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15 Jun 2017, 13:01
| FROM Magoosh Blog: Picking Order of Sections on the GMAT |
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In a recent announcement, GMAC (the folks who create the GMAT) announced an important change to the test. What you have to know hasn’t changed, and what you have to do on test day hasn’t changed—-but the order in which you do these sections doesn’t have to be the same as it has been! Selecting Section Order For decades, the GMAT had a very fixed format: first, the AWA; then the IR; then after an optional break, the Quant section; finally, after a second optional break, the Verbal Section. That was it, no choice. This will change on July 11, 2017. Starting on that day, all GMAT test takers worldwide will have a choice of one of three possible orders. Yes, theoretically there would be a possible 4! = 24 possible permutations, but right now, the GMAT is just allowing three of those. Here are the three orders: Order 1: AWA & IR, first break, Quant, second break, Verbal Order 2: Verbal, first break, Quant, second break, AWA & IR Order 3: Quant, first break, Verbal, second break, AWA & IR Notice that Order #1 is the traditional order, the order fixed on all GMATs before July 11 of this year. Starting on July 11, 2017, you will get to choose one of these three. Making Your Choice So, if you are about to take the GMAT, and you will be faced with this choice, what does this mean? Is there one choice that’s ideal for everyone? Of course not! It very much depends on your preferences, your relative strengths, and your needs. For example, I can do math even when I’m tired and tapped out, but I need to be sharper to do verbal, so I would probably choose order #2. That’s me, but my friend Chris might save Verbal for last, the traditional order, because Verbal is his strong suit. My general advice is that if one section is a huge challenge for you, maybe you should get that section out of the way first: with this in mind, order #2 might be better for many non-native English speakers, while order #3 might be better for American math-phobes. As always, as Socrates found, it’s very hard to improve on the Delphic maxim of “know thyself.” In your practice, experiment with some orders, and see what feels good. One thing I definitely would recommend: get all your thinking or experimenting done long long before you walk into Pearson to take your GMAT. Your preferred GMAT section order is definitely a decision that should be done and set well before the time you sit down to take the GMAT. Preparing for the GMAT The choices of section order should be made long before you walk into your GMAT. Preparing for the GMAT also should involve learning all the content and strategies for all the sections on the test. That’s precisely where Magoosh can help you! Magoosh can help you attain mastery on all four sections of the GMAT! The post Picking Order of Sections on the GMAT appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
21 Jun 2017, 13:01
| FROM Magoosh Blog: Act Like a Resume, Think Like an Admissions Officer |
 This post was contributed by our friends at https://gmatclub.com/chat. To write a great resume, you need to be empathetic and get into the mind of the reviewer. Imagine that you are the person reviewing your resume. You’re trying to assess whether you’re qualified, unique and have potential to grow as a professional on paper. With so many candidates and so much material to go through, you don’t start by reading it through from beginning to end. Instead, you spend 10 – 15 seconds skimming the resume and deciding if the candidate looks interesting enough to want to dig deeper. While skipping over a lot of the text, you look for things like:
Jay Mixter is an admissions expert for https://gmatclub.com/chat, the first online social platform for applicants where they can connect with current students, alums, and experts and get a free evaluation of their admissions profile. Prior to his work in management and consulting, he received his MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and his BA in Economics from Tufts University. The post Act Like a Resume, Think Like an Admissions Officer appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
23 Jun 2017, 15:01
| FROM Magoosh Blog: How is GMAT Integrated Reasoning Scored? |
 Many students have questions about the GMATs Integrated Reasoning (IR) section. “Is integrated reasoning part of the GMAT score?” Well…yes and no. Your IR score will be submitted to schools along with your verbal and quantitative score. However, the IR score is totally separate from the “total score,” which consists solely of the Q & V sections. But nonetheless, admission committees have started giving considerable attention to integrated reasoning GMAT scores, so it’s important to perform well on each section. Continue reading below for specifics on precisely how the IR section scored. Overview of the GMAT’s Integrated Reasoning Section Fact: The current version of the GMAT features a Verbal Section, a Quantitative Section, a single AWA essay, and the new Integrated Reasoning (IR) section. The sequence of the new test will be: 1) AWA essay = Analysis of Argument, 30 minutes 2) IR section = 12 questions, 30 minutes 3) optional break, up to 5 minutes 4) Q section = 37 questions, 75 minutes 5) optional break, up to 5 minutes 6) V section = 41 questions, 75 minutes Fact: the IR section consists of four question types — a) Graphics Interpretation (GI) b) Two-Part Analysis (2PA) c) Table Analysis (TA) d) Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR) Fact: all four question types will appear on everyone’s IR sections. Fact: the breakdown by question type will differ from one person’s IR section to another person’s only because of the experimental questions. In other words, everyone will have the same breakdown by question type for the questions that actually count toward their score. However, extra experimental questions are added in to this baseline, resulting in different IR section breakdowns for different people. GMAC has revealed neither what that fundamental breakdown is nor how many of the 12 questions will be experimental. Let’s examine a hypothetical scenario just to understand: Let’s say the graded IR questions consist of 2 GIs, 2 2PAs, 2 TAs, and 2 MSRs, for a total of eight (these are my made-up numbers). For everyone taking the test, let’s say those are the eight questions that are graded. The other four questions would be experimental questions, and will be different for different users. Thus, Abe might get an IR section with 3 GIs, 3 2PAs, 3 TAs, and 3 MSRs. Betsy might get an IR section with 2 GIs, 3 2PAs, 3 TAs, and 4 MSRs. Cathy might get an IR section with 2 GIs, 6 2PAs, 2 TAs, and 2 MSRs. In each case, only the baseline eight questions count toward the score, and the others are experiments. (The numbers in this example are purely speculative: we have no idea what GMAC has up their sleeve.) Here’s the kicker, though. As our hypothetical friend Cathy is working through her IR section, she may start to think: “Gee, I’m seeing a lot of 2PA questions! Some of them must be experimental!” Quite true. But the catch is, among those six 2 PA questions, the two that actually count could be the first two, or the last two, or any combination. Those comfortable with combinations will see that there are actually 6C2 = 15 different ways that the two that count could be scrambled among the four experimental questions. As the test taker, even if you do have strong suspicions about which question types the experimental questions were, you will have no way of knowing, as you are working on a particular question, whether it counts or is experimental. Therefore, you have to treat every single question as if it counts, same as on the Q & V sections. What determines the Integrated Reasoning GMAT Score? Fact: the IR section is not computer adaptive. You are randomly assigned 12 questions as a group, and move through that sequence regardless of whether you are getting questions right or wrong. Fact: The GMAT score report will consist of (a) V score, (b) Q score, (c) Total Score (combination of your V & Q scores), (d) AWA score, and (e) IR score. Fact: the IR score will be an integer from 1 to 8. There is no partial credit on the IR section. For example, in a TA question in which there are three dichotomous prompts (e.g. true/false), you must get all three right to get credit for that one question. If you get at least one of the three parts wrong, the whole question is marked wrong. Fact: The number of IR questions you get right will constitute a raw score. The GMAC, using some arcane alchemy known only to them, will convert that raw score into a scaled score (1 – 8), which will be accompanied by percentiles. Notice: Because of the statistical magic GMAC uses in converting raw scores to scaled scores (on IR, Q, & V sections), what may seem to your advantage or disadvantage may not work out that way. For example, the fact that there’s no partial credit is challenging: it makes it harder to earn points on individual questions. BUT, harder for everyone means that lower raw scores are needed to get a higher percentile grade. By contrast, if all the questions are very easy, that means most people will get them right, which means it will be “crowded” at the top, and much harder to place in a high percentile. Therefore, what matters is not how inherently easy or hard the test is—what matters is how well you perform, compared to other test takers. Given your inherent talents, what will maximize your GMAT skills with respect to others taking the GMAT? Sign up for Magoosh, and you will learn all the content and strategy you will need. Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2012 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness. The post How is GMAT Integrated Reasoning Scored? appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
11 Jul 2017, 01:01
| FROM Magoosh Blog: What is the GMAT format? |
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The rumors are true! As of July 11, 2017, you can choose the order of your GMAT sections. Find out more about what this means for the format of your GMAT below. First, Some GMAT Basics The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a computer adaptive test (CAT). This exam is designed to test analytical skills, quantitative and verbal skills, and skills in reading. The GMAT is used for admission into graduate-level business and management schools. But what do those basics mean, in terms of how the test is formatted? Read on for details. GMAT Sections and Formats Section of the GMATHow many questions?Types of questionsTime limit Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)1 essay promptArgument Analysis30 minutes Integrated Reasoning12 multiple choiceMulti-Source Reasoning Graphics and Table Interpretation Two-Part Analysis30 minutes Quantitative37 multiple choiceData Sufficiency Problem Solving75 minutes Verbal41 multiple choiceReading Comprehension Critical Reasoning Sentence Correction75 minutes TOTAL EXAM STATS1 essay prompt, 90 multiple choice3 hours, 30 minutes GMAT Structure: A More Detailed Explanation What is the GMAT format? Well, first off, the exam has four sections: Integrated Reasoning (12 questions), Quantitative (37 questions), Verbal (41 questions), and Analytical Writing (1 essay topic). Prior to July 11, 2017, all test-takers had to take the GMAT in that exact order. However, this is no longer the case. You can now choose the order in which you take GMAT sections. This is absolutely groundbreaking news! See this post on Picking Order of the Sections on the GMAT for more details. Nevertheless, what’s contained within those sections is going to stay pretty much the same, so it’s still well worth knowing the format of each GMAT section. Here are some rough-and-ready facts about the GMAT exam format and common GMAT topics. The current incarnation of the GMAT has four sections, with assorted breaks. Here’s the layout of the overall GMAT format.  GMAT Sections Overview Intro = check in a Pearson VUE, surrender all your worldly possessions into a locker, get escorted to a computer in a hermetically sealed room, work through the few screens of introductory material. After this you are ready to start the actual GMAT itself. As mentioned before, you now have a choice of the order in which you approach the sections. Here they are in the “classic” order, for simplicity, as you learn what each section tests and the kinds of questions it presents. GMAT Section #1 = Analytic Writing Assessment (30 minutes) — one essay, analysis of an argument. GMAT Section #2 = Integrated Reasoning (30 minutes) — 12 multi-part problems on data interpretation and combined Verbal/Math reasoning. Break #1: At two points during the exam, you’ll have the option of a break as long as 8 minutes. Where this break falls will depend on the order in which you choose to approach the GMAT sections. Remember: 8 minutes isn’t much! This is enough time for a quick snack (from your locker) or a quick bathroom trip. GMAT Section #3 = Quantitative (75 minutes) — 37 questions, either standard five-choice multiple choice (called “Problem Solving”) or Data Sufficiency. Break #2: Again, you’ll have the option of a second break as long as 8 minutes. It doesn’t matter how much time you used on your first break: you get a fresh new 8-minute allotment for this second break. GMAT Section #4 = Verbal (75 minutes) — 41 five-choice multiple choice questions, of three types: Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction. Denouement = See on the computer the BIG composite score of the test you just finished. Walk out, get handed a preliminary GMAT score report, with every score except the AWA. Collect your worldly possessions and depart. GMAT Exam Format Facts Fact: these four GMAT sections, including the two allowable breaks, as well as the whole pre-exam security procedure, will run over four hours. Fact: all four GMAT sections are taken at a computer, a computer at the Pearson VUE testing center. During the GMAT, the only break you get from staring at an electronic screen is to take one or both of the optional breaks (and we highly recommend that you do so!) In the past, there was a paper-based GMAT, but that is long gone. (BTW, those old paper-based GMATs had a slightly different GMAT format but they still provide excellent practice.) Fact: on the Integrated Reasoning section, you will have access to an IR on-screen calculator; on the Quantitative section, you get no calculator. Fact: both the Quantitative and Verbal sections employ Computer Adaptive Testing. As you move through each of those sections, the algorithm adjusts the difficulty of each new questions based on your overall performance thus far. If you are doing well, on average you get more challenging question. If you are having trouble, on average you will get easier questions. Only the final two sections employ the CAT. On the Integrated Reasoning section, you just get a batch of 12 questions, and those are the ones you do: nothing is adapting to you as you move through the IR. Fact: As part of the GMAT format, on no part of the GMAT can you go back to a question once you are done with it. Among other things, this is an unavoidable feature of the CAT. Once you submit your answer, that question is gone forever. Because of this, and because of the time constraints, it’s important to understand when to guess and when to skip questions. Fact: your BIG composite GMAT Score (200 – 800) is determined only by the Quant & Verbal sections. Your full score report has several components, but the BIG score depends only on these two sections. The full GMAT score report has the BIG composite score and a subscore for each of the four GMAT sections: the admission committees of business schools will see everything when you send them your score report. Fact: with good resources, you can learn both the content and strategies you need, and improve your performance on the GMAT.  GMAT Format Resources If you are just getting starting in your GMAT studies, take heart. I know this can all feel overwhelming when it’s all new. Be patient with yourself: step by step, you will make this new world your own. We definitely recommended getting an official guide: you don’t necessarily need the latest edition, if you can find last year’s edition at a much cheaper price. We provide a variety of study schedules and we provide a GMAT Diagnostic Test that helps you place yourself in these study plans. If you would like a more detailed introduction to the GMAT format, the various GMAT sections, and other important introductory material, we share these ten free videos. Overview of the GMAT Quantitative Section Breakdown Verbal Section Breakdown AWA and IR Computer Adaptive Testing GMAT Scores Pacing, Skipping, and Guessing GMAT vs. GRE Study Plans & Resources Test Day These will provide a great deal of information about the GMAT format and answer many common questions about the GMAT. GMAT Format Summary The GMAT is a long and hard test. Knowing the GMAT format is just the first piece of the puzzle. The GMAT requires critical thinking skills, mastery of several math & verbal content areas, a host of test-taking strategies. Magoosh can help with it all: we can guide you from your first tentative steps to your final bold strides toward the GMAT. We can help you solve the entire GMAT puzzle, from the first piece to the last! Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March, 2013, and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness. The post What is the GMAT format? appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
26 Jul 2017, 10:01
| FROM Magoosh Blog: Free GMAT Practice Test Resources That Will Make You Feel Good About Your Score |
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Nobody familiar with the GMAT will argue that you shouldn’t practice for the test with GMAT sample questions and at least one GMAT practice test. But sub-par resources for GMAT prep abound; and this is where, as Robert Burns would say, the best-laid plans “gang aft agly” (or “go super wrong,” if you’re not in 18th-century Scotland). Yes, it’s really important to work through GMAT sample questions and take GMAT practice tests before test day. But using the wrong kind of resources? That’s like training for the Tour de France on a tricycle: it’s just not going to get you there. So let’s get you off that tricycle, take those training wheels off while we’re at it, and ditch this metaphor. You need the best free GMAT resources out there. We know where to find that fantastic practice. What are we waiting for? Allons-y, mes amis!          Magoosh’s Ultimate GMAT Diagnostic Test.[/b] When you’re done, check out our expert recommendations based on your results here.  Why You Should Take a GMAT Sample Test: More Than Just a Fun Way to Spend a Friday Night In the diagnostic test results’ recommendations, you’ll see that there’s a heavy emphasis on taking GMAT practice tests, just as I mentioned above. So why is it so important to take full-length GMAT practice tests? First of all, let’s take a look at some official data, from the test-makers themselves: the GMAC. Their research shows that students who spend longer preparing for the GMAT do better on it. Uh, of course. But what’s interesting is how much better they do. Take a look at :  So putting in the time is definitely important. But the GMAC is quick to point out that spending x amount of time spent studying does not guarantee you any particular score: “There is no cause and effect at work here,” . On some level, this makes sense: surely, given all the motivated type-A B-school applicants out there, the average GMAT scores would be higher if it were simply a question of putting time in. But there is some cause and effect, GMAC! (This would actually make for a fair critical reasoning problem, though let’s leave that beast for a different day.) The key is that, if you want to score above 700, you need to spend (on average) more than 121 hours working well, with good materials. Materials for Mastering the GMAT: From GMAT Practice Tests to GMAT Sample Questions There are three basic questions you need to address before you can start studying for the GMAT: What do you need to study? Why? And where can you find these materials? In short, you need to study both the form AND the content of the GMAT to truly master it. Lessons alone aren’t enough. GMAT sample questions alone aren’t enough. And GMAT practice tests (while a huge part of your GMAT prep kit) still, on their own, aren’t enough. Yep, you’re going to need all three: What About Me?: GMAT Practice for All Levels Think this may not apply to you? The fact is, you’ll need all three types of practice materials no matter where you are in your GMAT practice. If you’re a beginner, spending time with official and expert-written GMAT questions and practice tests is a great way to get those study hours under your belt. If you’re an “intermediate” test-taker (25-75 hours), take heart: by racking up more quality practice, you can get where you want to be. And even, or especially, for those advanced test-takers, who have studied 75+ hours for the GMAT, realize that more time can and will make a difference if you’ve hit a plateau—especially if you’re smart about it and seek out the best possible materials. A. GMAT Lessons: Not Just Background Noise So you might have checked out a YouTube video here or a blog post there (or, you know, here on this blog). The fact is, until you get systematic about the way you approach this extremely systematic test, you won’t see a ton of improvement. Beyond that, you’re going to need to work on actively engaging with the lessons: if you don’t learn a concept in the first place, it’s pretty difficult to put it into practice on the official exam. The good news is that there are a lot of GMAT lessons out there. The bad news is…there are a lot of GMAT lessons out there. Roughly speaking, we have in-person classes, tutors, books, and online prep. There are pros and cons to each one; when you’re evaluating them, keep two things in mind: the materials have to be top-notch, and they have to be engaging. Otherwise? Yeah…studying for the GMAT is not going to go very well. In-person classes, especially when given by a reputable organization, often have pretty solid materials. Engagement, though, can vary widely. That’s not necessarily a comment on the teachers; it’s just that, given the nature of the test, many students prepping for it work full-time, and so classes are on evenings or weekends. It can be tough to stay engaged for eight hours at a time on a Saturday when you’ve been working all week. On the other hand, the cash you shell out for the courses (they don’t come cheap) may be an incentive to keep your eyes open, and if you’re a good classroom learner (you know who you are), this can be a good option for you. Tutors work around your schedule. It can be harder to evaluate their knowledge (get recommendations first!), and they can be pricy (often running over $100 an hour), but to be fair, it’s pretty hard not to be engaged when you’re working one-on-one with someone. If you find yourself falling asleep even in that environment, run. GMAT books are another common resource, and one that both tutors and classes use extensively. They’re (relatively) inexpensive, and you can use them whenever you like! Here’s the issue: most students don’t like studying with books alone. It’s hard to keep up your motivation on your own (although I do know of a very exciting and engaging GMAT eBook, if you’re interested!) Finally, online lessons have the benefit of working within your timeframe, being relatively inexpensive, and being a lot more engaging than books on their own. Again, you’ll need some solid internal motivation to keep going, but the mixed-media platform tends to be a whole lot more engaging than some of the above options. Lessons are the first, but definitely not the only, GMAT materials you’ll need to get the score you want. Moving on to the second tool in your GMAT prep toolbox, let’s separate the wheat from the chaff by taking a look at some good GMAT sample questions before going into where you can find more of them—as well as places where you can find a good GMAT practice test—online. B. GMAT Sample Questions: Not Just the World’s Worst Game of Trivial Pursuit So you’ve picked how you’re going to learn the GMAT (classes, tutors, books, or online prep). Awesome! Now it’s just like driver’s ed, right? A few videos from the late ’80s and you can hop behind the wheel? Not quite. In fact, what you’re going to need to do to prep well for the GMAT is a lot like what you need to do to actually drive well: constantly survey your surroundings and get feedback. In other words, you need to practice. One of the best ways to do this is by working through sets of GMAT sample questions. These are most useful before you take a lesson, to see where you stand; during a lesson, to see how well you’re learning the concepts; after a lesson, to see if you’ve mastered the question types; and between practice tests, to brush up on previously learned concepts. So if it’s sounding like they’re always useful? You’re totally right. They are. When you’re looking for quality GMAT materials, you want them to be both test-like and include great (and thorough) answers and explanations. Where can you find good sample questions? Here are some places to start:
Here’s a Magoosh GMAT problem we can use as an example:  First of all, is the question test-like? Data Sufficiency is most definitely a question type you’ll see in GMAT Quant, and this question and its answer choices follow the standard GMAT format for the question type. Next: does it provide a good explanation? You can see that I’ve left this question blank, meaning that I either didn’t have time to get to it during my practice or that I had no clue whatsoever of how to approach it. In both cases (but particularly the latter!), it’s vital that the sample GMAT question provides me with a good explanation. Here’s where a lot of GMAT practice questions fall short. I can see what the correct answer is, sure. But do I know how to get there? Not from this! I only know that I didn’t answer it, which I already knew, and that the correct answer is A. But why, GMAT practice question? WHY? And then, I see this:  As well as a thorough video explanation that takes me through the problem step-by-step. That’s the type of GMAT practice question you should be looking for; remember, not all GMAT practice resources will provide you with explanations for each question. Make sure you look for them when evaluating prep materials; it can be incredibly frustrating to not know why an answer is correct. GMATPrep software offers two free GMAT tests;[*]Manhattan Prep has a series of (sadly, not free, but solid) GMAT practice tests[*]Many GMAT books include practice tests of varying quality; be sure to check out our expert’s reviews before investing in them![*]And finally, Magoosh has a great set of practice tests, as well as 250 lessons, 800 questions, and carefully developed study schedules to help you make the most of your prep.[/list] Of course, the way in which you take GMAT practice tests (as well as the actual practice tests you take) will have a huge influence on how prepared you actually are to ace the exam—but we’ll get to that in just a minute. And actually, the practice question we’ve just reviewed is a great standard against which to judge other practice—including GMAT practice tests. Of course, with GMAT practice tests, you also want to make sure that the question distribution, overall difficulty, and all mirror the official test’s, as well. GMAT Practice Tests: Paper or Plastic? A lot of students are more comfortable, particularly at first, with working on paper tests. After all, that’s what most of us grew up taking. So when you see a GMAT practice test online, you may be tempted to make it into a GMAT practice test PDF and print it out. On occasion, particularly if you’re working through practice problems rather than the whole test, this is fine. In general, though, it’s far better to take a GMAT practice test online. Or at the very least, on your computer. In part, this is because you’ll never be able to find a paper test that adapts the difficulty level of your questions as you go along (unless you’re taking the GMAT at Hogwarts, in which case I guess I’d recommend continuing your Hogwarts education). The GMAT, after all, is a computer-adaptive test. The Value of Computer Adaptive Tests (CATs) While I don’t think much of cats, I do happen to value CATs, particularly when it comes to GMAT prep. Pro forma cat/CAT joke out of the way, adaptive practice tests do have great value for your GMAT preparation. They’re particularly good when you want to get a solid idea of where you stand score-wise in terms of your goal. However, remember that even the best practice test can’t predict your precise GMAT score, and your on test day will also affect your scores. With that said, the more, solid GMAT practice tests you take under test-like conditions (which do involve computers), the more realistic your practice test scores will be. The Value of Other GMAT Practice Tests Online Non-adaptive GMAT practice tests are also helpful, particularly when you take them on the computer. While they may not score you in the exact same way as the official GMAT, they can still provide a realistic idea of your score range and the areas in which you need to improve. And after all, that’s what you should be focused on at the moment! As long as they meet the criteria above (test-like, provide good answers and explanations), you’ll still be good to go. Full-Length Practice Test Best Practices (Now there’s a good tongue-twister!) So here you are! You’ve picked out your full-length GMAT practice test, free or paid, online or on paper, adaptive or non-adaptive, and you’re ready for the GMAT (practice) testing experience to begin. …or are you? Remember, how you practice is just as important as the materials you’re using. For maximum benefit, make sure you know how to take a GMAT practice test in the most effective way. The GMAT Practice Testing Experience First of all, make sure that you can set aside the full amount of time (about four hours) to take the practice test straight through, with two 8-minute breaks, just as you will on test day. It’s tempting to work on one section and take a long break, or do sections untimed, but while that does provide you with GMAT sample questions, it won’t prepare you for test day. Come to your practice test prepared with a timer (try out the Magoosh study timer app), your computer, and something to take notes on and with. On test day, you’ll get laminated paper with markers, and this is a good, cheap investment to make early on in your practice, because it does take some getting used to. You’ll need a quiet environment. A library is great for this, but your regular study space can also work if you’re sure that you won’t be disturbed. Finally, go into the practice test with a test-day mindset:
Score your test and move on. Nope, kidding! You’re going to need at least as much time as you spent taking it to study it. Grade the test. Now, break out a fresh notebook. On one side of the paper, write down the full text of all the problems you missed. On the other side, write down the solutions and answers. This is your error log. Add to it with each practice test and problem set you do, and practice the questions in there regularly to make sure you’re mastering the concepts. Once you’ve recorded your missed questions in the error log, identify the main content areas you’re missing and determine why. Review lessons in those areas and incorporate practice sets into your study schedule. Finally, if you don’t have a study schedule, get one, for free, no matter how much or how little time you have to prepare, with Magoosh’s free GMAT study schedules.  Additional GMAT Practice Resources But hey, we know we’re not the only rodeo in town. So what should you use to supplement your Magoosh practice, in addition to the best lessons, sample questions, and practice tests you can find? First of all, the GMAC provides more than just mind-boggling data about the GMAT. It also provides great resources. The is still the gold standard against which you should measure other GMAT prep, in terms of question types and difficulty levels. However, —not by a long shot. And for most people, , anyway. (And it’s all in book form, too!) We’ve already taken a look at where you can find supplemental free or cheap practice, but our experts have also reviewed some of the most popular books for GMAT prep, so you know where to look (here’s a book our experts can mostly get behind, for example) and where not to look! Finally, for perspective on the GMAT as part of a more global process, don’t forget to check out Magoosh’s GMAT forums, our recommended B-School sites and resources, and our thoughts on the best GMAT/MBA admissions resources. Takeaway Getting a top score on the GMAT takes two things: time and materials. By making sure that you’re using the best possible GMAT resources, including GMAT practice tests and GMAT sample questions, and using your time with them in the most efficient way, you’ll maximize your chances to get the score you want on the official exam and move that much closer to your goals. That’s it for this post! Stick around to learn how Magoosh creates our GMAT content. Otherwise, click back up to the Table of Contents to revisit a section and get started with some GMAT practice questions. Happy Studying! The post Free GMAT Practice Test Resources That Will Make You Feel Good About Your Score appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
31 Jul 2017, 17:20
13 Nov 2017, 10:02
| FROM Magoosh Blog: GMAT Scores by Country |
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Business school hopefuls around the world take the GMAT exam. While the exam is universal, GMAT scores by country can vary considerably. The number of test-takers also varies, with some countries having only a handful of students taking the GMAT country-wide. Luckily, GMAC, the company that writes the GMAT, provides a report with fascinating global trends in GMAT test-taking. You can explore some of the data for yourself here. But if you want a brief round-up of some of the most fascinating trends, keep reading this blog post!  Photo by sweetlouise Worldwide Trends Before looking at GMAT scores by country, let’s start by looking at the trends worldwide. In testing year (TY) 2016, 261,248 people across the world sat for a GMAT exam. That’s actually less, though, than the 286,529 students who took the exam across the world in TY2012. For whatever reason, the number of people who take the GMAT has actually declined slightly in recent years. More men than women take the exam. In TY2016, 55% of test takers were men, compared to 45% women. In TY2012, 57% of test takers were men. The mean score in TY2016 was 558 overall, compared to 548 four years ago—an increase of 10 points! Who’s Taking the GMAT? Where in the world is the GMAT being taken? Looking at the data for TY2016, we can see the following:
So, which country in the world is the smartest? If you were paying attention in your Statistics 101 class, you know that GMAT scores by country aren’t going to answer that question. So don’t try it! Besides, only certain people tend to take the GMAT, and they’re a unique group of MBA-bound people. The type of people who take the exam even varies by country. Scores on the GMAT exam would never adequately tell us anything about which country is the smartest. Don’t jump to unfounded conclusions! With that said, a few interesting snippets of information jump out of the data:
The number of countries with a mean score in the 300s is surprisingly common, though. When looking at GMAT scores by country, 19 countries have mean GMAT scores in the 300s. How GMAT Scores Get Used Remember: the GMAT can be used for admissions to programs other than MBAs. Though it’s not common, students do use their GMAT scores to gain admissions to different kinds of programs, including PhDs. So while GMAT scores by country vary considerably, so do the purpose of those scores. Worldwide in TY2016, about 65% of scores that were sent to an institution were for MBA programs. Another 32% went to non-MBA Master’s programs, and about 3% went to PhD’s. Notably, there’s a large international gender gap in this regard. Only about 55% of women sent their scores to MBA programs, compared to about 72% of men. Women were much more likely to send their scores to non-MBA Master’s programs. Though the MBA is the favored recipient of GMAT scores internationally, that’s not true of some very large countries that take the GMAT in big numbers. In China, for example, only 23% of scores went to MBA programs. 73% went to non-MBA Master’s programs. Chinese women are particularly likely to send their scores to non-MBA Master’s. The reverse is true in India, where the MBA is even more popular than the international average. There, 85% of scores were destined for MBA programs. Conclusions Seeing the GMAT scores by country provides us with interesting data to understand how the exam is perceived and used across the world. Just remember: the country with the highest scores isn’t the smartest country, and the one with the lowest isn’t the least intelligent. GMAT scores just aren’t meant to measure that! But no matter where you’re from or what your target score is, GMAT practice definitely helps! The post GMAT Scores by Country appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
13 Nov 2017, 22:01
| FROM Magoosh Blog: How to Decide if You Should Pursue an MBA |
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This post is a contribution from David Mainiero at InGenius Prep. While there isn’t necessarily a golden rule for when to apply for an MBA degree, there are some telltale signs that “the time is now…or never.” Before we get into discussing these, I should note that there is a golden rule for when in your career not to apply to business school, and that time is in your senior year of college. Almost every top-tier business school requires or strongly recommends (read: requires!) you to work for two to four years after graduation, such that you can experience the working world and understand the factors that we are going to be talking about below. Here are three critical factors for you to consider when making the career decision to leave your job and enter an MBA program: 1. Cost-Benefit Analysis Are you currently at a job making six figures, and due for lockstep increases in compensation or substantial performance-based bonuses? Let’s say you’re making $120,000 per year in your fourth year out of college, and due to be making $200,000 after two years. Grab a spreadsheet, and make sure you understand the financial consequences of going to business school. You’ll be foregoing $240,000 in compensation, and paying something in the order of $110,000 for business school tuition and living expenses. Is your MBA degree going to swell your salary or give you upward mobility that is worth the sacrifice? Maybe your MBA degree gives you the ability to make $250,000 per year after graduation instead of the $200,000 you were slated to make. Excluding stability in those numbers (no further raises) for the sake of simplicity, it would take you six years to make up the money you sacrificed and/or paid to go to business school in the first place. Bear in mind, that doesn’t even account for the time value of money, and the compounding interest you could have been making on that money if otherwise invested. Ask yourself: Are you even going to be working in the corporate world for that long? Do you have alternative career plans like starting your own business, or working for the government or in a non-profit? If so, your MBA degree isn’t of much utility to you. However, the education and network certainly might be worth it. I don’t say any of this to dissuade you from going to business school, but rather to help you think carefully about how that degree may or may not help you with respect to your specific goals and ambitions. 2. Age There are many business schools that will consider a 28- to 32-year-old simply too old to take full advantage of its program, and will overlook your candidacy in favor of younger applicants who have had a bit more direction and consistency in their backgrounds. This makes me feel very old, considering that I would probably be disqualified too! Notable exceptions to this are members of the Armed Forces who have been serving our country. On the other hand, there can be applicants who are too young. You may be fresh from college, or graduated college at a young age and worked for two years due to an accelerated high school and/or college track. 3. Change in Career Track Maybe you worked at an investment bank for three years after college, thought that you were living out your dream and making boat loads of money, but have realized that spreadsheets, underwriting, and investment banking hours just aren’t your thing. There are any number of situations where you could use business school to spur a career change. Nevertheless, what business school admissions officers will want to see is that you have taken steps inside or outside of your job to try new things and start pointing yourself in the direction you want to head. Applying to business school shouldn’t just be a hail mary heave to an end-zone with an unknown location; it should involve considerable reflection and trial-and-error experiences, at the very least. Have your head on straight before making the momentous decision to apply to business school; don’t just cop out and think “Oh well, how can it hurt?” Not only will that sentiment be detrimental to your career, but it will find a way to show up in your applications and interviews, and hurt your chances of admission. The post How to Decide if You Should Pursue an MBA appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
15 Nov 2017, 14:02
| FROM Magoosh Blog: The Complete Guide to Taking the GMAT in the UK |
Greetings to our friends across the pond! In this post, we’ll be covering everything you need to know to take the GMAT in the UK—including test centers, costs, and participating universities. Photo by Barni1 GMAT UK Test Centers There are at least 11 GMAT test centers throughout the UK, located in the following cities:
GMAT UK Costs and Fees Once you’ve found a day that works for you, you’ll need to pay a registration fee of $250 US (around £200 at the time of this writing), not including VAT. If it any point you discover that you need to reschedule, make sure to do it ASAP! As long as you reschedule more than seven days out from your original date, you’ll only need to pay $50 US. Attempting to reschedule after this seven-day window will cost an additional $250 US. Likewise, if you need to cancel your registration, make sure you do so as early as possible! Cancelling more than seven days out will net you a refund of $80 US (not much, but it’s better than nothing!). There will be no refunds for cancellations within seven days of the originally scheduled test date (ouch!). GMAT Score Reports in the UK On your test day, you will be able to send five free score reports to five institutions anywhere in the world. You can use MBA.com’s Program Locator to find eligible institutions, or check out this list of the most popular programs. If you need to request any additional score reports, expect to pay $28 US for each report. Students interested in retaking the exam may want to purchase an Enhanced Score Report (ESR) for themselves, which contains detailed information about each subsection of the test. The fee for the ESR is $24.95 US. GMAT UK Universities Nearly 100 different institutions in the UK accept GMAT scores. To see the full list, scroll down to ‘United Kingdom’ on GMAC’s page GMAT Accepting Programs Around the World. Some of the most prestigious UK programs can be found below, along with their average score as reported by GMAC’s program comparison tool. Program NameAvg. GMAT Score Alliance Manchester Business School - Manchester University 640 Cass Business School - City University London650 Cranfield School of Management - Cranfield University680 Imperial College Business School - Imperial College London 647 Judge Business School - University of Cambridge690 London Business School 700 Said Business School - University of Oxford 692 Warwick Business School - University of Warwick667 Your Next Steps If you’re determined to take the GMAT, you can begin the process by following these four simple steps:
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22 Nov 2017, 10:02
| FROM Magoosh Blog: GMAT Sample Questions for You to Practice |
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The math and verbal sections of the GMAT consist of five main types of problems: Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency on the math section, and Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction on the verbal section. We’ll go through the basics of each type and provide 10 GMAT sample questions below. (Of course, if you want more than just these 10 questions to test your skills, we also offer over 800 practice questions.) Problem Solving Overview & GMAT Sample Questions Problem Solving (PS) questions consist of an algebraic/word prompt and five multiple choice answers. Those who have taken math tests before should already be comfortable with the format of PS questions. See the selected GMAT sample questions below: PS: Rate Example Question A car drives 40 miles on local roads at 20 mph, and 180 miles on the highway at 60 mph, what is the average speed of the entire trip? (A) 36 mph (B) 40 mph (C) 44 mph (D) 52 mph (E) 58 mph Answer: C. See GMAT Distance and Work: Rate Formula for an explanation of the answer. PS: Factor Example Question How many odd factors does 210 have? (A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6 (E) 8 Answer: E. See GMAT Math: Factors for an explanation of the answer. Data Sufficiency Overview & GMAT Sample Questions Data Sufficiency (DS) questions are a format unique to the GMAT. Unlike traditional math questions where the goal is to find the exact answer, the goal of DS questions is to determine whether the supplied statements would enable one to find an exact answer. As such, DS questions typically require some particular strategies based upon answer elimination and logical shortcuts (e.g., you should avoid calculating the exact answer when possible). The five answer choices to DS problems are always the same, so it’s a good idea to memorize the choices below:
(B) Statement 2 alone is sufficient but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked. (C) Both statements 1 and 2 together are sufficient to answer the question but neither statement is sufficient alone. (D) Each statement alone is sufficient to answer the question. (E) Statements 1 and 2 are not sufficient to answer the question asked and additional data is needed to answer the statements. DS: Geometry Example Question ABC is an equilateral triangle, and point D is the midpoint of side BC. A is also a point on circle with radius r = 3. What is the area of the triangle? Statement #1: The line that passes through A and D also passes through the center of the circle. Statement #2: Including point A, the triangle intersects the circle at exactly four points. Answer: C. See our GMAT Data Sufficiency Geometry Practice Questions for an explanation of the answer. DS: Inequality Example Question Is |x – 6| > 2? Statement #1: |x – 4| > 3 Statement #2: |x – 8| > 1 Answer: C. See GMAT Math: Arithmetic with Inequalities for an explanation of the answer. Reading Comprehension Overview & GMAT Sample Questions Reading Comprehension (RC) questions begin with a two- to four-paragraph passage. Then, you’ll see a small set of questions based upon the passage. There are a few different types of RC questions, but they all fundamentally test your ability to apply information obtained from a written source. RC: Main Idea Sample Question Try this free practice problem from Magoosh. RC: Inference Sample Question Here’s another free sample problem based upon the same passage as the above. Critical Reasoning Overview & GMAT Practice Problems Critical Reasoning (CR) problems present a paragraph that lays out the foundation of some argument. From there, you will be tasked with strengthening the argument, weakening the argument, drawing an inference, or identifying some other aspect of the argument. To succeed with these questions, you must learn the different elements of an argument. CR: Strengthen the Argument Example Problem A minor league baseball franchise experienced a drop in attendance this week after they suffered three losses by margins of ten runs or more last week. Many spectators of those games wrote letters to the editors of the local sporting news, complaining of the poor play of the team in those three losses. Nevertheless, the front office of this baseball franchise maintains that the team’s poor play in those three losses has nothing to do with this week’s decline in attendance. Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the position held by the front office of the baseball franchise? (A) The spectators who wrote letters to the local sporting news were long-standing fans of this minor league baseball team. (B) Many minor league baseball franchises attribute a drop in attendance to the quality of play of the team only after a string of losses. (C) Other minor league teams in that region of the state reported a similar drop in attendance this week. (D) This was not the first time this team suffered multiple lopsided losses in a single week, prompting similar letters to the local sporting news. (E) This minor league team is over four hours from the closest major league team, so many of the minor league team’s fans do not often attend major league games. Answer: C. See Introduction to GMAT Critical Reasoning for an explanation of the answer. CR: Boldface Structure Example Problem State politicians are optimistic that the state’s economic downturn will not be as severe as had been predicted. Their hopes are bolstered by the data released last week: the jobless rate declined two full percentage points in the last six months. But, many economists have pointed out the flight of unemployed residents to the bordering states where jobs are plentiful. Furthermore, many out of work residents have been rehired at minimum wage: virtually all new jobs in the state in the past year have been minimum wage jobs. Economists cast grave doubts on the economic well-being of the state. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles? (A) The first is evidence in support of the conclusion; the second is that conclusion. (B) The first is evidence opposed to the conclusion; the second is an interpretation of the conclusion. (C) The first is an interpretation that calls the conclusion into question; the second is that conclusion. (D) The first is a conclusion the argument calls into question; the second is the evidence that calls it into question. (E) The first is evidence taken to support a conclusion; the second is a position that opposes that conclusion. Answer: E. See GMAT Critical Reasoning: Boldface Structure Questions for an explanation of the answer. Sentence Correction Overview & GMAT Sample Problems Sentence Correction (SC) problems begin with a sentence that includes an underlined portion. Each answer choice contains a variation of the underlined portion. (Note that answer choice A is always the same as the original sentence.) Your task is to select an answer choice that makes the most grammatical and logical sense. The best strategy for tackling SC questions is to employ ‘splits’ among the answer choices. SC: Idiom Sample Problem Company policy restricts employees to, at most, three personal days in a month, and even less if the number of Fridays in the month is more than four. (A) even less if the number of Fridays in the month is more than four (B) even less if the amount of Fridays in the month is more than four (C) even fewer if the number of Fridays in the month is greater than four (D) even fewer if the amount of Fridays in the month is more than four (E) even less if the number of Fridays in the month is greater than four Answer: C. See GMAT Sentence Correction: Comparative & Qualitative Idioms for an explanation of the answer. SC: Run-On Sentence Sample Problem Although offering a dynamic range simply absent on the harpsichord, the original fortepiano, invented in the early eighteenth century — indeed the name comes from the Italian forte (“loud”) + piano (“soft”) — the fortepiano would now sound dynamically limited compared to our modern grand pianos. (A) Although offering a dynamic range simply absent on the harpsichord, the original fortepiano, invented in the early eighteenth century (B) Although the original fortepiano, invented in the early eighteenth century, offered a dynamic range simply absent on the harpsichord (C) Although it offered a dynamic range simply absent on the harpsichord, the original fortepiano, invented in the early eighteenth century (D) Invented in the early eighteenth century, the original fortepiano offered a dynamic range simply absent on the harpsichord (E) The original fortepiano, invented in the early eighteenth century, although it offered a dynamic range simply absent on the harpsichord Answer: B. See our Run-On Sentences in GMAT Sentence Correction for an explanation of the answer. Summary How did you do with these GMAT sample questions? Which math or verbal questions did you ace, and which do you need more practice in? The post GMAT Sample Questions for You to Practice appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
28 Nov 2017, 10:02
| FROM Magoosh Blog: The Complete Guide to Taking the GMAT in Canada |
Greetings to our friends up north! In this post we’ll be discussing everything you need to know to take the GMAT in Canada—including information on GMAT Canada test centers, test dates, and costs. Photo by Cris DiNoto GMAT Canada Test Centers There are over 20 GMAT test centers spread throughout Canada, located in the following cities:
Testing dates vary by location, but you can use MBA.com’s Test Center Locator tool to identify which locations and days work best for you. Some centers offer weekend tests, while others are only available during weekdays. To avoid stress come exam day, we recommend scouting out your GMAT test location beforehand. GMAT Costs in Canada Once you’ve found a day that works for you, you’ll need to pay a registration fee of 250 USD (around 319 CAD at the time of this writing). If it any point you discover that you need to reschedule, make sure to do it ASAP! As long as you reschedule more than seven days out from your original date, you’ll only need to pay 50 USD. Attempting to reschedule after this 7 day window will cost an additional 250 USD. Likewise, if you need to cancel your registration, make sure you do so as early as possible! Cancelling more than seven days out will net you an 80 USD refund (not much, but it’s better than nothing!). There will be no refunds for cancellations within seven days of the originally scheduled test date (ouch!). GMAT Scores in Canada On your test day, you will be able to send five free score reports to five institutions anywhere in the world—Canada, the U.S., or elsewhere. You can use MBA.com’s Program Locator to find eligible institutions, or check out this list of the most popular programs. If you need to request any additional score reports, expect to pay 28 USD for each report. Students interested in retaking the exam may want to purchase an Enhanced Score Report (ESR) for themselves, which contains detailed information about each subsection of the test. The fee for the ESR is 25 USD. GMAT Canada: Final Thoughts If you’re determined to take the GMAT, you can begin the process by following these four simple steps:
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06 Dec 2017, 10:02
| FROM Magoosh Blog: What USC GMAT Score Do I Need For The Marshall School of Business? |
Located in sunny Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (USC) Marshall School of Business offers competitive MBA options, and is consistently ranked within the top 40 business schools of the U.S. Below, we’ll be exploring the different programs available from the Marshall School, and examining the average USC GMAT score for each program. Photo of USC’s George Finley Bovard Administration Building by Brion Vibber Program Overview and Average USC GMAT Score The USC Marshall school provides five distinct MBA options, each catering to different demographics. 1. Full-time MBA Geared towards younger business professionals, the full-time MBA is a two-year program based upon a 3-term core curriculum. Beyond this core, students have ample elective options to customize the program to their individual career goals. Elective categories include accounting, entertainment business, entrepreneurship, finance, management, marketing, technology development, and more. Accepted students have an average work experience of 5 years. With an acceptance rate of 33%, and an average GMAT score of 692, the USC full-time MBA is fairly competitive. 2. Part-time MBA for Professionals and Managers Like the full-time MBA, the part-time MBA is aimed towards younger professionals with 5 years of work experience. However, this 3-year program is intended for those looking to maintain a full-time job throughout their MBA pursuits. First year classes are available at either the main USC campus in Los Angeles, or the Orange County Center in Irvine. However, students must complete second and third year courses at the L.A. campus. While the part-time acceptance rate (32%) is comparable to the full-time MBA, the average USC GMAT score is a bit more attainable (614). 3. Online MBA USC’s online MBA offers students a great deal of scheduling flexibility. Following the recommended schedule will allow completion of the program in five semesters. Although students have ample opportunity to set their own schedules, the online MBA still requires a hefty 20-30 hours of schoolwork per week. The average GMAT score is 630. Compared with the “in-person” MBAs, online MBA students tend to have slightly more work experience, averaging 8 years. 4. Executive MBA (EMBA) The EMBA is a two-year program focussed on experienced senior professionals. The average student is 37 years old and boasts 14 years of work experience. Students are expected to maintain full-time jobs throughout the duration of their studies, and coursework will often mesh with the students’ own professional undertakings. Courses are available at either the USC L.A. campus, or the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, CA (San Diego area). Classes themselves meet every other Friday and Saturday for 7.5 hours. GMAT scores are optional, but score submission is encouraged if an eligible test is on file. 5. International Business Education and Research MBA (IBEAR MBA) Finally, the IBEAR is a one-year accelerated program geared towards mid-career professionals. Enrolled students will complete 19 credits of coursework over five 8-week terms. IBEAR students have an average USC GMAT score of 630, and typically possess 10 years of work experience. Furthermore, a small but diverse class size of 56 students from dozens of different countries ensures an intimate and cultured cohort. Program Comparisons To help you decide which program is right for you at a glance, take a look at our direct comparison of the available USC Marshall MBA programs below: Full-time MBA
Although rankings vary year-to-year, the USC Marshall School consistently ranks within the top 40 U.S. programs, and top 50 international programs. USC Marshall U.S. Rankings Bloomberg30th The Economist28th U.S. News24th Forbes33rd USC Marshall International Rankings The Economist40th Financial Times48th Conclusion Although perhaps not as competitive as many Ivy League offerings, the USC Marshall School of Business still provides a top notch business education. Furthermore, its location within Los Angeles makes it the business school of choice for those working within entertainment and media industries. If you’re determined to take the GMAT, you can begin the process by following these four simple steps:
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13 Dec 2017, 10:02
| FROM Magoosh Blog: Notre Dame GMAT: Everything You Need to Know |
Notre Dame’s Mendoza School of Business uses the motto “Ask More of Business” to describe itself. But asking more of business also means asking more of you—meaning the typical Notre Dame GMAT score is high, and admissions are competitive. But if you share Notre Dame’s unique Catholic approach to business that focuses on individual integrity and the greater good, then the tough admissions standards may well be worth the effort. Photo by Eccekevin Notre Dame Mendoza Overview Notre Dame’s Catholic mission integrates heavily into its business school programs, which “Ask More of Business.” As part of this Catholic viewpoint, Mendoza encourages students to avoid seeing human beings as means to an economic end. It also focuses on how global resources are limited, and that we should steward them wisely. While most MBA programs focus at least in part on business ethics, Notre Dame emphasizes the point much more than most. Notre Dame Mendoza offers four different MBA programs: a 2-year program, a 1-year program, an Executive MBA, and a series of different dual degree programs. The university also offers a series of specialized Master’s programs, in topics like Finance, Accounting, and Business Analytics. Finally, in keeping with its mission, the University is known for its strong non-profit management programs. This includes a Masters of Nonprofit Administration. Notre Dame GMAT Score and Admissions The Notre Dame GMAT score average is reported as 690, with a 3.3 GPA and about 5 years of prior work experience. The University does not post a Notre Dame GMAT minimum score requirement, though it cautions that a low GMAT score and little work experience can be a disadvantage. Notre Dame’s MBA programs accept applicants in two rounds. In 2013, Magoosh had the opportunity to interview Notre Dame’s Associate Dean of Admissions, who offered us some inside tips on admissions at Mendoza. Most importantly, the Dean notes that more spots are available during the first round of admissions, but that students shouldn’t rush to meet Round 1 deadlines if it means they’re submitting a weaker application. (Speaking of the application process, you may already know about our GMAT test prep offerings, but did you know we also have application tips and resources for you?) Finally, Dean Mangus told us that students shouldn’t focus narrowly on the numeric pieces of their application, like GPA and GMAT score. The admissions committee considers multiple aspects of a student’s application. They want to be able to read a purpose or meaning from an application. In short, they want to see that a student is motivated and driven to enter the MBA program, and is not merely doing it out of some other professional obligation. Ranking and Prestige According to US News and World Report, Notre Dame’s Mendoza School just cracks the top 30, as the 29th best business school in the US. (The undergraduate program is much higher in US News’ rankings, at number 11.) Most rankings are in general agreement that Mendoza is a top twenty-something business school. The Economist, for example, says Notre Dame is number 23 across the nation, while Forbes also says it’s number 22—in the world. To compare different sources, the University has helpfully provided a full overview of its rankings. If it’s of any relevance, Bloomberg ranks Notre Dame’s undergraduate programs at Mendoza as the second best in the nation. While this isn’t directly relevant to graduate-level programs, it’s still good to know that you’ll be surrounded by bright and high-achieving undergrads! Also, not all business schools even have undergraduate students on campus, so that’s another advantage to consider when thinking about Notre Dame. Conclusion If you’re looking for a business school that strongly values moral integrity when conducting business, then Notre Dame’s Mendoza might be right for you. But keep in mind that Notre Dame GMAT scores are high, so admissions won’t be easy. GMAT scores aren’t the only factor in admissions, though. You’ll be measured not just by numbers, but also by the content of your character, and your motivation for attending business school. If you can meet that lofty standard, then you’re in! The post Notre Dame GMAT: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
19 Dec 2017, 10:01
| FROM Magoosh Blog: GMAT Score for Columbia Business School |
Columbia Business School is a highly regarded business school, which shouldn’t be surprising. Though the average GMAT score for Columbia is high—meaning admissions are highly competitive—the advantages of the school are many. The university is not only Ivy League, but it’s also located in the world’s financial capital, New York City. There is truly no better location on Earth to study for an MBA and begin a career in business other than New York. But the advantages of the Columbia Business School don’t start and end with its location: the school’s MBA programs have many more impressive features to offer. Photo by Beraldoleal Columbia Business School Overview Most business schools in the United States focus closely on MBA and MBA-related programs. Columbia offers much more, including a few very important Master of Science options. These include MS programs in Financial Economics, Marketing Science, Accounting and Fundamental Analysis, and Management Science and Engineering. For the student looking for a graduate level program that offers something more specific than an MBA, Columbia is among the best options. This wide breadth of options helps the school maintain a successful alumni network. In the past, the school’s MBA program was closely tied to Wall Street’s fortunes and misfortunes. But more diverse program offerings allow students to pursue alternative careers that aren’t quite as Wall Street-focused. Columbia’s standard MBA program, though, is an attractive option in its own right. For starters, the program’s students are highly competitive. For some students, this is an attractive feature, as it keeps them on their toes. For others, though, it may create too stressful of an environment. Another advantage of the Columbia MBA is that it allows its student to focus on one specific topic in depth. The school offers career-focused paths of concentration that will allow a student to not just gain knowledge of a particular subject, but to gain outright expertise in that area. That can be a major advantage on the job market. GMAT Score for Columbia Business School Luckily, Columbia Business School is very forthcoming with data about its entering class. The school’s website provides an entire page about the incoming MBA class’ statistics, and you can see the 2017 version here. For the class that entered for an MBA program in 2017, the average GMAT score for Columbia Business School was 724. The middle 80% range of GMAT scores for Columbia was 690-760. In total, the lowest score was 530, the highest 790. (Here’s how Columbia’s GMAT scores stack up to other schools.) Columbia’s website provides a treasure trove of information about its incoming MBA class, which lets us easily calculate its acceptance rate. For the incoming class in 2017, Columbia received 6,188 applications, and it admitted 1,019. That’s an acceptance rate of 1,019/6,188 = 16%! It goes without saying that the competition to gain admission to Columbia is intense, and getting in won’t be easy. Ranking and Prestige According to US News & World Report, Columbia Business School is the ninth best business school in the United States. Forbes, however, calls CBS a top-10 business school, clocking in at #6. No matter what the rankings say, there’s no doubt that Columbia is a great bet for business. It’s an Ivy League, world-class university, and it’s located in the world’s financial center in New York City. It’s hard to get any closer to Wall Street than Columbia, which is a short subway ride away! Conclusion Columbia University is recognized around the world. If you have the necessary GMAT score for Columbia, then there’s no question that this business school would be a great option for you. Even if you don’t have your post-business school hopes set on NYC, you can still enjoy spending two years studying in the Big Apple. Columbia Business School has shed its reputation as a “Wall Street”-centric program: it’s now well-known for the diversity of its programs. Many students will find their niche at Columbia in a way they cannot find anywhere else. The post GMAT Score for Columbia Business School appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
21 Dec 2017, 10:01
| FROM Magoosh Blog: Business Schools Accepting GMAT Scores in India |
Getting a business degree in India is a great way to expand your business career prospects, while doing so at a tuition rate that is more affordable when compared to many other options. In this post, we’ll be examining some of the most popular b schools accepting GMAT scores in India, and whether you should take the CAT or GMAT. Photo by Pexels What Are Some B Schools Accepting GMAT Scores in India? The GMAT exam is accepted by more than 200 programs at 100 business schools in India. You can view around 100 of the most popular programs on MBA.com’s website. If you’d like to see this list grouped by city, see the bottom of our post on GMAT Scores in India. (This post on GMAT Scores in Indian b schools also has some interesting metrics concerning the GMAT scores of Indian test-takers.) Some of the highest rated institutions on this list include:
Indian residents should be cautious, as some programs (particularly two-year IIMs PGP programs) require that Indian students submit CAT scores. If you are a resident who can submit their GMAT scores in Indian b schools, see our post on GMAT Fees in India for a breakdown of the testing costs. If you live outside India, then it is generally possible to submit a GMAT score in lieu of a CAT score to these programs. This includes Non-Resident Indians (NRI) who possess Indian passports, but who have emigrated to another country for more than 6 months. In any case, these policies vary from school to school, so it is strongly recommended that you visit the admission website for any programs you are interested in. Please note that the CAT is generally only accepted by Indian institutions, while the GMAT is accepted by many international institutions across the globe. To learn more about the differences between the CAT and GMAT, see this side-by-side comparison of the tests. Ultimately, you should familiarize yourself with the requirements of the programs you intend to apply to before deciding which test to take. Let’s hear from you: Will you be taking the CAT or GMAT? Which business schools are you planning to apply to? The post Business Schools Accepting GMAT Scores in India appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
27 Dec 2017, 11:01
| FROM Magoosh Blog: GMAT Scores for PhD Programs |
You’ve decided to apply for a PhD program in a business-related field. Unlike your non-business PhD friends, that means you could take the GMAT, not the GRE. Though submitting GMAT scores for PhD programs is relatively rare, it does happen. Because using a GMAT score in PhD admissions is uncommon, students often have important questions about the process. Read on to learn more about using GMAT scores for PhD programs, and what kind of score you’ll need. Types of Programs That Accept GMAT Scores Few doctoral programs will explicitly require a GMAT score. Instead, they’ll often accept either the GMAT or the GRE if the field of study is business. Harvard Business School, for example, requires either the GRE or GMAT—but not both!—for admissions to its doctoral program. NYU Stern has the same policy, except they note that the accounting department “prefers” the GMAT. The UPenn Wharton School has the same GRE-or-GMAT policy. This probably has a lot to do with the fact that, overall, the GMAT and the GRE really aren’t that different. They have a lot in common. In short, there’s no standard policy on whether you’ll definitely need GMAT scores for PhD programs. More often than not, you can submit your old (less than 5 years old!) GRE score and skip the GMAT. But policies vary from school to school, and even from program to program. Call the admissions offices of the programs you’re applying to and inquire about their policy if you’re unsure. Typical GMAT Scores for PhD Programs If you are going to submit GMAT scores for PhD programs, then you’ll face stiff competition. That’s to be expected, though, since you’re applying to PhD programs—no one said admissions would be easy! As with many admissions-related questions, data is sparse. But here’s a sampling of some average GMAT scores for PhD programs that are considered pretty prestigious:
Final Thoughts Keep in mind that, as with any admissions process, your GMAT scores cannot be older than 5 years if you want to submit them. So, if you’re hoping to use your old GMAT school from your MBA program from many years ago, you can’t. You’re going to have to retake the exam. For the most part, though, submitting GMAT scores for PhD programs really isn’t that different from submitting GRE scores. Sure, the exam is different, but the process and high standards for admission are largely the same. If you’re applying to a PhD program of any kind, you should anticipate needing a high score no matter what exam you’re taking. Which PhD programs are you applying for? Let us know in the comments below, and good luck! The post GMAT Scores for PhD Programs appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
29 Dec 2017, 11:01
| FROM Magoosh Blog: GMAT Score for Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business |
Dartmouth College, the smallest school in the Ivy League, is nestled in the mountains of northern New Hampshire. The expected GMAT score for Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business is undoubtedly high. But, if you’re interested in a small and intimate program, studying for a high GMAT score will be worth it. Like the university as a whole, the MBA program at the Tuck School of Business is uniquely small. This, coupled with its beautiful setting, could make Tuck the perfect program for the right student. Photo from Wikimedia Commons Tuck School Overview Hanover, New Hampshire, is an idyllic northern New England town. If small town life is of interest to you, then Dartmouth is the perfect fit. But if you’re more of an urban city dweller, then Dartmouth’s location might make you shiver. The Tuck School of Business is very small, with a total enrollment of less than 300 students. This makes the program extremely small when compared to its competitors at Harvard, Columbia, and elsewhere. But for many Tuck students, the program’s size is its main strength. Because students are able to easily know each other, the program is said to have more of a collaborative than competitive environment. This can be a welcome relief from the environments at many comparable b-schools. Most business schools have multiple degree programs in addition to the MBA. But that isn’t so at Tuck: it has only one program, its MBA. For some students seeking Executive Education, that’s obviously a deterrent. But for the student who wants an MBA, Tuck believes there are many advantages to attending an MBA-only school. It means that all the resources of the school are focused on educating only its MBA candidates. There’s no doubt that that makes the quality of the education substantially higher. Finally, Tuck alumni can tell you how much they enjoyed Tuck—more than 70% of its alumni contribute to their annual fundraising program! Alumni giving is a pretty strong metric of how much students actually enjoyed their educational experience. (You’re not going to donate to a place you didn’t like, after all.) GMAT Score for Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business Since Tuck is a small but prestigious program, the volume of applicants is large, but the number of spots available is small. This makes for a very competitive admissions process. You’ll need a very high GMAT score for Tuck School of Business. The average GMAT score of admitted students was 722, and the middle 80% scored between 620 and 780. So, to be competitive, you’ll need a score above 700. Other factors matter in admissions. In addition to a high GMAT score for Dartmouth, you’ll also want to arrive on campus with substantial work experience. On average, students arrive with 5 years of high-quality prior work. The average GPA on a 4.0 scale is 3.5. The most recent class of 2019 included only 293 members. That’s not a lot of spots! Be prepared for stiff competition if you’re planning to apply to Tuck. Rankings and Prestige According to both US News & World Report and The Economist, Dartmouth’s Tuck School is the eighth best business school in the country. Impressive! Within subcategories, The Economist gives Tuck especially high marks. The school is first in terms of alumni satisfaction. Notably, it also ranked fifth in terms of the percentage of students who have a job offer within three months of graduation. In other words, students at Tuck don’t have a difficult time finding jobs! So students who worry that Hanover’s distance from a city is disadvantageous can calm their nerves. Tuck offers a full overview of its various rankings on its web page. Bloomberg ranks the program #7, the Financial Times ranks it #10, and Forbes ranks it #5. Conclusions For students seeking a well-regarded, small, and collaborative graduate business program at an Ivy League university, the Tuck School of Business might be perfect. The school combines high-quality career prep with a rural setting that allows for close contact with one’s peers. But all of this means, of course, that admissions are challenging. Getting into Tuck is no easy feat. The average GMAT score for Tuck School of Business is well into the upper percentiles. Meeting that threshold won’t be easy, but for the few who do, it will open the door to a worthwhile two years of MBA education! Will you be applying to Tuck? Which GMAT score for Dartmouth are you aiming for? The post GMAT Score for Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
03 Jan 2018, 14:01
| FROM Magoosh Blog: GMAT Score for NYU Stern |
NYU Stern is a leading business school located right in the heart of Manhattan in New York City. The typical GMAT score for NYU Stern is high, so admissions to the university are highly competitive. If you can get in, the program has many appealing components, including its uniquely flexible scheduling options. Photo by MSC NYU Stern Overview NYU’s location in the heart of New York City isn’t only beneficial to full-time MBA students. It’s also beneficial to part-timers, who can work in Lower Manhattan and then quickly arrive in Greenwich Village in time for evening classes. And it’s because of this that NYU Stern’s program offerings are a bit different from most business schools. While most MBA programs have more full-time than part-time students, the reverse is true at NYU. Within the MBA program, NYU has about three times more part-time students than it does full-time students. Without a doubt, this makes the experience of attending NYU, especially as a full-timer, very different. The curriculum at NYU is focused on a core curriculum followed by many electives. For students looking for variety or choice, NYU offers the opportunity to do half of your degree through electives, because about half of the required coursework comes through electives. This is probably partially because of the large part-time contingent. Being able to choose freely among courses makes a part-time degree a lot easier to manage. Besides the MBA program, NYU Stern also offers Executive MBAs, and Master’s degrees in Accounting, Business Analytics, Global Finance, or Risk Management. It also has a small PhD program. One important point to mention about NYU Stern: it’s expensive. According to Poets and Quants, it’s not just a bit pricey, it’s actually the world’s most expensive MBA program, ringing up at a total of $184,532 for the full MBA program. If price is a leading factor for you, then do consider this when thinking about NYU. GMAT Score for NYU Stern Luckily, there is plenty of data available about the typical GMAT score for NYU Stern. Thanks to the university’s website, we can form a pretty clear profile of admitted students. For the Class of 2019, the average GMAT score was 714 and the median was 720. The 80% range was 650 – 760, meaning that 80% of admitted students scored somewhere in that range. But most importantly, NYU actually provides the full range of its admitted students! This is pretty rare to find online for many schools, so you should appreciate this data if you’re interested in NYU. For the Class of 2019, the GMAT score for NYU Stern ranged from a low of 580 to a high of 780. That tells you a lot. If your current GMAT score is less than 580, there’s virtually no chance you’ll be admitted. Since the 80% range is between 650 and 760, presumably only a small portion of the class scored between the minimum (580) and the lower 10th percentile (650). If your score is in that range, it isn’t impossible that you’ll be admitted, but it is very unlikely. Still, knowing that 580 is the lowest score accepted is helpful if you’re unsure about your likelihood of being admitted to NYU Stern. (We can help if you’re looking for ways to boost your GMAT score.) Some other important admissions numbers: 21% of applicants were admitted for the Class of 2019. The average age was 28, and the average undergraduate GPA was 3.48. Among the 99% of students who had prior work experience, the average number of years of work experience was 4.9. Ranking and Prestige Forbes ranks NYU Stern as the 21st best MBA program in the country. According to US News & World Report, NYU is the 12th best business school in the country, making it a solid option for anyone looking for a quality program. US News, however, also breaks down its rankings by category, and NYU stands out in some particular areas. Its part-time MBA program and finance program are both ranked #3. Conclusion If you’re interested in a top-notch MBA program in the heart of Manhattan, it’s hard to ignore NYU Stern. That said, admissions to the program are highly competitive, so you’ll need a high GMAT score for NYU Stern. But if you can make the cut, Stern offers many appealing options. Most important among these are its part-time programs, which allow you to work while also attending school. The post GMAT Score for NYU Stern appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
05 Jan 2018, 14:01
| FROM Magoosh Blog: GMAT Score for Kelley School of Business |
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Indiana University’s School of Commerce and Finance first opened 1920, and has been offering MBAs since 1947. In 1997, the department renamed itself the Kelley School of Business in honor of Indiana businessman and philanthropist E.W. Kelley. Today, the Kelley School is a respected institution that offers many highly ranked degrees. Below, we’ll be taking a closer look at the full-time MBA program, including information on the curriculum, admissions process, and overall rankings. We’ll also examine the class profile and the average GMAT score for Kelley School of Business. Kelley School of Business MBA Curriculum Before classes officially begin, new students will participate in a two-week team building and career development class called Me, Inc. Students from non-business backgrounds also have an option of taking the Jumpstart bootcamp, focusing on foundational business principles. Once the semester kicks off, students will need to select an industry focus for their First-year Academy from options like business marketing, consulting, strategic finance, and others. This, along with a 15-week intensive course, will form the bulk of the first semester’s work. In the second semester, Kelley pupils will embark upon the Global Business and Social Enterprise (GLOBASE) course. Students will work remotely with non-profits and entrepreneurs from around the world to solve various business problems. Near the end of the project, students will travel to their client’s home base for two weeks of on-site engagement. During the third and fourth semesters, students will have access to a variety of elective courses, allowing for focus in specific career specializations. Students who seek to apply their business knowledge to a specific area may also explore the Kelley School’s certificate or joint degree programs. Kelley MBA Admissions Process The Kelley School of Business accepts applications in four rounds throughout the year. The first round deadline is in mid-October, the second round in early January, the third round in early March, and the final round in mid-April. International students are encouraged to apply in the first or second round due to the extra time required to obtain a student visa. Students applying to the Kelley School must fulfill the following requirements:
The Kelley School of Business MBA program consistently ranks in the top 30 U.S. programs, and top 50 international programs. See selected rankings below (data from Kelley’s rankings page): Kelley School of Business U.S. Rankings Businessweek27th The Economist17th U.S. News21st Forbes25th Kelley School of Business International Rankings The Economist22nd Financial Times47th GMAT Score for Kelley School of Business The student cohort at the Kelley School has 185 members per graduating class. The average student is 28 years old, and has 5 years of work experience. Academically, the average student GPA is 3.34, and the average GMAT score for Kelley School of Business is 670 (with 37% of students scoring 700 or higher). Annual tuition is $26,265 for Indiana residents, and $47,127 for non-residents. Overall, the high rankings and relatively affordable tuition for the Kelley School of Business make it an excellent value for MBA candidates. If you’re determined to take the GMAT, you can begin the process by following these four simple steps:
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08 Jan 2018, 19:01
| FROM Magoosh Blog: Are You a Competitive B-School Applicant? |
 All year long at Accepted we receive calls from prospective MBA applicants asking whether their profile (GPA, GMAT, work experience) is competitive at the schools they’re interesting in applying to. It’s a question we take seriously and address individually, because there are so many factors that impact competitiveness. Targeting the right schools is crucial, because otherwise you could end up not getting in – and who wants to delay/deny their b-school dream? If you’re applying to business school with low stats, you need to have a strong strategy. That means evaluating your profile honestly, thinking about where you’re a competitive applicant, and doing everything you can to mitigate your stats and strengthen your overall profile. Accepted’s new guide, Applying to Business School With Low Stats: What You Need to Know, gives you a no-nonsense plan for how to put together the most competitive application possible. If your aspirations are higher than your GMAT/GPA, you can’t afford to miss it. Download your free copy of Applying to Business School with Low Stats and bring yourself one step closer to an MBA acceptance! The post Are You a Competitive B-School Applicant? appeared first on Magoosh GMAT Blog. |
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