. In 3 years he conducted over 50 searches at the “C” level serving several Fortune 100 clients. He also implemented several large-scale senior executive assessment projects that provided client CEOs and their Boards with an in-depth assessment of their organization's senior leadership supply.On a personal front, Greg's father was a career Army Officer serving including being a Green Beret. Greg was the 2nd of 6 children and all served in the U.S. military. When one of his brothers retired in 2016 it marked the end of 117 years of his family's active duty service to the United States. Greg has been married for 39 years to Claudia, a Pediatric Nurse. They have four children, three grandchildren and reside in Atlanta, Georgia.Dennis O'Neil:EXECUTIVE / LEADERSHIP CONSULTANTDr. Dennis O'Neil is a prominent thought leader, speaker and subject matter expert on executive coaching and leadership development. He has over 25 years of practical leadership experience at the highest levels of Fortune 500 Companies, the White House, the military, and academia as a full Professor of Strategic Leadership. He has been a trusted executive and advisor providing strategic and analytical guidance to public and non-profit boards, CEOs,senior government and military officials, and multi-national operations. An accomplished executive coach and leadership development expert, Dennis' speaking and training methods inspire individuals and teams to deliver top-tier performances through one-on-one coaching and team engagements.He has over 25+ years practical leadership experience in public, private and academic sectors where he has been a trusted advisor providing strategic and analytical guidance to public company boards, CEO's, and Pentagon Chiefs of Staff.Dennis earned his PhD in Psychology at Duke University, where his emphasis was on personality and character strength predictors of leadership effectiveness. He also was adjunct professor at Duke's Corporate Education program; and served as Assistant Professor and led the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY.Most recently, O'Neil served as an executive at Alcoa / Arconic Inc., a global leader in lightweight metals technology, engineering and manufacturing. Directly advising the Chairman and CEO, as well as Alcoa business and resource units, he provided strategic advice, guidance, coordination and oversight during the founding of Arconic.He joined Alcoa / Arconic from the Eisenhower School for National and Resource Strategy at the National Defense University, Washington, DC, where he was a Professor of Behavioral Sciences. He served as the Director of Strategic Leadership, Director of the Executive Assessment and Development Program, and Director of the Adaptive and Agile Leaders Networks concentration.Previously, O'Neil served in the White House for the National Security Division, Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President overseeing more than $10 billion in discretionary outlays. He was also the Executive Director of the White House Performance Improvement Council responsible for implementing the President's approach to improving interagency performance and accountability.As a career Army officer, O'Neil served in strategic roles directly supporting the highest levels of Pentagon leadership, including three Chiefs of Staff of the Army. Earlier, his career included experience as an armor officer and Army strategist including combat tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He was a faculty member at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.Dennis holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Psychology from Duke University and a B.S. in Management from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He resides with his family in the Washington, DC area.Learn More: https://leadershipforward.com/Influential Influencers with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-greg-hiebert-dennis-oneil-partners-at-leadershipforward-authors-of-the-bestselling-book-changing-altitude
Inside the GMAT Replay: Did you know that GMAC offers accommodations for test-takers with disabilities? In this episode, Kailin Burns invites Jason Northup, the Senior Manager for Test Accommodations at GMAC to discuss how you can apply for testing accommodations on your GMAT or Executive Assessment, what testing accommodations GMAC offers, and options you have as a test taker to maximize your test-taking experience. Download the 6 Steps to Applying for a Testing Accommodation
Derek Lusk discusses leadership effectiveness and how to find it, measure it, and improve it. Derek is Head of Executive Assessment at AIIR Consulting and an expert at using data and science to predict leadership effectiveness in the C-Suite. He's a columnist for Psychology Today and the Harvard Business Review. Listen for three action items you can use today. Host, Kevin Craine Do you want to be a guest?
Be honest. Do any of these sentiments about standardized tests resonate with you?"Standardized tests are pointless.""I'm so much more than my test score.""I know I'm smart, I'm just not a good test taker.""Studying for this exam is ruining my life.""Can't I show my readiness some other way?"Or, as one person commented on our YouTube channel: "The GRE is stupid!"Whatever your beliefs about the standardized test you're preparing for, at some point you've likely questioned why you have to take it in the first place. In this episode, we address this concern head-on.In addition to sharing several of the most important reasons your target schools require you to take a standardized test for admission, we suggest a more constructive way of thinking about your exam altogether. Having a positive mindset matters. We want to shift your thinking about your test so that you attack it as the opportunity it is. As the great Jim Rohn said, "Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better." Enjoy!RESOURCES / LINKSIn this episode we reference validity studies demonstrating the usefulness of standardized tests for predicting future success in the classroom. Here are links for several of the most common exams if you'd like to dive deeper.[GRE] Validity Evidence: Predicting Success in Graduate Education[GMAT] Predicting Student Success in Quantitative Masters Programs: A Meta-Analysis[LSAT] Predictive Validity of the LSAT: Summary of 2017, 2018, and 2019 LSAT Correlation Studies[SAT] Validity of the SAT for Predicting First-Year Grades and Retention to the Second YearSIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 44: Tangential Benefits of a High Test ScoreEpisode 42: GMAT vs. GRE for MBA AdmissionsEpisode 41: SAT vs. ACT for College AdmissionsEpisode 25: How to Find the Motivation to StudyA DOSE OF MOTIVATIONGod, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.— Serenity prayer, by Reinhold Niebuhr
The MBA degree is often thought of as helping people advance their careers in the corporate world. But is it also beneficial for entrepreneurs? In the case of Daniel Bernal and Tingting Miao, co-founders of Flora Colombia, the answer is a resounding yes! In this episode they share their fascinating story of meeting at EDHEC Business School, conceiving the idea of going into business together, and applying lessons from their MBA to the "real world" of running an international e-commerce startup. Specifically, they share:Why they left careers in banking (Daniel) and railroads (Tingting) to travel halfway around the world to attend business school at EDHECThe complementary strengths that drew them together as business partners -- and the spark that shifted their thinking toward entrepreneurship in the first placeThe "hard" and "soft" skills learned during their MBA that have helped them on their entrepreneurial journeyWhether or not business school is really necessary to succeed in businessThe value of the network you develop in business school, and specifically how their EDHEC network has been instrumental for them in launching Flora ColombiaThe #1 biggest mistake they've made so far, and what they learned from it to become better business ownersThe importance of the trips abroad that they took to San Francisco and South Africa as part of their MBALooking back, whether they view the time and financial investment pursuing an MBA as worth itAnd more!Whether you're currently and entrepreneur trying to decide if going back to school could help you grow your business, or you're set on getting your MBA and intrigued by the idea of parlaying your degree into launching your own business, we think you'll really benefit from the stories and lessons-learned that Daniel and Tingting share. Enjoy!RESOURCES / LINKSBusinessBecause article: "We Became Serial Entrepreneurs After the EDHEC Business School Global MBA"Flora Colombia - https://www.floracolombia.comConnect with Daniel Bernal on LinkedInConnect with Tingting Miao on LinkedInLearn more about EDHEC Business School - https://www.edhec.edu/enSIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 28: The Value of an MBA, with Tim MunyonEpisode 22: A Peek Behind the MBA Curtain, with Sam KleinEpisode 45: How to Pay for School Without Going Broke, with Peter LampertA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“People often overestimate what they can do in a day and underestimate what they can do in a year.” — Mat Fraser
Did you know that you can prepare for the Executive Assessment in just 4 weeks? Sarabeth Dobbs, the Product Development Manager for Assessments joins the show to tell you about the new 4-week study planner for the Executive Assessment. Sarabeth lets you know what to expect, how to prep, and gives some advice about the Executive Assessment. Download the 4 Week Study Planner Get Executive Assessment Official Prep
If you've taken the same standardized test multiple times and your score isn't improving appreciably, you might be wondering whether there's still hope for you or if perhaps you've reached your upper limit. That's the question we address in this "mailbag" episode of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast in response to Dan, who sent the following e-mail:"After writing the [GMAT] exam 3 times, I am beginning to wonder if the 700 is just wishful thinking. Is it worth trying one more time?"There are circumstances under which it makes sense to keep trying, and others where perhaps you'd be better off moving on with the score you have (or perhaps switching to a different exam altogether). In this episode we answer Dan's question and then share four considerations that provide additional nuance to help you figure out the best way to move forward on your own standardized test journey. Enjoy!Questions? Comments? Reach out to us at: https://www.dominatetestprep.com/pages/contact-usSIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 32: Should You Retake Your Exam?Episode 45: How to Pay for School Without Going Broke, with Peter LampertEpisode 25: How to Find the Motivation to StudyEpisode 16: Is Harvard Really Worth It? with Jake TaylorA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” — Jim Rohn
Let's talk about money. Specifically, let's talk about how you're going to pay for your college / graduate education. If you've decided to go back to school, presumably you've determined that the benefits of higher education more than justify the costs. Yet, those costs still need to be paid. But what's the best way to fund your education expenses? And can you do so without burning through all of your savings or jeopardizing your retirement? To help answer these crucial questions, we've invited Peter Lampert, founder of Afford College and author of Pay for College Without Blowing Up Retirement, to share key strategies and insights. In our wide-ranging conversation, Peter shares:The Pros and Cons of using student loans to pay for your educationThe Pros and Cons of using savings to pay for your educationA “better way” to fund your education while not paying full sticker priceThe importance of “fit” in choosing the right school / program for you, and the three types of fit that you need to considerWhere a school's price should fit into your decision-making of where to attendWhy going to the highest-ranked program doesn't always lead to the best long-term successWhat schools are looking for in applicants that they're willing to “buy” with free aid and scholarshipsThe sources of financial aid available to you, and where you should be looking for themThe importance of GPA and standardized test scores in securing free fundingThe fallacy of “reach schools” and “safe schools”And more!There's no doubt that money plays a role in the decision-making of students and parents. After listening to this episode, you'll have more clarity around just how much of a role it should play, if at all. As Peter says, you're looking for the Right School, at the Right Price, with your Retirement Preserved. He'll show you how.RESOURCES / LINKSGet a copy of Peter's book, Pay for College Without Blowing Up Retirement. Peter has generously agreed to give away a free copy to the first 10 people who e-mail brett@dominatetestprep.com. Reference this podcast in your e-mail. Recipients must have a U.S. mailing address.Connect with Peter Lampert at Afford.College.Boost your standardized test scores with Dominate Test Prep's industry-leading prep courses.SIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other relevant episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 44: Tangential Benefits of a High Test ScoreEpisode 34: How to Determine Where to Apply, with Linda AbrahamEpisode 28: The Value of an MBA, with Tim MunyonA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“Don't tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I'll tell you what they are.” — James W. Frick
You want to do well on your standardized test to get in to your target school/program. That's a given. But a high test score can also benefit you in other ways -- perhaps even helping you to land a high-paying job upon graduation. We talk about that in answering the following "mailbag" question submitted by Braden, who asks:"Is it true that consulting firms ask for your GMAT score during the job interview process? If so, is that a reason to take the GMAT instead of the GRE?"In addition to shedding light on whether or not you're likely to be asked for your test score after you're done with school, we explore a couple other important benefits of a high test score including the possibility of earning scholarships. Regardless of which exam you're studying for, it behooves you to do as well as possible. You'll understand why after listening to this episode. Enjoy!RESOURCES / LINKSPoets&Quants article: "A GMAT Score No Longer a Big Deal for MBB Jobs"Comprehensive online prep courses with Dominate Test PrepSIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 43: What Corporate Recruiters are Looking ForEpisode 42: GMAT vs. GRE for MBA AdmissionsEpisode 30: 5 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Starting Law SchoolEpisode 8: How I Raised My GMAT Score 120 PointsA DOSE OF MOTIVATION"If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it." -- Mary Engelbreit
The great American football coach Vince Lombardi famously said, "Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect."When it comes to preparing for your standardized test, practice is obviously an important component of your ultimate success. But how you practice matters. So what are the components of "perfect" practice and what should you be doing to ensure that your practice sessions are as effective as possible and will translate to a high score on test day?To help shed light on this important topic, we're joined in this episode of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast by Mike Bergin, founder of Chariot Learning and founding President of the Board of Directors of the National Test Prep Association. We discuss:The 4 Steps of Deliberate Practice;The distinction between "studying" and "practice" and the role that each should play in your test preparation;The danger of taking too many practice tests;How often you should take practice tests, and things you should do to ensure that they replicate the actual test-day experience;Why some students perform worse on the real exam than on their practice tests, and what you can do to ensure that doesn't happen for you;The important link between fun and practice, and how to inject some fun into your practice sessions;Advice for students who are reluctant (read: scared) to take full-length practice tests and feel like they need to "know it all" before giving it a go;How to know when you're ready for the real exam.Study time is precious, so you don't want to just go through the motions during your practice and then wonder why your scores aren't improving. If you take to heart and implement the mindsets and strategies we discuss in this episode, we're confident that the benefits you derive from your practice will improve -- and by extension, your results on test day will improve as well. Enjoy!RESOURCES / LINKSHere are some studies and articles with additional tips and insight into effective practice:The Power of Testing Memory: Basic Research and Implications for Educational Practice, by Henry L. Roediger, III, and Jeffrey D. KarpickePractice Testing Improves Retrieval, by Chariot LearningPractice Makes Myelinated Perfect, by Chariot LearningDeliberate Practice and 4 Not-So-Easy Steps to Success, by Chariot LearningSIMILAR EPISODESIf you enjoyed this episode, we know you'll benefit from these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:Episode 2 - 5 Proven Study Habits for a Higher Score on Test DayEpisode 15 - Overcoming Test AnxietyEpisode 38 - 3 Ways to Worry Less for Better Test-Day PerformanceWe also encourage you to check out Episode 82 of the "Tests and the rest" podcast where Mike interviewed Brett about "The Inner Game of Testing."A DOSE OF MOTIVATION“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.” — Aristotle
The better you are at reading, the better you'll do on your standardized test. And the more you read, the better you'll get at reading.But what should you be reading?That's the question we seek to answer in this episode of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast, in response to the following e-mail we recently received from one of our listeners:"I want to start reading and I bought Pride and Prejudice and OMG!!!!!!!!!! It is the most boring book I ever read, so I stop. Do you have any suggestion? I need to improve my verbal and I want to read more to get more ability for the longer passage. English is my second language. Thank you so much again." -- YohannaFirst, it's important to understand the purpose of reading as it pertains to helping you on your standardized test. We explain several of the most important benefits you can expect to receive by increasing the amount that you're reading between now and test day.But it's also important that you're reading the right things. The bulk of this episode is devoted to giving you recommendations on the types of reading material you should add to your prep, including specific genres, authors, and titles. Pick something and start reading it today!RESOURCESJoin our class at readtheory.org using the following class code: 8MURF3ZCQuestions? Suggestions for future podcast episodes? Contact Us!Sign up for one of our comprehensive prep courses: https://www.dominatetestprep.comA DOSE OF MOTIVATION“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” — Harry S. Truman
Worry is a natural human emotion. But it doesn't serve you well when preparing for your standardized test and it doesn't have to be your story on test day. Doing well on your exam involves winning what we call the inner game of testing, and learning to control your anxiety so that you can perform with calm, equanimity, and confidence is a huge part of getting a high score.In this episode of the Dominate Test Prep Podcast we examine the concept of worry and share three proven ways that you can reduce your anxiety in the lead-up to your exam. Specifically, we discuss:The important lesson Tom Hanks learned about worry in the movie "Bridge of Spies" and how it translates to your ideal test-taking mindsetThe difference between the inner and outer game of test preparation, and why worrying less is so crucial for winning the inner gameThe inverse relationship between preparation and worryHow Michael Jordan was able to stay calm in the most stressful moments of big games, and how you can do the same on your examWhy getting the focus off yourself is so helpful for reducing your anxiety -- and where you should place your attention insteadThe importance of a healthy "big picture" perspective (blowing things out of proportion never helps!)The contrast between two hypothetical candidates in terms of their approach to test day... and why you should be more like Candidate BAnd more!Whether you're just getting started preparing for your exam and you're nervous about the road ahead, or test day is getting close and you're worried about not getting the score you need, you'll benefit from the tangible tips and perspectives we share in this episode. At the very least they'll help you live a healthier, less-stressful life... and oh, yeah, they should help you score higher on test day, too!RESOURCESThe Cosmic Eye - This is the YouTube video I told you about that does an amazing job of putting our place in the Universe into perspective.Comprehensive Prep Courses - Cover all your bases so that you capitalize on the inverse relationship between preparation and worry.Subscribe to our Dominate Test Prep YouTube Channel - Get more free test-taking tips and strategies.Contact Us - Questions? We're here to help.A DOSE OF MOTIVATION“Pressure is a privilege." — Billy Jean King
Determining when to take your standardized test shouldn't be an arbitrary decision. But while there are a number of important factors to consider, it turns out that there is an ideal time to prepare for and take your exam -- and this episode of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast will lay it all out for you.Specifically, we discuss four key considerations that apply to test takers for all standardized tests. We then drill down and walk through a specific example showing how you can work backwards from your application deadlines to figure out exactly when you need to schedule your test -- and perhaps more importantly, when you need to start studying for it in earnest.Whether you're just starting to think about how your standardized test fits in to the application process or you've already been studying and need to lock in an official test date, there will be plenty in this episode to steer you in the right direction and give you a workable game plan.Visit https://www.dominatetestprep.com for detailed study plans and comprehensive prep courses for all of the major standardized tests. SOMEDAY ISLE, by Denis WaitleyThere's an Island fantasyA "Someday I'll" we'll never seeWhen recession stops, inflation ceasesOur mortgage is paid, our pay increasesThat Someday I'll where problems endWhere every piece of mail is from a friendWhere all the nations can go it aloneWhere we all retire at forty-onePlaying backgammon in the island sunMost unhappy people look to tomorrowTo erase this day's hardship and sorrowThey put happiness on lay-awayAnd struggle through a blue todayBut happiness cannot be soughtIt can't be earned, it can't be boughtLife's most important revelationIs that the journey means more than the destinationHappiness is where you are right nowPushing a pencil or pushing a plowGoing to school or standing in lineWatching and waiting, or tasting the winIf you live in the past you become senileIf you live in the future you're on Someday I'llThe fear of results is procrastinationThe joy of today is a celebrationYou can save, you can slave, trudging mile after mileBut you'll never set foot on your Someday I'llWhen you've paid all your dues and put in your timeOut of nowhere comes another Mt. Everest to climbFrom this day forward make it your vowTake Someday I'll and make it your now!A DOSE OF MOTIVATION"Don't let fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway." -- Earl Nightingale
Sometimes the best way to learn something is to strip it down to its most basic elements. That's exactly what we've done in this episode to help you better understand logical arguments, key to getting a high score on many standardized tests. Host Brett Ethridge shares several revealing -- and funny! -- arguments that his 8-year-old son has made to tease out some common reasoning fallacies and help you more easily identify an argument's underlying assumption(s). After unpacking key learnings from each of his son's "simple" arguments, Brett then provides similar, more sophisticated examples that will help solidify your understanding so that you know exactly what to look for on test day. Oh, and be sure to listen all the way to the end where Brett points out a faulty assumption in the popular Dr. Seuss book One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish! After hearing Brett dissect the passage, you'll never be able to read it the same way again. Enjoy!RESOURCESPodcast episode 9: "Finding Assumptions Using the 'Big 6' Assumption Categories, with Brandon Royal"Dive deeper into argument patterns and finding assumptions with our a-la-carte video course devoted to GMAT Critical ReasoningOne Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, by Dr. SeussComprehensive online prep courses from Dominate Test PrepQuestions? Contact us.A DOSE OF MOTIVATION“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in.” — Isaac Asimov
The Executive Assessment (EA) is an exam used by a growing number of top business schools around the world for admission to a variety of MBA and graduate business programs. As it has gained traction and become a viable alternative to the GMAT during the application process in some cases, inquiring minds want to know: What is the Executive Assessment all about, how is it used during the application process, and what's the best way to prepare for it?To help answer these questions -- and more -- we're privileged to be joined in this episode by Manish Dharia, Product Manager for the Executive Assessment at the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the organization that created the exam. In other words, he's the guy when it comes to knowing the in's and out's of the test. Specifically, Manish shares:How the Executive Assessment came about, what it's designed to test, and who should take itThe format of the EA and how it's scored, including a breakdown of the unique section-adaptive scoring algorithmDetails about the Online Executive Assessment and how it compares to the in-person versionAspects of the "non-exam" experience, meaning the check-in process, score validity, sending score reports to schools, etc.How the Executive Assessment is used in the admissions process, and a key mindset shift you should adopt in terms of how you think about the role of the examInsight into the registration process and the test-day experience (both in-person and online)Tips on preparing for the EAA quick review of the different question types you can expect to see on test dayAnd more!This episode is a great opportunity for you to get a first-hand account of the Executive Assessment straight from one of the test makers. Whether you're just starting to think about applying to business school or you're already knee-deep in preparing for the EA, there will be something in here to assist you on that journey. Enjoy!RESOURCESThe official Executive Assessment website - Register for the exam, purchase practice tests, FAQs, etc.Playback of the full "Understanding the Executive Assessment" webinar with Manish DhariaComplete Executive Assessment Course - Take the guesswork out of preparing for the EAExecutive Assessment vs. GMAT - Which should you take?A DOSE OF MOTIVATION"Begin to be now what you will be hereafter." -- William James
One of the first and most important decisions you need to make on your higher education journey is determining which schools and programs to apply to. Once you figure that out, much of the rest of the application process starts to fall into place. Yet, deciding where to apply isn't always straightforward. There are a lot of factors to consider. To help shed light on this important topic, we are joined in this episode by Linda Abraham, founder of Accepted, who shares anecdotes, insight, and key considerations including:The importance of determining your "North Star" as the driver of your decision about which programs to apply to -- and how to figure it out if you're unsureWhy getting clear about your career goals is such an important first step, including its relevance to writing your Statement of Purpose on your applicationsThree good reasons for selecting target schoolsSeveral bad reasons for applying to a specific school or programThe role that rankings should play in where you choose to apply (if at all)Where money (scholarships, tuition costs) should factor in to your decisionHow many schools you should apply to -- and whether or not your should have a "safe school" on your listConsiderations for undergraduate applicants, and how they differ in some respects from the factors that are most important for grad school candidatesWhat you can do to boost your profile if your stats (test scores, GPA, etc.) aren't currently in alignment with your dream schoolAnd more!If you're just starting the admissions process, what Linda has to share will help ensure that you're going back to school for the right reasons and that you pick a school that you will enjoy while you're there and that will serve your long-term goals well. And if you're already knee-deep in the process but not 100% confident in your list of target schools, you'll benefit from Linda's perspective as well. Enjoy!RESOURCESLinda has put together a special free guide just for the listeners of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast to help you find the business school that's the perfect fit for you. Download it here:Free Guide: Best MBA Programs — A Guide to Selecting the Right OneAnd if you need to boost your test score to improve your chances of getting accepted to your top-choice school, check out our top-rated prep courses for the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, LSAT, and SAT.A DOSE OF MOTIVATION“If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.” — Yogi Berra
Life happens. No matter how hard you try to stay consistent with your test preparation, sometimes you get sidetracked and need to figure out how to get going again. Indeed, that's the question at the heart of this week's Mailbag Monday episode, as submitted by Jayant:"What do I do if something derails my prep? How do I reset and get started again?"In this episode I share a 5-part plan to help you get back on track -- and stay on track -- so that you can put your exam in the rearview mirror once and for all. Whether it's only been a few days or several months since you last sat down to study, the process for jumpstarting your prep is the same. By the end of this show you'll have a workable plan of action and specific strategies to keep you working powerfully toward your goals. Enjoy!Note: As referenced during this episode, be sure to also listen to Episode 25 of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast for more on "How to Find the Motivation to Study."Questions? Comments? Reach out to us directly at support@dominatetestprep.com. We'd love to hear from you!A DOSE OF MOTIVATION“Pain goes away. But the pride of knowing you gave it everything? That'll stick with you forever.” — Mat Fraser, 5x CrossFit Games champion
The normal daily operations of any organization consists of groups of people working together to accomplish worthwhile objectives for the benefit of that organization. Whether unusual major operations or daily routine operations those groups of people must function as a team. An ops team is made up of individuals each with a special set of skills honed to excellence. The effectiveness of those teams depends on how well each individual applies those skills in a team setting. One does not surrender person hood or individual pride in their skills when they become part of a team. On the contrary their personality, their person hood and their skills are employed in concert with others on the team as each individual person and skill is focused on the accomplishment of the objective. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wade-johnson/support
You've invested time, effort, and money preparing for and taking your standardized test, and unfortunately the first attempt didn't quite go as planned. So, what now? Should you retake it? Or just apply with the score you have?The answer to those questions isn't quite as straightforward as it may seem. Even if you were assured of improving the next time around, a higher score may not be necessary to get you accepted to your target program(s). There's a lot to consider when thinking about retaking your exam, and we break it all down for you in this episode of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast. Specifically, we run through the five (5) key questions you need to ask yourself to help decide whether taking the test again makes sense for you:What's likely to change this time around?Was there anything abnormal about your first testing experience?How likely are you to actually improve your score (what do the statistics say)?How many times have you already taken it?Do you have any alternatives?We shed light on all of these questions -- and more -- so that by the end of this episode, you will have a strong sense of whether or not to give it another go. Enjoy!RESOURCESRepeat Testing Trends for the GMATScore Improvement Statistics for the GREPerformance of Repeat Test Takers on the LSATContact Dominate Test PrepA DOSE OF MOTIVATION"I never lose; I either win or learn." -- Nelson Mandela
In this "Mailbag Monday" edition of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast, we answer the following question submitted by Anne:"It seems kind of silly but how much time do you suggest people spend looking over questions they got wrong or even questions they got right?"It's not a silly question, Anne. Quite to the contrary, practice is a key component of preparing well for your standardized test, and a big part of effective practice is reviewing your results and learning from your mistakes. How do you do that? I share three thoughts in this week's show including my "L-M-H Technique" that you can use when doing blocks of practice problems or taking practice tests to help narrow your focus during your review sessions and ensure that you're in a better position to get more right answers the next time around. Enjoy!Note: If you discover that part of the reason you're getting questions wrong is due to careless errors, be sure to listen to Episode 11 where we share nine ways to avoid making careless errors.CONTACTDo you have questions you'd like us to answer on a future "Mailbag Monday" segment? Or general questions about our prep courses or other aspects of the application process?Please reach out to us directly, here: https://www.dominatetestprep.com/pages/contact-us. We look forward to hearing from you!A DOSE OF MOTIVATION"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." -- Winston Churchill
In this first-ever "Mailbag Monday" edition of The Dominate Test Pep Podcast, we answer the following question from Isabella, a loyal listener of the show:"I would like to know if you have some tips on how to answer the questions in less time. I feel like when I am doing practice problems I get more answers correct because I have more time, but when I am doing the practice tests I get very anxious with the time and end up doing everything quickly and with less attention and get more answers wrong."Does that sound familiar? Taking too long to answer questions is a very common issue for a lot of students, and it can obviously have a negative impact on your score. Fortunately, there are three (3) effective remedies that will enable you to solve problems faster and thereby get more right answers on test day. We break them down for you in this episode. Enjoy!CONTACTDo you have questions you'd like us to answer on a future "Mailbag Monday" segment? Or general questions about our prep courses or other aspects of the application process?Please reach out to us directly, here: https://www.dominatetestprep.com/pages/contact-us. We look forward to hearing from you!A DOSE OF MOTIVATION"All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work." — Calvin Coolidge
Test day is right around the corner. What should you be doing in the final week leading up to the big day to maximize your preparation and ensure that you have the best possible result on your exam? In this episode we break it down for you day-by-day, laying out for you exactly what you should be prioritizing each day starting "7 days out" to finish strong. Specifically, we discuss:How many practice tests you should take in the final week of preparation -- and when you should take themHow to review your practice test results to determine where to focus your efforts during your last few study sessionsThe importance of sleep and nutrition for test-day clarity and focus, with tips for maximizing eachWhen and how to introduce a timer into your practice sessionsA simple way to limit distractions and increase positivity in your life leading up to test dayWhy trying to cram the day before your exam is not a good strategy (and what you should do instead)Six things to do the morning of your examWhat to do the day after your test to de-stress your mind and bodyAnd more!If you have a week or less before test day, these last-minute tips will help you know where to focus and ensure that you've covered all your bases heading in to the exam. Even if you still have a while, much of what we discuss will help you with your preparation in general -- and then you can revisit it as your final week gets closer.The end is in sight... finish strong!RESOURCESDownload our free "7 Days Out" checklist HERE"Why Your Brain Needs More Downtime" referenced from Scientific American"How Much Sleep is Required for Peak Cognition" referenced from MDedgePurchase full-length GMAT practice testsPurchase full-length GRE practice testsContact Brett at Dominate Test PrepA DOSE OF MOTIVATION"If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail." -- Benjamin Franklin
Isaac discusses the keys to success on the executive assessment including how to study and strategize ---Reach your dream GMAT score in 1/2 the normal time: --- http://thegmatstrategy.com/ -Live classes: https://www.testcrackers.org/ - Enter TGS at checkout and save!--- GMAT is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council. The Graduate Management Admission Council does not endorse or sponsor, nor is affiliated in any way with The GMAT Strategy or the material presented therein --- Tags: GMATstudy
Conventional wisdom tells us that if we study hard, high test scores will inevitably follow. But what if we are unmotivated to study or hampered by fear of failure? Or what happens if when we do study, we are plagued by feeling nervous and anxious, and we are not able to perform to our potential? It's no surprise that if you enter the test feeling anything but focused and calm, you risk a subpar performance. But how does one easily get there? We answer those questions -- and more -- in this episode of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast as we are joined by Bara Sapir, CEO/Founder of City Test Prep, who shares proven techniques to help students master the "Inner Game" of test preparation. Specifically, we discuss:What test anxiety is, and how you can know if you have it;Anxiety-management tips for the months, weeks, and days leading up to your exam;The "backwards spin" technique to help you reverse anxiety if it presents itself during the exam itself;Miscellaneous tools to help you combat anxiety including mindfulness, visualization, EFT, neuro-linguistic programming, and others;How to simulate the test-day experience as a way to eliminate the unknown and reduce nervousness;The anxiety-producing effects of unrealistic expectations, and what you can do to recalibrate them for a more growth-minded approach;And more!Learn how to employ the very same methods that sports psychologists use with high-performing athletes so that you show up on test day with a sense of calm and assuredness and turn a good score into a great score.RESOURCESHere are the resources referenced during the show for those wishing to dive deeper into controlling their test anxiety:Bara's "Full Potential Audio - Universal Support" (Enter the coupon code A4ZMPA6S to save 20%)Bara's "MindFlow Speed Reading Workshop" (Enter the coupon code SXUE6FES to save $30)The Inner Game of Tennis, by Timothy GallweyDominate Test Prep's online preparation courses for the GMAT, GRE, LSAT, SAT, Executive Assessment, and othersA DOSE OF MOTIVATION"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" -- Jesus of Nazareth (Luke 12: 25-26)
Several interesting bits of news and insights came out of the recently-held summit at the headquarters of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), makers of the GMAT and Executive Assessment exams, and we were there to get the scoop. We relate the most relevant takeaways in this episode, including:Trends in graduate management education (GME) with an emphasis on the types of people applying and the programs they're applying to;Why now might be the best time in the past decade to apply to business school;The most commonly-chosen section order on the GMAT exam -- but a logical reasoning fallacy that should give you pause before choosing that order yourself;The interplay between the "Practice Effect" and the "Fatigue Effect" that could help you get off to a great start on test day;How computer-adaptive tests like the GMAT really work (hint: think about the popular board game Battleship) and what it means for you in terms of ideal time management;And more!RESOURCESIf you're interested in diving deeper into the demographic and employer trends referenced in this show, you can get them here:GME Application Trends Survey Report 2019Talent Mobility and the Global EconomyCorporate Recruiters Survey (2019 + Previous Year Archives)FROM THE MAILBAGAt the end of this episode we answer the question, "How can I avoid getting overwhelmed by all of the information I have to learn for my standardized test, and when can I expect it to "click" (if ever!)?A DOSE OF MOTIVATIONHere's the quote we began this week's show with:"Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." -- John D. Rockefeller
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