Podcasts about gmat

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. While activity for this season is winding down, HBS and Chicago / Booth are scheduled to release their deferred admissions decisions, this upcoming week. We do still anticipate a little more waitlist movement in the weeks ahead. Graham noted that Clear Admit is planning its MBA Essay Workshop events series that is scheduled for July 21 and 22, and July 28 and 29. These events will bring together the majority of the top MBA programs to discuss both their written essay prompts as well as their video essays. Clear Admit is also hosting a special webinar event for international students, scheduled for July 16. This webinar will explore the value of a U.S. based MBA for international students, as well as the logistics of moving to the United States. Signups for all events are here: https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham highlighted three MBA news stories from this past week. UNC / Kenan Flagler opened a new building for its business school. Emory / Goizueta has installed a new dean. GMAC is rolling out a mechanism which allows applicants to share a test score that combines their best efforts on the different sections of the test, from multiple tests. Graham also shared two admissions tips that Clear Admit recently published. The first focuses on the importance of the b-school campus environment, when considering target programs. The second details how to address employment gaps. Clear Admit has begun its Adcom Q&A series for this upcoming season. This week Graham noted Q&As from Emory / Goizueta, ASU / Carey and CIEBS. Finally, Graham continued with the Real Humans Alumni series. This week focuses on three alumni: Tuck / Goldman Sachs, Yale / Bain and IMD / Amazon. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry. This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from Brazil and wants to pivot from Big 4 to MBB consulting. They still need to take the GMAT. This week's second MBA applicant is from India and has a 334 GRE score. They have military experience. They need to further develop their post MBA goals. This week's final MBA candidate is deciding between Darden, Tuck and Yale. They are targeting MBB consulting. 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!

Paying for business school can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, Zach sits down with Allie Danziger, Chief Marketing Officer at Ascent Funding, to discuss one of the biggest concerns facing prospective students: how to finance graduate management education. Together, they explore why cost remains a major barrier for candidates, common misconceptions about loans and scholarships, strategies for building a realistic financial plan, and ways students can evaluate the long-term return on investment of their degree. Whether you're just beginning to research programs or preparing to enroll this fall, this conversation offers practical guidance to help you approach funding decisions with greater confidence, including: Why financing feels overwhelming for so many candidates The difference between scholarships, federal loans, and private loans How to calculate your true cost of attendance Common funding mistakes students make Ways AI can help students plan financially Why starting early matters How Ascent Funding supports students beyond financing About our guest: Allie Danziger is Chief Marketing Officer at Ascent Funding, where she leads marketing, growth, and customer experience initiatives focused on helping students and families access education financing with confidence. A serial entrepreneur and business builder, Allie has founded, scaled, and successfully exited two companies. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about creating innovative solutions that help individuals achieve their educational and professional goals. In 2020, she founded Ampersand, a workforce development platform designed to help early-career professionals build career-ready skills and connect education to employment outcomes. Ampersand was acquired by Ascent Funding in 2023. Prior to Ampersand, Allie founded and led Integrate Agency, one of Texas's leading marketing and public relations firms, serving more than 600 organizations and growing a team of over 250 professionals. Today, Allie brings a unique perspective at the intersection of education, career readiness, marketing, and technology, helping organizations create meaningful pathways from education to long-term success. Helpful Resources: Check your rates with Ascent: https://partners.ascentfunding.com/gmac Apply for the GMAC scholarship: https://www.ascentfunding.com/scholarships Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Financing Education 01:39 Understanding the Barriers to Financing 06:10 Navigating the Cost of Attendance 11:16 Funding Options Explained 15:32 Common Misconceptions in Student Financing 18:14 Timing Your Financial Decisions 21:40 Ascent Funding's Unique Approach 25:03 Collaboration with GMAC 26:40 Final Thoughts and Action Steps

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. We are continuing to see a few MBA programs release their final decisions, and candidates reporting their admissions from waitlists. We do still anticipate some more waitlist movement in the weeks ahead. Graham noted that Clear Admit is planning its MBA Essay Workshop events series that is scheduled for July 21 and 22, and July 28 and 29. These events will bring together the majority of the top MBA programs to discuss both their written essay prompts as well as their video essays. Early signups are here: https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham noted his presence in Philadelphia this week (the week prior to the airing of the show) as he prepares to present a workshop at the annual GMAC conference. Graham also highlighted a Fridays from the Frontline featuring a student from LBS who spent a week in Austin Texas, as part of LBS's global experience program. Clear Admit also featured a story of two students at Johns Hopkins / Carey, who created a startup at the intersection of health care and AI. Finally, Graham highlighted the return of the Weekly Refresh series which updates admissions candidates on the latest admissions deadlines and essay topics from all the top MBA programs. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry. This week's first MBA admissions candidate already has an MBA from India. They are an engineering undergraduate who has worked in the insurance industry. This week's second MBA applicant is from Bangladesh and works in corporate banking. They have a 655 GMAT score. This week's final MBA candidate is deciding between Booth and Fuqua. They want to transition into consulting. This episode was recorded in Philadelphia, PA 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!

Jessica talks with Chris Lele, an AI educator, learning strategist, writer, musician, and lifelong collector of difficult skills. He spent 20 years in test prep, creating thousands of SAT, GRE, and GMAT questions, publishing a bestselling vocabulary book, and reaching millions of students through YouTube. Today, he teaches professionals how to use generative AI without losing their originality, judgment, or voice. Chris is also a classical pianist, composer, Toastmasters speech competitor, fitness enthusiast, and occasional restaurant and bar performer. Whether teaching AI, playing Chopin, writing speeches, or explaining a brutal math problem, Chris is drawn to the art of making complexity come alive.Follow Chris:IG: @chris_on_the_keysYouTube: Ab-peggiosSpotify: The Tide BeneathApple Music: The Tide Beneath~About The Ampersand Manifesto:What happens when you refuse to choose just one path? On The Ampersand Manifesto, host Jessica Wan sits down with “the most interesting people at the dinner party” – those who have made their mark in two or more seemingly different worlds. Through candid conversations, we explore what it takes to navigate multiple callings, find the connection points between them, and redefine success on our own terms. Together, we're co-creating The Ampersand Manifesto: principles for leading a multi-passionate life.~About your host, Jessica Wan:Executive Coach | Classical Singer | Former Marketing Leader & Tech ExecutiveJessica helps founders and leaders make the invisible visible. With 20+ years of experience scaling brands like Apple, Smule, and the San Francisco Opera, and as an ICF-certified executive coach, she provides the clarity and strategy needed to lead bravely and find fulfillment in a multi-passionate life.Work with Jessica: Book a Free Intro CallJoin The Cohort: An Ampersand Community for Dual-Career ProfessionalsFollow the Journey: @ampersandmanifestoConnect: Jessica's LinkedInListen: Singing Excerpts~CreditsCo-produced and hosted by ⁠Jessica Wan⁠Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by ⁠Carlos Schmitt

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. We are continuing to see MBA programs release their final decisions. This upcoming week, USC / Marshall, CMU / Tepper, London Business School, Arizona / Carey, Georgia / Terry and Georgia Tech / Scheller are releasing final decisions. Graham highlighted a Fridays from the Frontline feature from a Stern student discussing their super experience with Stern's Endless Frontier Labs program. This was then followed by a deep-dive career reports piece focused on the consulting industry for MBA graduates. Graham also noted a new admissions tip which focuses on classes that might be worth considering before starting an MBA. Graham continued with the Real Humans Alumni series. This week focuses on three alumni: McCombs / Pepsi, IESE / Accenture and Owen / Bain. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry. This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from India, and works at Bain.  They also have links to family firm focused on pharmaceuticals. They have a 337 GRE score. This week's second MBA applicant is a veteran who has a 715 GMAT score and a 3.76 GPA from an Ivy League university. This week's final MBA candidate is deciding between McDonough and Anderson. 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!

"Nothing is better than the real thing. Official GMAT questions are the gold standard for getting ready for the test." The GMAT Official Guide 2026–2027 is here, and that means new official questions, updated online practice tools, and fresh ways to prepare for test day. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined once again by Stacey Koprince of Manhattan Prep to break down what's new in this year's Official Guide collection and how candidates should actually use it. They discuss why official GMAT questions are so valuable, how to balance official prep with third-party learning resources, and why reviewing your practice questions is just as important as answering them. Zach and Stacey also cover common prep mistakes, including burning through too many questions too quickly, studying one question type in isolation, and skipping review on questions you got right. Plus, Stacey shares practical advice for using the Official Guide, section-specific review books, online question banks, and official practice exams more strategically throughout your prep. Whether you're just starting your GMAT journey or looking for more official practice before test day, this episode will help you get more out of every question you study. Purchase the new GMAT Official Guide: mba.com/prep Register for the GMAT exam: mba.com/register Get materials from Manhattan Prep: manhattanprep.com/gmat About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student. Key Takeaways Official questions matter because they are real GMAT questions. Third-party prep can teach concepts and strategies, but official GMAT questions are the best way to practice what the real exam will feel like. The Official Guide works best after foundational learning. Candidates should first learn the underlying content, question types, and strategies, then use the Official Guide to quiz themselves. Review is where score improvement happens. Stacey emphasizes that every question should be reviewed, including questions answered correctly, because correct answers can reveal shortcuts, traps, and repeatable strategies. Mixed practice is more effective than over-drilling one question type. The GMAT requires candidates to shift between skills, formats, and sections. Prep should mimic that experience. The newest Official Guide may be worth it, but not always immediately. If a candidate already owns last year's guide and still has plenty of unused questions, they can continue with it. If they are buying for the first time, the newest edition is the better choice. Practice exams should be used carefully. Candidates should review each practice exam thoroughly and complete targeted study before taking another one. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Official Guide 2026-2027 01:07 The Importance of Official GMAT Tools 03:20 New Features and Questions in the Official Guide 11:38 Exploring the Content of the Big OG 16:02 Strategic Use of the Official Guide 18:15 The Value of Reviewing Correct Answers 22:14 Common Mistakes in GMAT Preparation 27:44 Utilizing the Official Guide Effectively 29:24 Review Books and Their Importance 34:17 Integrating Official Prep Tools with Outside Learning 37:46 Pro Tips for Leveraging the New Official Guide

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. We are continuing to see MBA programs release their final decisions. This upcoming week, Stanford, Ohio State / Fisher and SMU / Cox are releasing final decisions. A few MBA programs are also continuing to their next admissions rounds, including Rice / Jones. Graham noted that Clear Admit is continuing its MBA application overview events this week with the final two events, on May 26 and 27. Again, the majority of the leading MBA programs participate in these valuable events, including UPenn / Wharton, Columbia, Virginia / Darden, LBS, INSEAD, and Michigan / Ross this week. Signups are here: https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham highlighted a Fridays from the Frontline feature from a student at Duke / Fuqua, and a recently published article on a $50 million gift to John's Hopkins / Carey Business School.  He also commented on some changes to the curriculum at IESE, where AI has been embedded across all disciplines. Graham continued with the Real Humans Alumni series. This week focuses on three alumni: HBS / Microsoft, Wharton / OpenAI and Yale / Twitch. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from India, is an engineer with a 725 GMAT score. This week's second MBA applicant is deciding between applying for a full-time MBA program, part-time program, or staying at work. This week's final MBA candidate is deciding between offers from NYU Stern and MIT Sloan. 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!

Many top-ranked MBA programs in Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia actively encourage applicants to connect with admissions teams before submitting an application. But most applicants don't know this - or are too nervous to reach out.Should you contact admissions before you're ready? What if you haven't taken the GMAT yet, or your resume isn't polished? And how do you make sure the conversation is actually useful for both sides?In this episode, Darren invites Admissions Directors from three top-ranked programs - IESE (Spain), CUHK (Hong Kong), and AGSM (Australia) - to guide you on how to approach these early conversations, what to expect, and how to use them to strengthen your application.If you're considering reaching out to an MBA admissions team before applying, listen to this first.TopicsIntroduction (0:00)What is an MBA Pre-Assessment? with Roanne Law, CUHK MBA (3:15)How to Engage Early - Tips & Expectations with Patrik Wallen, IESE MBA (11:15)Addressing Common Concerns About Pre-Assessments with Kenneth Cheung, AGSM MBA (18:30)Show NotesCUHK MBAIESE MBAAGSM MBAGet pre-assessed by top MBA programs#116 Interacting with MBA Admissions Officers at Events#192 MBA Coffee Chats: Thoughtful Advice on How to Get the Most Out of Your MBA with Adam Putterman, Kellogg MMM '19Resources for MBA ApplicantsGet free school selection help at Touch MBAGet pre-assessed by top international MBA programsOur favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)

Many top-ranked MBA programs in Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia actively encourage applicants to connect with admissions teams before submitting an application. But most applicants don't know this - or are too nervous to reach out.Should you contact admissions before you're ready? What if you haven't taken the GMAT yet, or your resume isn't polished? And how do you make sure the conversation is actually useful for both sides?In this episode, Darren invites Admissions Directors from three top-ranked programs - IESE (Spain), CUHK (Hong Kong), and AGSM (Australia) - to guide you on how to approach these early conversations, what to expect, and how to use them to strengthen your application.If you're considering reaching out to an MBA admissions team before applying, listen to this first.TopicsIntroduction (0:00)What is an MBA Pre-Assessment? with Roanne Law, CUHK MBA (3:15)How to Engage Early - Tips & Expectations with Patrik Wallen, IESE MBA (11:15)Addressing Common Concerns About Pre-Assessments with Kenneth Cheung, AGSM MBA (18:30)Show NotesCUHK MBAIESE MBAAGSM MBAGet pre-assessed by top MBA programs#116 Interacting with MBA Admissions Officers at Events#192 MBA Coffee Chats: Thoughtful Advice on How to Get the Most Out of Your MBA with Adam Putterman, Kellogg MMM '19Resources for MBA ApplicantsGet free school selection help at Touch MBAGet pre-assessed by top international MBA programsOur favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)

"Anxiety and excitement are chemically the same reaction — context changes how we interpret it." What actually separates top GMAT performers from everyone else? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Hailey Cusimano, Director of Tutoring at Menlo Coaching, to unpack the five traits she's observed that that drive GMAT success. Through the lens of curiosity, balance, consistency, resilience, and flexibility, Hailey explains why the GMAT is less about memorization and more about critical thinking, self-awareness, and intentional preparation. Whether you're just starting your prep journey or feeling stuck after months of studying, this episode offers actionable insights to help you study smarter — not just harder. About Hailey: Hailey Cusimano is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students' main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun. Helpful Resources: Menlo Coaching: https://menlocoaching.com/ Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare Key Takeaways: The GMAT is fundamentally a critical thinking test — not a memorization test. Curiosity is one of the strongest predictors of long-term GMAT success. Reflective studying is far more valuable than simply completing large volumes of questions. Consistency matters more than cramming or weekend-only "study marathons." Burnout can quietly undermine progress, even for highly motivated students. Flexibility and adaptability are essential because the GMAT intentionally challenges rigid thinking. Top scorers are not confident all the time — they are resourceful when facing uncertainty. Students improve faster when they analyze why they got stuck, not just what they got wrong. Strong GMAT preparation requires balance between studying, work, rest, and personal life. Resilience allows students to turn setbacks, bad practice tests, and plateau periods into opportunities for growth. The best GMAT students treat mistakes as useful data rather than evidence of failure. Small, intentional daily study sessions are often more effective than infrequent marathon sessions. "Timeline creep" can happen when students study without structure, benchmarks, or accountability. Many students plateau because they over-focus on weaknesses and stop practicing holistically. The GMAT rewards thoughtful decision-making, resource management, and strategic thinking under pressure. Chapters: 00:00 Intro and Meet Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching 08:02 Trait #1: Curiosity 13:50 Trait #2: Consistency 22:39 Trait #3: Balance 32:59 Trait #4: Flexibility 36:48 Trait #5: Resilience 43:11 Integrating Key Traits for Success 49:30 Actionable Steps for GMAT Success

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray. CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray. CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray. CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. We are continuing to see MBA programs release their final decisions. This upcoming week, UPenn / Wharton, Northwestern / Kellogg, Georgetown / McDonough, Boston College / Caroll, Yale SOM, MIT / Sloan, UCLA / Anderson, Washington / Foster and Washington / Olin are releasing final decisions. A few MBA programs are also continuing to their next admissions rounds, including Toronto / Rotman, Boston College / Carroll and Vanderbilt / Owen. Graham noted that Clear Admit is hosting several Application overview events in May, on May 19 and 20, and May 26 and 27. Signups for these events are here: https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham continued with the Real Humans Alumni series. This week focuses on four alumni from Mendoza / JP Morgan, LBS / Decisional AI, HEC / CarbonFarm and Kellogg / Amazon. Graham also highlighted new hires in leadership roles at Haas and Tepper. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected one LiveWire entry and two ApplyWire entries. This week's first MBA admissions candidate works in the airline industry and is seeking an MBA to transition into consulting, in the south. This week's second MBA applicant has startup experience in the fintech space and has a 685 GMAT score. This week's final MBA candidate is a machine learning engineer for a bulge bracket bank. They want to use the MBA to transition to investment banking. 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!

Want to know how to avoid the most common mistakes on the GRE? Jeff Eisenberg is the founder of Long Island Test Prep and has been a GRE, GMAT, and LSAT tutor for over 31 years. In this episode, Jeff shares his advice for avoiding the most common mistakes students tend to make on the GRE, helping you feel confident and prepared on test day. Achievable GRE uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.

"Candidates aren't chasing career switches—they're investing in long-term skills." If you're considering business school, you've probably asked yourself some big questions: Is it worth it? What should I prioritize? And how are other candidates making this decision? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with his colleague Andrew Walker, Director of Industry Communications at GMAC, to unpack insights from the 2026 GMAC Prospective Student Survey—featuring perspectives from over 4,000 candidates worldwide. Together, they explore how candidate motivations are shifting, what "ROI" really means today, and how global preferences for where to study are evolving. In this episode, you'll learn: Why fewer candidates are pursuing business school for career switching How AI is shaping expectations for business school curricula What candidates really mean when they talk about ROI Key differences between younger and more experienced applicants Why interest in studying in the U.S. is shifting globally The growing demand for business master's degrees vs. MBAs How candidates are thinking about financing and application strategy Whether you're early in your journey or actively applying, this episode will help you better understand how to approach your decision—and what really matters. Key Takeaways: ROI is broader than ever: Candidates are thinking beyond salary—factoring in skills, network, personal growth, and long-term career resilience. Career switching is no longer the primary driver: More candidates are pursuing business school to build capabilities, not completely change paths. AI is reshaping expectations—but not replacing fundamentals: Demand for AI in the classroom is rising, but core skills like problem solving and strategic thinking remain central. Global study preferences are shifting: Interest in traditional destinations like the U.S. is softening, while Western Europe and parts of Asia are gaining traction. Rankings matter less—outcomes matter more: Candidates are increasingly prioritizing career outcomes and ROI over prestige alone. Younger vs. older candidates have different motivations: Younger: income, status, global experiences Older: targeted skill-building and career advancement Business master's degrees are gaining momentum: Especially among younger candidates—and even mid-career professionals looking for focused upskilling. Financing is central to decision-making: Candidates are applying to multiple programs and increasingly relying on financial aid as part of their strategy. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Business School Insights 01:25 Shifting Motivations for Pursuing an MBA 04:10 Understanding ROI in Business Education 07:08 Generational Differences in Business School Aspirations 09:07 Trends in Global Business School Preferences 11:53 Demand for MBAs vs. Business Masters 14:58 Financing Business Education 17:19 Key Takeaways from the Survey

Companies built on love outperform the S&P 500 by 14 to 1. Conscious capitalism, stakeholder leadership, healing organizations — Raj Sisodia proved it with data, then spent a year in the Himalayas and the Amazon proving it on himself.Raj Sisodia, Co-Founder of the Conscious Capitalism movement and author of sixteen books including Firms of Endearment and The Healing Organization, grew up across four countries and eight schools before the age of 18. He trained as an electrical engineer in India because that was what you did if you were good at math. He stumbled into a PhD at Columbia almost by accident — following seven friends to pick up a GMAT application and ending up the only one who made it to New York. From there, he built a body of research that fundamentally challenged Milton Friedman's doctrine that the only business of business is profit. Then, at 60, he turned that same rigour inward: pilgrimages to the high Himalayas, silent retreats with Peter Senge, and the painful reckoning with a father who once pointed a gun at him.This conversation runs close to what I have lived. When I watched Satya Nadella introduce "model, coach, care" at Microsoft — a framework Raj references directly — I saw firsthand what happens when a leader chooses purpose over power. And Raj's conviction that business must actively heal what it has broken echoes what drove me to create Live for Good: the belief that the organizations we build should leave people stronger, not depleted.In our conversation, we explore: → Why companies that spend 95% less on marketing than competitors have the highest customer loyalty — and what that reveals about extraction-based capitalism → The four pillars of Conscious Capitalism — higher purpose, stakeholder integration, conscious leadership, conscious culture — and the specific acronyms (HEALING, SPICY, SELFLESS) Raj uses to make them actionable → The Bob Chapman story: how one CEO refused to lay off a single employee during the 2008 crisis by asking "What would a family do?" — and emerged stronger than every competitor → His year of conscious awakening at 60 — pilgrimages, silent retreats, ayahuasca in the Amazon — and what four women forced him to confront about his own unhealed trauma → What conscious capitalism demands of AI: the marriage of humanity's most important idea with its most powerful technology — and why the market will ultimately correct for unconscious companies

"Testing isn't just about checking a box—it's about proving you're ready to succeed." When most people think about business school admissions, they focus on test scores, essays, and interviews. But for many candidates around the world, there's another critical piece of the puzzle: proving you can succeed in an English-speaking academic environment. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined by Elie Bechara, Head of the Duolingo English Test in Europe, to break down how English proficiency testing fits into the modern MBA application—and why it matters more than ever. Elie shares his journey from INSEAD to consulting to tech, and how he found his way to Duolingo. Then, the conversation dives into what the Duolingo English Test (DET) actually is, how it compares to other English proficiency exams, and why its fully online, adaptive format is rapidly gaining traction worldwide. You'll also learn how the DET complements exams like the GMAT, what business schools are really looking for when it comes to communication skills, and how global trends are reshaping where—and how—students pursue business education. About Elie: Based in Europe, Elie Bechara is the Senior Strategic Engagement Manager for the Duolingo English Test. He works closely with universities, governments, and higher education stakeholders across the region to develop and support fair, secure, and accessible English proficiency assessment in international admissions. Before joining Duolingo, Elie spent over a decade in client-facing roles, across Europe and MENA, in consulting and tech, at LinkedIn, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and PwC, advising institutions, governments, and organisations on strategy, transformation, and talent mobility. Helpful links: Duolingo English Test: englishtest.duolingo.com Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: https://substack.com/@gmaczach Key Takeaways: Language proficiency is more than a checkbox: It's a signal of your ability to actively participate in a global, collaborative MBA environment. The GMAT and English tests are complementary, assessing different but equally critical skills: reasoning vs. real-world communication. AI is transforming assessment, enabling faster test development, improved security, and more realistic interaction-based evaluations. Global mobility trends are shifting, with more candidates choosing Europe and other regions, increasing the need for strong communication across cultures. Business school success depends heavily on communication, not just academic ability—especially in discussion-driven environments. Your application doesn't need to be "extraordinary" to be compelling—authenticity and clarity matter more than trying to stand out artificially. Preparation builds confidence for day one, ensuring you can fully engage from the start rather than playing catch-up. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:27 Elie's Journey to Duolingo 04:20 The Duolingo English Test Explained 07:12 The Structure and Security of the Test 12:02 Innovative Features of the Duolingo English Test 14:19 The Growing Popularity of the Duolingo English Test 17:30 Complementing MBA Applications with Language Proficiency 22:38 Trends in Global Mobility for MBA Candidates 25:05 The Future of Language Testing and AI Innovations 29:22 Advice for MBA Applicants and Test Takers

The HKUST MBA has been one of Asia's top-ranked MBAs for many years - the Financial Times has ranked it top 25 globally 15 times. But, what is it actually like to study there?Stephen Shih, Associate Dean of MBA Programs at HKUST Business School and a former Partner at Bain & Company, shares what makes the HKUST MBA unique. We cover Hong Kong's strategic importance, the benefits of studying at a renowned science and technology university, HKUST's flexible curriculum, and the differences between the 12 and 16-month program options. Stephen also shares his views on AI's impact on MBA careers, what employers are prioritizing, and what the HKUST admissions team actually looks for beyond GMAT scores.Program Highlights - What Makes the HKUST MBA Unique?Introduction (0:00)What Makes the HKUST MBA Unique? (8:25)How HKUST is "Future-Proofing" its MBA as AI Reshapes Business (13:20)Why Hong Kong for Your MBA (20:00)HKUST MBA's 12 and 16-Month Course Structure (22:45)HKUST MBA's Student & Learning Culture (25:00)HKUST MBA Admissions & Scholarships - How to Improve Your Chances? What HKUST MBA Looks for from Applicants (27:00)Post-MBA Goals (29:00)Interviews (31:05)GMAT/GRE Scores (32:15)Stephen's Final Application Tips (35:50)How HKUST MBA Admissions Views Scholarships & How Applicants Can Win Funding (37:35)Career Opportunities at HKUST - What to Know & How to PrepareHow to Leverage HKUST's Career Resources to Land Post-MBA Jobs (40:30)HKUST Industry Placements & Resources for Entrepreneurs (45:45)What Applicants Need to Know about Landing Jobs in Hong Kong, China & Asia-Pacific (51:00)Maximizing ROI at the HKUST MBA (52:15)About Our GuestStephen Shih is the Associate Dean of MBA Programs at HKUST Business School. Previously, he was Executive Vice President of Learning & Development at Bain & Company in Shanghai, China. Stephen served as Head of MBA Career Services and Corporate Relations at HKUST from 2010-11 before returning to Bain & Company as a Partner and leading its organization practice in Asia-Pacific. Stephen majored in Economics at Princeton University and got his MBA from UCLA Anderson.Show NotesHKUST MBAHKUST MBA ScholarshipsHKUST Entrepreneurship CenterHKUST MBA SuperConnector PodcastHKUST Full-time MBA Highlights by Touch MBAMBA Application Resources⁠⁠⁠Get free school selection help at Touch MBA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs⁠⁠⁠⁠Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)⁠

"It's not about the rules and formulas—it's about the decisions you make in how you approach a question." Most GMAT candidates start their prep the wrong way: by diving straight into content, formulas, and practice questions. But what if that approach is actually holding you back? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Brian Prestia, founder of Reason Test Prep, to break down what the GMAT is really testing—and why success has far more to do with how you think than what you know. Together, they explore the difference between memorization and reasoning, why "tips and tricks" can be misleading, and how top scorers approach questions with strategy, precision, and creativity. From quant to verbal to data insights, Brian shares how to rethink your prep, avoid common traps, and build the kind of problem-solving skills that drive real score gains. If you've ever felt stuck despite studying hard, this episode will change how you approach the GMAT—and maybe how you think about problem-solving altogether. About Brian: Brian Prestia is the owner of Reason Test Prep and is an elite test-prep veteran with more than 20 years of experience preparing people for the GMAT and other standardized tests. He has scored in the 100th percentile of the GMAT and has tutored nearly 1,000 students from all corners of the globe. Brian has a passion for teaching and especially for getting students to think more critically, problem solve more creatively, and, most importantly, enjoy the lifelong process of learning. Helpful links: Reason Test Prep: https://reasontestprep.com Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: https://substack.com/@gmaczach Key Takeaways: The GMAT is a reasoning test—not a content test: Most candidates over-focus on formulas and rules, but the exam is designed to assess decision-making, logic, and problem-solving ability. "Tips and tricks" thinking misses the point: Treating the GMAT like a game you can hack leads to shallow understanding. Real improvement comes from developing adaptable thinking skills. Strategy should come before content: Top performers learn how to approach problems first, then layer in content—not the other way around. There is always a definitively correct answer: Even in verbal, answers aren't subjective. If something feels ambiguous, it's a signal to refine your reasoning—not guess. Precision matters more than you think: Success—especially in verbal—comes down to noticing small differences in language and meaning. Data Insights is really a time management test: The challenge isn't just solving problems—it's identifying what matters quickly and ignoring noise. Deliberate practice beats volume: Doing hundreds of questions isn't enough. Improvement comes from deeply analyzing how and why you solved (or missed) each one. You don't always need full math to get the answer: Smart estimation, logic, and elimination can often outperform brute-force calculation. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to GMAT Strategies 04:09 Brian Prestia's Journey and Reason Test Prep 07:36 Defining Critical Reasoning and Problem Solving 10:05 Misconceptions About Test Preparation 15:38 The Role of Math in GMAT Success 18:30 Approaching Different Sections of the GMAT 22:48 Understanding Argument Strengthening and Weakening 24:14 Precision in Language and Its Importance 26:03 Time Management in Data Insights 32:01 Strategies for Data Sufficiency 37:54 Reorienting Your GMAT Preparation Mindset

Today, we'll talk through a framework that'll help you evaluate whether you're building something useful enough to anchor a business. Most startups fail because the thing they built doesn't make a big enough dent in their customers lives. We'll make sure you don't make this mistake with help from Habit Kangaroo, a startup Brian ran back in 2014, and a GMAT training program his friend ran that helped people get into Harvard.  Tacklebox Byldd Greenlights 0:30 Building a Wildly Useful Startup 2:12 Why Measuring Usefulness is Hard 7:00 Byldd 7:53 Habit Kangaroo 12:50 The Usefulness Framework 13:24 What is your Secret? 13:51 Three Categories of Secrets: Customer 14:45 Three Categories of Secrets: Acquisition 15:16 Three Categories of Secrets: Product 17:08 Rivers and Dams 19:00 GMAT over 700 Product 23:02 Hire Yourself

"The score isn't the end. It's just the starting point." After ten weeks, GMAC Zach has finally taken his EA exam! In this candid debrief episode of Inside the GMAT, Zach sits down with instructor Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep to break down his real testing experience—from last-minute rescheduling to test-day distractions and everything in between. Zach walks through how he handled each section, what threw him off (including a chaotic testing environment and a few "wait, is this a typo?" moments), and where his strategy held up—or didn't. Together, they unpack the psychology of test-day performance, including how stress impacts timing, decision-making, and even basic comprehension. More importantly, this episode shifts from performance to perspective. Stacey explains how to properly debrief an exam, when to guess and move on, and why most candidates improve on a second attempt. The conversation reinforces a key message: your first test isn't just a score—it's data. For anyone preparing for the GMAT or EA, this episode is a masterclass in what actually happens on test day—and how to use it to your advantage moving forward. About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student. Helpful links: Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare GMAC Official Starter Kit (FREE): https://www.mba.com/exam-prep/gmat-official-starter-kit Manhattan Prep Official Starter Kit (FREE): https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/free/gmat-practice Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: https://substack.com/@gmaczach Key Takeaways: Your first test is data, not a verdict: Whether you're happy with your score or not, the real value is understanding what to improve next. Test-day stress changes everything: Timing, focus, and even reading comprehension can break down under pressure—even if practice went smoothly. Distractions are part of the test: You can't control your environment, but you can train for it—practice in imperfect settings to build resilience. Don't let one question sink your section: If you don't fully understand the question or know where to find the answer, guess and move on. Perfectionism is the enemy of performance: Spending too long chasing one answer often costs you more points elsewhere. Your brain under stress is not always reliable: "Typos" and confusion are often misinterpretations caused by pressure—not actual errors. Second attempts tend to improve: Familiarity with the test environment and format often leads to higher scores. Balanced scores matter: Consistency across sections (e.g., 11/11/11) is often stronger than uneven performance. Start early to give yourself options: Early prep reduces pressure and gives you flexibility to retake if needed. Chapters 00:00 Exam Rescheduling and Preparation 02:54 Test Center Experience and Initial Reactions 05:59 Debriefing the Exam Performance 08:44 Challenges During the Integrated Reasoning Section 11:47 Verbal Section Insights and Reflections 15:35 Navigating Difficult Questions 20:46 Quantitative Section Insights 22:25 Setting Score Expectations 24:14 Reflections on Preparation and Future Steps

"Lose the urgency. Accept the learning process." In a world where AI can generate answers instantly, what actually sets great decision-makers apart? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with GMAT tutor and founder of GMAT Buddy, Ayham Shakra, to unpack the real skill behind success—not memorization, but reasoning. Ayham explains why the GMAT isn't a math or English test, but a training ground for structured thinking: the ability to filter noise, identify patterns, and make decisions under pressure. Together, they explore why so many test-takers struggle, how foundational skills shape high-level problem solving, and why progress on the GMAT is anything but linear. The conversation also tackles a bigger question: in an AI-driven world, are reasoning skills more important than ever? Ayham makes the case that they are—not just for test day, but for business school, your career, and life itself. About Ayham: Ayham has spent more than a decade helping aspiring MBA candidates prepare for and excel on the GMAT. He specializes in breaking down the preparation journey into focused, manageable sprints—designing personalized study plans that target weaknesses while amplifying strengths. Through extensive work with non-native English speakers and candidates from non-math backgrounds, Ayham has developed distinctive teaching methods that go beyond content mastery to strengthen core reasoning skills. His approach empowers students not just to improve their scores, but to think more clearly, efficiently, and confidently under pressure. Helpful links: GMAT Buddy: https://gmatbuddy.com/ Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: https://substack.com/@gmaczach Key Takeaways The GMAT measures how you think—not what you know: It's about processing information, identifying patterns, and making decisions efficiently—not advanced math or perfect English. AI makes judgment more valuable, not less: When answers are everywhere, the real skill is knowing which ones are actually correct or useful. Foundation before finesse: High-level "aha" problem solving only works if basic skills (math, reading, logic) are automatic and intuitive. Progress is non-linear: Improvement comes in waves, not steady gains—patience is part of the process. Reasoning is a trainable skill: It's built through repetition, reflection, and learning to ask the right questions—not memorizing shortcuts. Timed conditions reveal true skill: Efficiency under pressure—not just correctness—is what separates top performers. The "aha moment" is the real learning unit: Each moment of clarity builds a repeatable mental framework for solving future problems. Don't compare your journey: Everyone starts from a different baseline—focus on your own growth trajectory. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 06:08 The Impact of AI on Learning and Reasoning 11:09 How to Teach Reasoning Skills 22:40 Building a Strong Foundation for GMAT Success 26:24 The Role of Timed Conditions in Testing 29:31 Real-World Applications of GMAT Skills 33:42 Pursuing Aha Moments in Learning

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. We are now getting close to the end of the interview invite season for Round 2 as top MBA programs begin to release their final decisions. This upcoming week, UNC / Kenan Flagler, Duke / Fuqua, Michigan / Ross, Notre Dame / Mendoza, SMU / Cox and Imperial Business School are releasing their Round 2 decisions. A few MBA programs are also beginning their next admissions rounds, including Georgia / Terry, IESE and Maryland / Smith. Graham highlighted upcoming MBA webinar events. On March 19, we are hosting a series of panel discussions focused on international students who are targeting the top MBA programs in the United States. On May 11, Clear Admit is hosting our in-person MBA Fair in Atlanta. Signups for these events are here: https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham then highlighted several MBA admissions tips, focusing on Welcome Weekend events, the importance of pre-MBA coursework for MBA applicants, and two that focus on deferred admissions at UPenn / Wharton and Columbia. Finally, Graham addressed the new season of Real Humans Alumni. This week focuses on four alumni from Rice / Jones at Bain, NYU / Stern at BCG, Harvard at Amazon and CMU / Tepper at Morgan Stanley. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from India and is looking to pivot from accounting to finance. They are applying next season and still need to take the GMAT exam. This week's second MBA applicant has a 316 GRE score and is planning to retake the GRE before applying next season. We believe they will have a really strong profile if they can raise their GRE score. This week's final MBA candidate is deciding between Fuqua, Goizueta and Owen. 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!

What Is Life Testing You On Right Now?Jason Rigby shares an idea he found from Ben Meer about GMAT test strategy: instead of driving into a hard problem, step back and ask, “What is the test maker actually testing me on right now?” He applies this to life, suggesting that challenges aren't random chaos but tests of specific skills you need to develop, shifting you from reactive victimhood to intentional, strategic growth. He gives examples like a difficult boss (boundaries, communication, courage), money stress (abundance beliefs, practical skills, self-worth), and his own pattern of being taken advantage of (learning to say no). Drawing on concepts from the Bible, Buddhism, and Marine Corps boot camp, he recommends taking three deep breaths, asking what the situation is testing, and then practicing the skill through action for a week to stop repeating patterns and “level up.”00:00 Crisis To Breakthrough00:00 Introduction and Mind-Blowing Realization00:10 The Power of a Single Question01:04 Applying the Test Maker's Perspective01:04 GMAT Story Setup01:35 The One Question02:31 Life As A Test02:33 Life's Challenges as Tests03:06 Work And Money Examples03:30 Practical Examples and Personal Stories04:29 Power Shift Mindset04:30 The Power Shift: From Victim to Creator05:11 Spiritual and Practical Insights05:11 Spiritual Framing Lessons06:26 Boundaries Personal Example07:36 Boot Camp Perspective08:19 Three Breaths Practice09:25 Choose Skills And Respond10:03 Final Thoughts and Weekly Challenge10:03 One Week Challenge10:50 Final Pop Quiz Wrap

"You should actually get a little bit excited when you make a careless mistake—because you're about to get better." Everyone makes careless mistakes on the GMAT—even well-prepared test takers. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Manhattan Prep instructor Stacey Koprince to break down why these mistakes happen and what you can actually do to prevent them. Stacey explains the critical difference between a true knowledge gap and a careless mistake—and why the latter is often the easiest type of mistake to fix. Instead of beating yourself up when you spot one, she argues you should see it as an opportunity to improve your score. The conversation explores the hidden causes behind careless errors, including stress, mental fatigue, time pressure, and small weaknesses in your knowledge foundation. Zach and Stacey also discuss practical strategies for identifying patterns in your mistakes and building new habits that interrupt them before they happen again. Listeners will learn how to use a review log (AKA error log) to track mistakes, how to diagnose the real reason an error occurred, and how to design simple "micro-checks" during problem solving that can prevent costly slip-ups. They also tackle an uncomfortable truth about adaptive exams like the GMAT: sometimes the smartest strategy is getting questions wrong quickly so you can protect your accuracy on questions you can get right. If you've ever finished a problem, looked at the correct answer, and thought "I knew that—how did I miss it?", this episode will give you a framework for turning those frustrating moments into real score gains. About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student. Helpful links: Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare GMAC Official Starter Kit (FREE): https://www.mba.com/exam-prep/gmat-official-starter-kit Manhattan Prep Official Starter Kit (FREE): https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/free/gmat-practice Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: https://substack.com/@gmaczach Key Takeaways: Careless mistakes aren't random—they usually follow personal patterns you can identify and fix. The process to fix them: identify the mistake → understand why it happened → build a new habit to prevent it. Small habits (like writing key information on scratch paper) can dramatically reduce errors. Keeping a review log helps reveal patterns across practice sessions. On adaptive exams, time management matters: sometimes it's smarter to guess quickly and protect accuracy elsewhere. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Careless Mistakes 05:04 Identifying Patterns in Mistakes 11:12 Types of Careless Mistakes 16:50 The Importance of a Review Log 24:02 Introduction to Effective Study Habits 27:53 Balancing Speed and Accuracy in Test Taking 34:46 Understanding and Managing Time During Tests 42:32 Finding the Right Balance in Test Taking

"The biggest score killer isn't one wrong answer. It's inconsistent pacing." Zach sits down once again with test prep expert Stacey Koprince—this time with a big milestone to share: his EA exam appointment is officially booked (date undisclosed, of course). From there, the conversation becomes a practical, stress-reducing roadmap for what to do after a practice test dip and before the real thing. Stacey helps Zach break down his recent practice exam results into three clear categories—strengths you can't coast on, fixable mistakes worth reviewing, and true "kryptonite" topics that are better strategically skipped. Along the way, they dig into why careless mistakes happen, how to review smarter (not longer), and how to make confident time-management decisions on test day—especially within the EA's panel-based format. The second half of the episode is focused on answering listern questions: how early is too early (or too late) to start studying, how many hours per week actually make sense, how EA prep compares to GMAT prep, and whether private tutoring is really worth the cost in the age of AI and free content. Stacey also calls out some of the worst test prep advice she sees—spoiler: grinding thousands of questions without proper review is at the top of the list. If you're approaching test day, debating between the EA and GMAT, or just want calmer, more strategic guidance on how to prepare like a pro, this episode is packed with reassurance, humor, and hard-earned insight. About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student. Helpful links: Register for the EA: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register Purchase EA Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare GMAC Free EA Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare/free-prep-resources Manhattan Prep EA Resources: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/courses/executive-assessment-test-prep Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: https://substack.com/@gmaczach Key Takeaways: Not all wrong answers mean the same thing. Separate true content gaps, careless mistakes, and "kryptonite" topics—each requires a different response. You can't coast on your strengths. Overconfidence in strong areas is one of the most common sources of avoidable score drops. Letting go is a strategy, not a failure. Knowing in advance which question types you'll skip or guess on preserves time, confidence, and overall performance. Timing decisions matter more than individual questions. When to move on from a question can have an outsized impact on your score. Practice tests are for diagnosis, not judgment. A score dip on a practice exam is normal—and often a sign you're learning the right lessons at the right time. Learning happens between problems, not during them. Review, reflection, and targeted drills drive improvement—not sheer volume. The final days are about readiness, not grinding. Light review, strategy reminders, and mental freshness beat last-minute cramming every time. Test-day routines should reduce decisions, not add them. Plan logistics, warm-ups, food, clothing, and timing in advance so your brain is reserved for the exam. Free prep can work—until it doesn't. If your score is improving, keep going. If it stalls, higher-quality (and often paid) resources may be worth it. The EA and GMAT demand different prep philosophies. EA prep is typically shorter and threshold-based; GMAT prep often requires more time due to how scores are used in admissions and rankings. Chapters: 00:00 Zach Shares His Exam Booking and Location Choice 01:30 Study Strategies and Practice Test Review 06:08 Test Day Preparation and Environment Setup 13:51 Final Tips for the Day Before and Day Of the Exam 19:50 Managing Test Anxiety and Strategic Question Skipping 24:58 Your Questions: Resources, Study Buddies, and When to Seek Help

"This section isn't just about getting into business school — it's about being ready once you're there." Host GMAC Zach welcomes back GMAT expert Sergey Kouk from Admit Master for a deep dive into one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of the exam: the Data Insights section. Together, Zach and Sergey demystify what Data Insights really tests, why it matters for business school and recruiting, and how test-takers should approach it strategically rather than emotionally. Sergey explains how the section builds on the former Integrated Reasoning questions, why Data Sufficiency now plays a central role, and how success depends far more on logic, structure, and decision-making than on heavy math. The conversation walks through each Data Insights question type—Data Sufficiency, Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis, Two-Part Analysis, and Multi-Source Reasoning—highlighting common pitfalls, practical tactics, and efficient workflows for each. Sergey emphasizes proactive thinking: identifying what information is needed before diving into the data, staying methodical under time pressure, and avoiding the temptation to brute-force calculations. Listeners also learn how to manage time effectively, when (and when not) to use the calculator, and why guessing strategically and moving on can be smarter than getting stuck. Throughout the episode, Sergey draws clear parallels between Data Insights questions and real business scenarios, reinforcing why this section is so relevant for MBA readiness and post-MBA careers. The episode wraps with actionable advice on reducing stress, using the review function wisely, and preparing for business school—not just the test. Whether you're intimidated by Data Insights or looking to refine your approach, this conversation offers clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for mastering the section. About Our Guest: Sergey Kouk is a rocket scientist turned GMAT instructor, who achieved a score of 750 on the GMAT after just 2 weeks of studying. He credits his success to the amazing teachers and mentors, who taught him advanced reasoning skills early in his career. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Admit Master, a test preparation and admissions consulting company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Sergey holds 3 university degrees, including an MBA. When he is not teaching prep classes, he spends time snowboarding or sailing a boat with his family. Sergey brings to this podcast over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT to thousands of business school candidates, as well as insights from other experienced GMAT instructors and MBA Admissions Consultants at Admit Master, to help you get a great GMAT score and gain admission to your dream business school. Contact Admit Master: https://admitmaster.com/ Register for the GMAT: mba.com/register Key Takeaways: Data Insights isn't new—it's reframed. Most of the section comes from Integrated Reasoning, with Data Sufficiency moved in and expanded beyond pure math. Think like a manager, not a test-taker. Your job isn't to solve everything—it's to determine what information is needed to make a decision. Be proactive before reading the data. Clarify what the question is asking and what you need before diving into statements, graphs, or tables. Analyze statements independently in Data Sufficiency. Never carry information from one statement into the other unless the answer choices explicitly require combining them. Don't overanalyze the data. Data Insights questions intentionally include more information than you need—focus on structure first, details second. Use the calculator selectively. It can help with relative comparisons, but overuse often wastes time and isn't necessary for most questions. Invest time upfront to save time later. A quick "inventory" of graphs, tables, or tabs helps you answer multiple questions more efficiently. Multi-Source Reasoning is intimidating—but valuable. The upfront reading pays off since multiple questions can stem from the same data set. Time management beats perfection. If you're stuck, make an educated guess, flag the question, and move on—getting it wrong quickly is better than getting it wrong slowly. Data Insights mirrors business school and real work. Synthesizing data, prioritizing relevance, and making decisions under time pressure are exactly the skills MBA programs care about. Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Data Insights in GMAT 03:33 Data Sufficiency: Key Concepts and Strategies 24:34 Calculator Strategy 25:58 Time Management Going into the Next Four Question Types 29:32 Efficient Data Analysis Strategies 33:22 Specific Tactics for Graphics Interpretation 34:55 Table Analysis 36:33 Mastering Table Analysis Techniques 42:22 Approaching Two-Part Analysis Questions 48:44 Understanding Multi-Source Reasoning 53:39 Time Management Tips for GMAT Success

"This is why you take practice exams. So that you know what you DON'T want to do on test day." Practice tests don't always move in a straight line—and this week, GMAC Zach finds that out firsthand. After hitting a personal high on his previous EA exam practice exam with a 155, his latest score dips slightly, sparking an honest conversation about score fluctuations, confidence traps, and what really causes plateaus during EA prep. Joined, as always, by Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep, they unpack why the third practice exam is such a common stumbling point, how overconfidence can quietly lead to careless mistakes (yes, even in your strongest section), and why focusing only on weaknesses can cause your strengths to atrophy. They also dig into practical strategy: how to review practice exams effectively, how to organize quant scratch work, and how to decide when you're truly ready to take your final practice test—or the real thing. The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on motivation, deadlines, and whether booking the official exam before you feel "ready" can actually be the push you need. If you've ever felt frustrated by a score dip or unsure about your next step in EA or GMAT prep, this one will feel very familiar—and very reassuring. About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student. Helpful links: Register for the EA: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register Purchase EA Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare GMAC Free EA Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare/free-prep-resources Manhattan Prep EA Resources: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/courses/executive-assessment-test-prep Key Takeaways: Score dips are normal—especially around your third practice exam. As content knowledge increases, timing issues, overconfidence, and stubbornness can creep in. Focusing only on weaknesses can hurt your strengths. Mixed review matters, or previously solid skills can quietly slip. Careless mistakes often come from confidence, not confusion. Rushing through "easy" questions can cost just as many points as knowledge gaps. Practice exam review matters more than the score itself. Time spent, question-level decisions, and patterns of error are where the real insights live. Write everything down on quant. Clean, organized scratch work isn't about neatness—it's about thinking clearly under pressure. Grammar prep shouldn't break what already works. Use rules strategically to retrain your ear where it falls for traps, not everywhere. Your last practice exam is precious—but not sacred. For some test-takers, the real exam can function as a high-stakes "dry run" with better data. Deadlines can be powerful motivators—if you know yourself. Booking the test can help procrastinators push through, as long as flexibility remains. Don't tell anyone your test date. Fewer external expectations = fewer distractions on test day. Chapters: 00:00 Practice Exam Insights 07:04 Verbal Section Challenges 10:01 Quantitative Strategies 12:45 Considerations for Test Day 18:19 Setting Deadlines and Accountability

"AI is going to be as profound as fire or electricity. Even if that's one-millionth true, we have to take it seriously." In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with David Marchick, Dean of the Kogod School of Business at American University, to explore how business education is being reshaped by AI, career pivots, and the skills that truly matter over a lifetime. Marchick reflects on his unconventional career path and how those experiences shape his student-first approach to leadership. He explains why "psychic income," not just financial return, drives his work in higher education, and why helping students experiment, fail, and grow outside the classroom is just as important as mastering core business fundamentals. A major focus of the conversation is Kogod's rapid and award-winning integration of artificial intelligence into every aspect of the business school—from curriculum and faculty research to operations and student learning. Marchick shares how Kogod moved quickly to embed AI literacy across disciplines, partnered with tools like Perplexity, and created a culture where experimentation with emerging technology is encouraged rather than feared. The discussion also tackles broader questions facing prospective students: how AI is changing leadership, why business degrees still matter in a non-linear career world, and how graduate education can empower creatives, career switchers, and non-traditional students to reinvent themselves. Marchick closes with advice for ambitious young professionals weighing business school, urging them to find the overlap between what they love, what they're good at, and where they're willing to keep learning—and relearning—over time. About David Marchick: David Marchick serves as Dean of the Kogod School of Business at American University. In this role, he leads the school's work to support more than 2,000 students and offer more than two dozen undergraduate and graduate degree and certification programs. He previously was an Adjunct Professor at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth University.  Since Marchick took on the role of Dean in August 2022, the Kogod School of Business has unveiled major initiatives in sustainability, AI and entrepreneurship; raised more than the previous 10 years combined; attracted its largest-ever first-year undergraduate class; and almost doubled the number of endowed chairs for the school. Under Marchick's leadership, Kogod faculty and staff developed and implemented what Poets & Quants called "the most consequential AI transformation in business education." Helpful links: The Kogod School of Business: https://kogod.american.edu/ AU's Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence: https://kogod.american.edu/iaai Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 02:29 The Evolution of Business Education 05:35 AI's Impact on Business Schools 08:30 The Importance of Communication Skills 11:35 The Changing Landscape of Graduate Education 14:10 Integrating AI into the Curriculum 17:20 Real-World Applications of AI in Education 20:22 Preparing for the Future of Work 23:15 Advice for Aspiring Business Students 26:11 Future Initiatives at Kogod School of Business

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. We continue to see several top MBA programs rolling out their Round 2 interview invites. Next week UPenn / Wharton and INSEAD are scheduled to release their interview invites and we speculate that MIT Sloan will, too. We then briefly discussed our new interview prep tool,  Clear Admit's MBA Interview simulator  Thus far, we have seen broad adoption of this tool, and we expect word to continue to spread! The MBA interview simulator is trained on Clear Admit's extensive catalogue of interview resources including our interview archive and interview guides. Graham noted we are scheduled for our monthly AMA YouTube Livestream later today. Here is Clear Admit's YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@ClearAdmitMBA Graham also highlighted MBA webinar events that are on the horizon that Clear Admit is hosting. We are hosting a series for MiM programs which is scheduled for February 24 and 25. Clear Admit is also hosting events with London Business School and Vanderbilt / Owen later this week. On March 19, we are hosting a series of online panel discussions focused on international students who are targeting the top MBA programs in the United States. Finally, we are excited to announce our in-person admissions event, the MBA Fair, to be scheduled in Atlanta, on May 11. Signups for all these events are here: https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham then highlighted a recently published article from Clear Admit's Fridays from the Frontlines series, highlighting a veteran who is at Notre Dame / Mendoza.  Graham then noted three admissions tips which all focus on the interview experience: MBA interview etiquette, questions for the admissions interviewer, and post-interview follow-up. Graham addressed a recently published Real Humans piece that focuses on Class of 2027 HBS students. Then finally, we discussed this week's roll out of the Financial Times ranking. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is a deferred admissions candidate who appears to have a very strong profile but still needs to take the GMAT. This week's second MBA applicant is from India, works in finance, and has a perfect 340 on the GRE test. This week's final MBA candidate is deciding between Wharton and Sloan with a scholarship. 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!

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. We continue to see several top MBA programs rolling out their Round 2 interview invites. Next week London Business School and Duke / Fuqua are scheduled to release their interview invitations. We then discussed our new interview prep tool,  Clear Admit's MBA Interview simulator  This simulator is designed to provide a realistic interview experience for the majority of the top MBA programs, and provide detailed feedback. It is trained on Clear Admit's extensive catalogue of interview resources including its interview archive and interview guides. Graham highlighted webinar events that are on the horizon that Clear Admit is hosting. The first webinar series of events is for deferred MBA admissions candidates who are currently completing their first degrees. The second event in this series is scheduled for Wednesday, and includes Haas, Stanford, Columbia, Wharton and Darden. The second series is for MiM programs and is scheduled for February 24 and 25. Clear Admit is also hosting events with London Business School and Vanderbilt / Owen this month. Signups for all these events are here: https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham then highlighted several recently published articles from Clear Admit. These include a very popular admissions tip that covers the seven hardest MBA interview questions, and a summary of upcoming in-person events hosted by MBA programs. Also covered is Emory / Goizueta's one-year MBA program pathways and NYU / Stern's new AI concentration. Graham addressed two recently published MBA career reports, from INSEAD and Cornell / Johnson. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is applying next season and has a 655 GMAT score. While they worry that they can't improve the score, we really encourage them to give it another try, or take the GRE. This week's second MBA applicant has a 760 GMAT score that expires in December. They need to target Round 1 next season, to avoid needing to retake the test. This week's final MBA candidate is deciding between Columbia and Duke or Ross with scholarship money. 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!

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. While many R2 deadlines were last week, there are still deadlines for NYU / Stern, MIT / Sloan, Texas / McCombs, USC / Marshall and Imperial Business School this week. Graham highlighted MBA webinar events that are on the horizon that Clear Admit is hosting. The first webinar looks at the enduring value of the MBA. The second series of events is for deferred admissions candidates who are currently completing their first degrees. Signups for all Clear Admit are here: https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham noted an MBA admissions tip focused on fine-tuning the MBA admissions essays. Graham then noted two Real Humans pieces spotlighting students from Texas / McCombs and Manchester / Alliance. We then discussed the Class of 2025 employment report from Yale SOM. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate has one admit in Round 1 for an M7 program and is targeting four more M7 programs in Round 2. This week's second MBA applicant is a consultant from Sydney, Australia. We worry that their slightly lower GMAT score of 655 may harm them for the very top MBA programs. This week's final MBA candidate has several offers from leading MBA programs. They want to begin their post MBA journey in investment banking, and we think Cornell / Johnson may be their best current option. 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!

Can you really take the GRE when applying to law school? Jeff Eisenberg is the founder of Long Island Test Prep and has been a GRE, GMAT, and LSAT tutor for over 31 years. In this episode, Jeff shares his views on the merits of taking the GRE in the law school admissions process instead of the LSAT, including the law school admissions landscape, the differences between the tests, which test is easier, and what is best for each type of student. Achievable GRE uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.

Новый год, новые цели, новые разочарования? 90% людей бросают свои новогодние обещания уже к февралю.Как не стать частью этой статистики? Как поставить цели, которые реально достижимы?И главное - как прожить этот год так, чтобы в декабре не чувствовать себя выжатым лимоном?Обсудили в прямом эфире.Андрей Микитюк (Andrei Mikitiuk) - Senior Technical Program Manager в Palo Alto Networks,эксперт по Data и ML, преподаватель GMAT (99-й перцентиль).Получил MBA в UNC Kenan-Flagler и степень по Educational Psychology в Harvard.За плечами - карьерный путь от разработчика до руководителя больших команд и обратно к IC.Живет в США, пишет об иммиграции, карьере и личностном росте.https://www.linkedin.com/in/amikitiuk/Эфиры с Андреем:Какие софты решают карьеру в США, особенно если вы - выходец из СНГ? Марша Подоляк и Андрей Микитюк https://youtube.com/live/sT7bR9WSAQw Как не сойти с ума, когда вокруг все теряют работу, а ты застрял в корпорации, которую ненавидишь. https://youtube.com/live/A2w1H51Gd_Q 40+: Жизнь после сорока только начинается или все же нет? Перезагрузка или Game Over? https://youtube.com/live/t-v4gbKksow Записаться на карьерную консультацию (резюме, LinkedIn, карьерная стратегия, поиск работы в США)https://annanaumova.comКоучинг (синдром самозванца, прокрастинация, неуверенность в себе, страхи, лень)https://annanaumova.notion.site/3f6ea5ce89694c93afb1156df3c903abСоцсети:Телеграм:https://t.me/prodcastUSAИнстаграм:https://www.instagram.com/prodcast.usТикТок:https://www.tiktok.com/@us.job⏰ Timecodes ⏰00:00 Начало11:38 Как прожить год хорошо?1:00:49 Общение с чатом1:16:50 Как строить планы?

"The only person you're really competing with is who you were yesterday." Preparing for the GMAT isn't supposed to be easy—and that's the point. In the last episode of 2025, GMAC Zach sits down with Stefan Maisnier, longtime GMAT instructor and parter at MyGuru, to unpack why GMAT prep feels so challenging, what skills the exam is actually measuring, and how the mindset you develop while studying can pay dividends far beyond test day. Stefan famously describes GMAT prep as "eating your vegetables"—not always enjoyable, but undeniably good for you. Together, Zach and Stefan explore why productive discomfort leads to real growth, how to reframe negative beliefs about math and reading, and why the GMAT remains a powerful tool for self-improvement in an age of shortcuts and AI. If you're feeling stuck, intimidated, or tempted to avoid the GMAT altogether, this conversation will help you rethink the value of the challenge. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why the GMAT is designed to feel difficult—and why that's intentional What the exam actually measures (and why it matters for business school and leadership) How GMAT prep builds skills that carry into MBA coursework and professional life Why "I'm not a math person" or "I'm not a reader" is usually a learned belief—not a fact How adaptive testing changes the test-taking experience Why improvement over time can be more compelling than a single high score Realistic timelines and expectations for GMAT prep How to shift from a "this is painful" mindset to a "this is valuable" mindset About MyGuru: For 15 years, MyGuru has provided an unparalleled edge to students worldwide by empowering a team of uniquely qualified subject matter experts to use their individual expertise and experience to provide dynamic real-time instruction rather than boring one-size-fits-all curricula to every client. They have delivered customized in-person and virtual tutoring to individuals at the middle school, high school, college, graduate, and professional levels as well as enterprise tutoring solutions for institutions such as Northwestern Mutual and Northeastern Illinois University.  Helpful links: MyGuru Website: https://www.myguruedge.com/en-us/ MyGuru on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MyGuruEdge Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register Sign up for GMAC Advancery to Find Best-Fit B-Schools Schools: https://advancery.gmac.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to GMAT and Mindset for Success 01:35 Understanding the GMAT's Purpose and Value 04:11 The Importance of Challenging Yourself 06:39 Engaging with the GMAT: Strategies for Success 10:35 Overcoming Misconceptions About Math and Reading 14:15 The Adaptive Nature of the GMAT Exam 18:20 The Role of Improvement Over Perfection 19:54 How to Schedule Your Prep Timeline 23:07 Mindset and Overcoming Obstacles 25:15 The Importance of Self-Improvement 30:11 Navigating Test Preparation 34:12 Embracing the Learning Journey

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. Last week was the final week of decision releases for Round 1, for the top MBA programs. This now corresponds with an uptick in activity of MBA Decision Wire, as many candidates begin to weigh their MBA options. Graham noted two admissions tips recently published on Clear Admit. The first focuses on GMAC's Common Letter of Recommendation, which has been adopted by many of the top MBA programs. The second admissions tip explores the recent phenomenon of some MBA programs offering test waivers. Graham highlighted an Adcom Q&A featuring Yale SOM's Bruce DelMonico. This led to a discussion on the value of the institutional brand for Yale's MBA program. Graham then noted a Real Humans piece spotlighting students from Dartmouth / Tuck. We then discussed the recently published employment reports from Tuck and MIT / Sloan. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate has superb numbers, including a 339 GRE score. They work at Accenture and want to target the Ed Tech space, post MBA. This week's second MBA applicant also has very strong numbers, and works in the video gaming industry. They want to move to product management in the gaming industry, post MBA. This week's final MBA candidate has offers from Tuck, Darden and Goizueta, while applying with a test waiver. They may take the test and develop a Round 2 strategy. 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!

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. Last week, admissions decisions rolled out for several top MBA programs including Yale SOM, CMU / Tepper, Chicago / Booth and Michigan / Ross. This upcoming week, MIT / Sloan, Harvard, Stanford, UPenn / Wharton, Northwestern / Kellogg, UVA / Darden, Georgetown / McDonough, Johns Hopkins / Carey, Berkeley / Haas, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, UCLA / Anderson, Notre Dame / Mendoza and Arizona / Carey are scheduled to release their Round 1 decisions. Graham highlighted a webinar event focused on MBA career paths, scheduled for Thursday. Signups are here: https://www.clearadmit.com/events The next livestream AMA is scheduled for Tuesday, December 16th; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham noted several admissions-related pieces of content recently published on Clear Admit. The first focuses on December admissions events being hosted by top MBA programs. The second looks at how best to manage the congested schedule of Round 2 MBA application deadlines that arrive in January. The third piece looks at some of the issues related to applying to b-school as a younger candidate. The final article dives into whether deferred MBA admissions is a good pathway for undergraduate students. Graham highlighted a Real Humans piece spotlighting students from Berkeley / Haas, and then we discussed the recently published Harvard Business School employment report for the Class of 2025. This led to a discussion on search funds. Finally, Graham profiled a soon-to-be published podcast that focuses on leadership, from a conversation with Texas / McCombs. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate has a 685 GMAT score. They applied to programs in the first round and subsequently have started a new experience in Africa. We discuss their options for this season versus next season. This week's second MBA applicant is a military candidate with a master's in computer science. They applied in Round 1 with an EA score of 160. They may decide to apply to Sloan in Round 2, depending on results. This week's final MBA candidate has a 333 GRE score and has had several startup experiences. They are targeting Harvard, Stanford and Wharton. 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!

It's YOUR time to #EdUp In this episode, sponsored by the 2026 InsightsEDU Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, February 17-19,YOUR guest is Joy Jones, CEO, Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)YOUR host is ⁠⁠Dr. Joe SallustioHow does an organization that's been delivering the GMAT exam for over 70 years grow from 9 member schools in 1953 to partnering with over 220 business schools today while reimagining itself with AI enabled platforms?What happens when 80% of business schools now offer non degree programs through executive & leadership education while test taking in the US stays at lower levels than pre COVID despite online testing being available?How does graduate management education continue to prove its relevance when schools are partnering directly with employers on satellite campuses & onsite programs to deliver short intensive practice oriented training that feeds back into degree curricula?Listen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!P.S. Want to get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content to help support the show? Then ⁠​subscribe today​⁠ to lock in YOUR $5.99/m lifetime supporters rate! This offer ends December 31, 2025

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. This upcoming week, Emory / Goizueta, CMU / Tepper, Boston College / Carroll, Chicago / Booth, Yale SOM, Michigan / Ross, SMU / Cox and Georgia / Terry are scheduled to release their Round 1 decisions. Graham highlighted the upcoming Masters in Management (MiM) webinar series, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Signups for these events are here, https://www.clearadmit.com/events The next livestream AMA is scheduled for Tuesday, December 16th; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham noted recently published articles on career placements in the Tech and Finance industries as well as a Fridays from the Frontline piece on the Eurout LGBTQ+ conference at London Business School. He then covered two admissions tips recently published by Clear Admit. The first focuses on the increasing importance of video essays in the MBA admissions process. The second admissions tip focuses on how best to do school research via communities of students, alumni and faculty. Graham highlighted three Real Humans pieces spotlighting students from IMD, IESE and Cambridge / Judge, and then we discussed the recently published Class of 2027 admissions profile from Harvard Business School. Finally, Graham profiled a recently published podcast that focuses on UNC / Kenan Flagler's Deans Fellows program. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate has a 695 GMAT score but is planning a retake. They only have two years of experience but are determined to begin their MBA program this season. This week's second MBA applicant has a whopping 755 GMAT score but only a 3.0 GPA. They are targeting next season for their MBA, as they only have 2.5 years of experience, to date. This week's final MBA candidate is choosing between the one-year MBA programs at Northwestern / Kellogg, CMU / Tepper and Emory / Goizueta. They want to do consulting post MBA, and their partner has an offer at Tepper. 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!

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season, a few interview invites continue to roll out. This upcoming week, IESE and London Business School are scheduled to release their Round 1 decisions. Graham highlighted the upcoming Masters in Management (MiM) webinar series, scheduled for December 2 and 3. Signups for these events are here, https://www.clearadmit.com/events The next livestream AMA is scheduled for this Tuesday, November 25; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham noted a recently published article on AI instruction in top MBA programs. This is clearly an important and evolving area. Graham also highlighted a Fridays from the Frontline article featuring two ex-military students at NYU / Stern, and an article focused on consulting placements at top MBA programs. He then covered two admissions tips recently published by Clear Admit. The first focuses on creating the MBA resume, and the second focuses on how to select recommendation writers for business school applications. Graham highlighted two Real Humans pieces spotlighting students from Northwestern / Kellogg and Vanderbilt / Owen, and then we discussed the recently published Class of 2027 profile from Columbia Business School. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate has a strong overall profile in the environmentally sustainable space. They have a 332 GRE and a 3.44 GPA. We discussed whether the GPA would be a liability. This week's second MBA applicant has a 740 GMAT but a 3.15 GPA. They applied to 15 programs in Round 1 and have received several interview invites. This week's final MBA candidate is from Portugal and has a strong GPA. They worry that their 645 GMAT might limit some of their opportunities. This episode was recorded in Madrid, Spain 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!

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season, with interview invites continuing to roll out. This week, Georgetown / McDonough is scheduled to release its Early Action decisions and Cornell / Johnson is scheduled to release its Round 1 interview invites. We also anticipate that MIT / Sloan will release its Round 1 interview invites. We then had a discussion on the H1-B visa situation, concluding that US MBA graduates residing in the USA may now be at an advantage, over those who apply for the visa from their home country. This is an ongoing and impactful situation for top MBA candidates. Graham highlighted next week's events being hosted by Clear Admit, concluding a series focused on MBA programs in different regions of the United States. Signups for all these events are here, https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham also highlighted our next livestream AMA, which is scheduled for today, Monday, October 27; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham noted two recently published admissions tips. The first focuses on Wharton's Team-Based Interview; Wharton released its interview invites for Round 1 last week. The second focuses on developing a target program list, helpful for those applying in Round 2.  He also shared a peek at some comments from a first year MBA student at Duke / Fuqua, as part of our ongoing Real Humans series. We then reviewed the Berkeley / Haas Class of 2026 profile, and the NYU / Stern Class of 2026 profile. Both declared slightly smaller class sizes, and a higher proportion of international students in the class. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate applied in Round 1 to a few programs and is now considering their Round 2 strategy. They have progressed from an analyst role to a product management role. This week's second MBA applicant is an investment banking analyst in the digital infrastructure domain. They have a 320 GRE, and we really hope they retake the test. The final MBA candidate is from Mexico and has a 685 GMAT score. Their overall profile does look strong, and they want to do investment banking in the short term, post MBA. This episode was recorded in Saratoga Springs, New York 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!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray. CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray. CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray. CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season, with interview invites continuing to roll out. This week, John's Hopkins / Carey has its Round 1 deadline, UPenn / Wharton is scheduled to release its Round 1 interview invites and UVA / Darden and Johns Hopkins / Carey are scheduled to release their Early Action Round decisions. Graham highlighted several upcoming events being hosted by Clear Admit that begin this week, including a Real Humans series and a series focused on MBA programs in different regions of the United States. Signups for all these events are here, https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham also highlighted our next livestream AMA, which is now scheduled for Monday, October 27; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham recognized Stanford's 100-year anniversary by quizzing Alex on some of the history of the MBA Program degree and business schools in general. Graham then noted several recently published admissions tips which focus interview preparation, as well as an admissions tip that focuses on assessment days that are offered by a few top MBA programs. Graham highlighted a Real Humans piece that focuses on MBA students at Columbia Business School, and also reviewed Yale SOM's Class of 2027 profile, which appears to be very impressive. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries. This week's first MBA admissions candidate has a remarkably high salary, as a software engineer at a FANG company. We hope they will consider retaking the GRE. This week's second MBA applicant has a very high GMAT score of 705. They want to be in Austin Texas, post MBA. They are also very concerned with gaining scholarship to help defray costs. The final MBA candidate is a data scientist and is debating their post MBA goals. They want to do investment banking but worry how that would appear for adcom. 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!

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season, with interview invites continuing to roll out. This week, Ohio State / Fisher, Notre Dame / Mendonza, Boston College / Carroll, Texas / McCombs, USC / Marshall, Indiana / Kelley, Arizona / Carey, UCI / Merage, Florida / Warrington, Rice / Jones and The Consortium all have their Round 1 deadlines. NYU / Stern has its Round 2 deadline. Duke / Fuqua, Oxford / Said and Notre Dame / Mendoza are all scheduled to release final decisions from early rounds. INSEAD and Imperial Business School are scheduled to release interview invites. Graham highlighted several upcoming events being hosted by Clear Admit this month, including a Real Humans series and a series focused on MBA programs in different regions of the United States. Signups for all these events are here, https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham also highlighted our next livestream AMA, scheduled for Tuesday, October 28; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham noted a recently published admissions tip which focuses on which types of questions a candidate can ask their MBA admissions interviewer, at the end of the interview. Finally, Graham highlighted a Real Humans piece that focuses on Class of 2027 MBA students at ESADE in Barcelona. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate has applied in Round 1 with a GRE score of 315. They do plan to retake it and submit the new score to the schools to which they have already applied. This week's second MBA applicant is based in Canada and has a 2.9 GPA. This is due to their first two years of study, where they really struggled. They also have a 317 GRE score. We recommend they retake the test, one more time. The final MBA candidate is from Africa and is targeting European MBA programs. They need to refine their goal focus and perform well in either the GMAT or GRE. 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!

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. Last week, Harvard released all its Round 1 interview invites. This week, UNC / Kenan Flagler and Georgia / Terry have Round 1 application deadlines. Cambridge / Judge and SMU / Cox have Round 2 application deadlines, and London Business School and IESE are scheduled to release their Round 1 interview invites. Graham highlighted several upcoming events being hosted by Clear Admit in October, including a Real Humans series and a series focused on MBA programs in different regions of the United States. Signups for all these events are here, https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham also highlighted our next livestream AMA, scheduled for Tuesday, October 28; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham noted two recently published MBA admissions articles. The first focuses on the ongoing topic of H-1B visas, and the second summarizes all the top MBA programs' in-person events for October. Graham also highlighted two admissions tips that focus on the key interview questions all MBA candidates should be ready for, and a best practice for preparing (hint: don't script your responses!). Finally, Graham highlighted a Real Humans piece that focuses on MBA students in Wharton's Class of 2027. 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 trying to use the MBA to transition from a transportation-related role to a career in consumer-packaged goods. They also want to switch geographies within the U.S. This week's second MBA applicant is a chemical engineering graduate who now works in Wealth Management. We worry their 655 GMAT does not fully represent their aptitude. The final MBA candidate has a very strong profile, overall, but their post MBA goals need more development. 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!

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. This week, MIT / Sloan, Duke / Fuqua, CMU / Tepper, UVA / Darden, UCLA / Anderson, Emory / Goizueta, Georgetown / McDonough, Washington / Foster, Vanderbilt / Owen, Georgia Tech / Scheller, Maryland / Smith and Minnesota / Carlson have Round 1 application deadlines. Oxford / Said has its Stage 2 application deadline. Graham highlighted several upcoming events being hosted by Clear Admit in the upcoming months, including a Real Humans series, a deferred admissions series and a series focused on MBA programs in different regions of the United States. Graham also highlighted our next livestream AMA, scheduled for Tuesday, October 28; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham noted that two new business-related academic programs were announced last week: Wharton's MS in Quantitative Finance and Georgetown's MS in Business Analytics. Graham then noted two recently published admissions tips, focused on MBA interview etiquette and the role of letters of support. Graham discussed the recently published Real Humans series focused on NYU / Stern. This led to a brief discussion on GMAT preparation. We then discussed the Class of 2027 admissions profile from Wharton, within the context of class profiles from Anderson and Johnson. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries. This week's first MBA admissions candidate has a strong international focus and can speak several languages. They have a super GRE score of 331. This week's second MBA candidate is a West Point graduate with a 2.76 GPA. We discussed potentials for mitigation, which might include retaking the GRE. They currently have a 321 GRE score. The final MBA candidate is from Pakistan and has a terrific GRE score of 335. They are working in energy sector consulting and looking to switch to a more health-care focused career. 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!

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the upcoming MBA admissions season. This week, Dartmouth / Tuck, IESE and Imperial Business School have their Round 1 application deadlines; Duke / Fuqua is scheduled to release its interview invites for its Early Action Round. Graham noted that our second livestream AMA is scheduled for this Tuesday on YouTube; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive.  Graham then highlighted the ongoing September series of admissions events. The third session is on Wednesday, and includes Berkeley / Haas, INSEAD, London Business School, Michigan / Ross and UNC / Kenan / Flagler. Signups for this series are here: https://bit.ly/cainsidemba We then had a detailed discussion on the recently released 2025-26 MBA rankings from LinkedIn and Bloomberg / Business Week. Graham noted two recently published MBA admissions-related tips that focus on completing the business school application data forms, and whether it is advisable to skip the GMAT or GRE and seek a test waiver.  We continued our series of profiling star MBA professors. This week we feature two professors from Columbia Business School and Northwestern / Kellogg. We then discussed our first student-focused Real Humans for this season, from UNC / Kenan Flagler. Finally, we had our first class profile to review, from the Duke / Fuqua Class of 2027. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate graduated from the Naval Academy and was a division 1 athlete. They appear to have a very decent career in the navy. Unfortunately, they have a low GPA and a modest GRE score. This week's second MBA candidate is from Mexico and targeting Dartmouth / Tuck and several Canada-based programs. They are a chemical engineer graduate with several years of business experience. The final MBA candidate has recently had a fourteen-month break from work. They also want to waive the GMAT. They do appear to have strong prior experience and academics, but we caution against the waiver. 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!