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Magoosh GMAT Instructor
Joined: 28 Dec 2011
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Magoosh GMAT Instructor
Joined: 28 Dec 2011
Posts: 4488
Own Kudos [?]: 29145 [0]
Given Kudos: 130
Magoosh GMAT Instructor
Joined: 28 Dec 2011
Posts: 4488
Own Kudos [?]: 29145 [0]
Given Kudos: 130
Magoosh GMAT Instructor
Joined: 28 Dec 2011
Posts: 4488
Own Kudos [?]: 29145 [0]
Given Kudos: 130
Top MBA Programs of 2021 [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: Top MBA Programs of 2021
When you’re looking for the best MBA programs for you, your first instinct is likely to seek out lists of the top MBA programs. Read on to discover this year’s top MBA schools.

Top 25 MBA Programs in the US (2021)
The US News and World Report uses the same methodology each year to survey all 486 master’s in business programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. Of the 364 respondents this year, 143 supplied enough information to be ranked. All rankings were calculated in 2021.

1. Stanford University
  • The most selective business school worldwide, Stanford is renowned for its extensive and accomplished alumni network.
  • Location: Stanford, CA
  • Average GMAT – 733
  • Average GPA – 3.8
  • Acceptance Rate – 8.9%
Learn more about the Stanford MBA program!

 

2. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
  • UPenn is known for its intense finance program, among other tracks.
  • Location: Philadelphia, PA
  • Average GMAT – 733
  • Average GPA – Not given
  • Acceptance Rate – 23.1%

 

3. University of Chicago (Booth)
  • Booth boasts a top MBA program with a focus on finance and economics.
  • Location: Chicago, IL
  • Average GMAT – 724
  • Average GPA – 3.56
  • Acceptance Rate – 27.6%

 

4. Northwestern University (Kellogg)
  • With a top marketing program, Kellogg is also known for its top-notch part-time MBA.
  • Location: Evanston, IL
  • Average GMAT – 727
  • Average GPA – 3.6
  • Acceptance Rate – 27.9%
Learn more about the Northwestern Kellogg MBA program!

 

5. Harvard University
  • One of the most prestigious MBA programs, Harvard is also the oldest programs, with large graduating classes.
  • Location: Cambridge, MA
  • Average GMAT – 727
  • Average GPA – 3.7
  • Acceptance Rate – 9.2%

 

6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
  • Widely recognized as a quantitative-based program, Sloan’s students often have strong STEM backgrounds.
  • Location: Cambridge, MA
  • Median GMAT – 720
  • Average GPA – 3.54
  • Acceptance Rate – 14.6%

 

7. Columbia University
  • Columbia’s MBA program is known for its ties to the financial community.
  • Location: New York, NY
  • Average GMAT – 732
  • Average GPA – 3.6
  • Acceptance Rate – 13.6%
Learn more about the Columbia MBA program!

 

8. University of California—Berkeley (Haas)
  • Haas has a reputation for prioritizing social responsibility in its MBA program.
  • Location: Berkeley, CA
  • Average GMAT – 727
  • Average GPA – 3.65
  • Acceptance Rate – 23.3%

 

9. Yale University
  • A leading program for students focusing on non-profits.
  • Location: New Haven, CT
  • Average GMAT – 720
  • Average GPA – 3.62
  • Acceptance Rate – 29.7%
Learn more about the Yale MBA program!

 

10. Dartmouth College (Tuck)
  • Small, tight-knit cohorts
  • Location: Hanover, NH
  • Average GMAT – 720
  • Average GPA – 3.5
  • Acceptance Rate – 34.8%
Learn more about the Dartmouth Tuck MBA program!

 

11. New York University (Stern)
  • Flexible curriculum that allows students to take courses at other NYU schools.
  • Location: New York, NY
  • Average GMAT – 723)
  • Average GPA – 3.6
  • Acceptance Rate – 29%

 

12. Duke University (Fuqua)
  • Strong general management and marketing courses.
  • Location: Durham, NC
  • Average GMAT – 702
  • Average GPA – 3.5
  • Acceptance Rate – 24.9%
Learn more about the Duke Fuqua MBA program!

 

13. University of Michigan—Ann Arbor (Ross)
  • Real-world consulting experiences for MBA students
  • Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  • Average GMAT – 711
  • Average GPA – 3.45
  • Acceptance Rate – 37%

 

14. University of Virginia (Darden)
  • Using the case method, UVA’s MBA program teaches students through real-world examples.
  • Location: Charlottesville, VA
  • Average GMAT – 703
  • Average GPA – 3.5
  • Acceptance Rate – 35.1%
Learn more about the UVA Darden MBA program!

 

15. Cornell University (Johnson)
  • Excellent real-world connections, from internships to case studies.
  • Location: Ithaca, NY
  • Average GMAT – 691
  • Average GPA – 3.33
  • Acceptance Rate – 39.6%

 

16. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
  • Four mini-semesters per academic year, leading to an increase in courses taken
  • Location: Pittsburgh, PA
  • Average GMAT – 680
  • Average GPA – 3.32
  • Acceptance Rate – 27.7%
Learn more about the Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA program!

 

17. University of Southern California (Marshall)
  • International programs and study opportunities.
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA
  • Average GMAT – 707
  • Average GPA – 3.6
  • Acceptance Rate – 24.3%

 

18. University of California–Los Angeles (Anderson)
  • Places students in top consulting and investment bank positions; known for its early specialization tracks
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA
  • Median GMAT or Average GMAT (whichever stat is more widely available)
  • Average GPA – 3.49
  • Acceptance Rate – 34.4%
Learn more about the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

 

19. University of Texas–Austin (McCombs)
  • Known for its highly rated accounting and information systems programs.
  • Location: Austin, TX
  • Average GMAT – 704
  • Average GPA – 3.44
  • Acceptance Rate – 36.9%

 

20. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)
  • A top research program, UNC’s MBA program also has highly-raked accounting and real estate tracks.
  • Location: Chapel Hill, NC
  • Average GMAT – 694
  • Average GPA – 3.34
  • Acceptance Rate – 52.5%

 

21. Georgetown University (McDonough)
  • Known for its international and governmental connections.
  • Location: Washington, D.C.
  • Average GMAT – 691
  • Average GPA – 3.34
  • Acceptance Rate – 56.9%

 

22. University of Washington (Foster)
  • Known for collaborative learning, including core study teams
  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Average GMAT – 692
  • Average GPA – 3.38
  • Acceptance Rate – 41.3%

 

23. Indiana University (Kelley)
  • Building team leadership skills among students and faculty
  • Location: Bloomington, IN
  • Average GMAT- 652
  • Average GPA – 3.32
  • Acceptance Rate – 42.7%

 

24. Vanderbilt University (Owen)
  • Hands-on, experiential learning and leadership experiences.
  • Location: Nashville, TN
  • Average GMAT – 676
  • Average GPA -3.37
  • Acceptance Rate – 46.3%

 

25. Rice University (Jones)
  • Entrepreneurship and energy industry connections.
  • Location: Houston, TX
  • Average GMAT – 690
  • Average GPA – 3.42
  • Acceptance Rate – 39.5%

 

Note: This report’s rankings take into account such criteria as program assessments by peers and recruiters, graduate employment rates and placement successes, mean starting salaries for graduates, student selectivity, the mean GRE and GMAT scores of accepted applicants, and the program’s acceptance rate.

In terms of tests, the schools above accept the GMAT or GRE. However, check with each individual program before applying, as they are quickly becoming more open to different tests. This includes the Executive Assessment (EA), or even, in some cases, the LSAT or MCAT! This varies significantly by school and program, though, so it is worth doing a bit of research before deciding on which test you will take.



Getting Into Top MBA Programs
So you’ve decided that an MBA is worth it for you—what next? If you’re applying to the top MBA schools, you’ll need to work on polishing the parts of your application that you can still control.

GPA, Scores, and Other Factors
Because most students applying to MBA programs have full-time work experience, it’s likely that your college days are behind you (if you’ve been in the business world for more than a few years, you might want to check out an executive MBA instead!).

For the top MBA programs in the USA, the factors within your control include getting a top GMAT score or GRE score, getting letters of recommendation from references you trust, and writing outstanding essays. However, there’s another aspect of MBA admissions that you should pay attention to if you’re applying to the best MBA schools: curating your list of which schools you’ll apply to. In other words, choosing your MBA programs.

To some extent, the schools you apply to will depend on your application stats, as GPA and test scores are two of the most important factors in admissions. But if your GMAT score isn’t in the range of the top 10 MBA programs’ averages, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t apply! However, it might mean that you need a high GPA to compensate for this—and/or that you want to explore other options, such as online MBAs with no GMAT requirement. Just remember: if any single part of your application is weaker than average for that school, try to counterbalance this by strengthening other areas of your portfolio.

In the end, finding the MBA program that’s a good fit for you is no easy feat. You are going to need to take into account the specifics of each program — things like location, cost, size, student body, reputation, and program fit. Plus, you’ll want to factor in your personal goals, and where you’d like to see yourself, career-wise, in five and ten years. But with some research and self-reflection, you’ll be able to do it. Good luck!

The post Top MBA Programs of 2021 appeared first on Magoosh Blog — GMAT® Exam.
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Berkeley MBA: Complete Guide to Admissions [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: Berkeley MBA: Complete Guide to Admissions
Berkeley Haas MBA Class Profile
First and foremost, what are University of California Berkeley MBA students like? Answering this question can help you figure out if you have what it takes to join them, and how to get into the Berkeley MBA. It can also help you figure out if the program itself is one you want to attend. The kinds of peers you’ll work with is a huge part of your educational experience.

So, a good look at the Berkeley MBA class profile can tell you a lot! Below is a summary of the Haas MBA class of 2023 (demographics, years of work experience, test scores, and more):

Berkeley Haas MBA Class of 2023, by the Numbers

Enrollment291

Acceptance rate23.3%

GMAT scores726 (average)

690-760 (middle 80% range)

GRE scores161 (Verbal average)

162 (Quant average)

155-168 (middle 80% range for both Quant and Verbal)

GPA3.67 (average)

3.34-3.93 (middle 80%)

Work experience5.5 years (average)

3.8-8 years (middle 80%)

Minorities36%

Underrepresented minorities23%

International students37%

46 countries

Women37%

LGBTQ+14%

Veterans7%

First generation college students16%

Most of the numbers above come from The Haas School of Business’s own class profile web page. I also got the Berkeley Master of Business Administration acceptance rate from U.S. News and World Report. Both of those are great places to go for even more info on the students who get accepted into the Berkeley MBA program. The Haas class profile page in particular has a wealth of extra detail on demographics, and on the academic and professional fields that the students come from!



How to Get Into the Berkeley MBA Program: Admissions Requirements
So, beyond having a satisfactory GPA, work experience, test scores, and so on, what else do you need to do to get into the Berkeley MBA Program? At the risk of stating the obvious, the biggest step you can take to get into Berkeley Haas is to apply. Below, we’ll look at the application process for Berkeley’s full-time MBA program (all info comes from Berkeley Haas’s own application website).

The “How to Get Into Berkeley MBA Program” Application Checklist
How hard is it to get into the Berkeley MBA? This checklist should give you a much better sense of that!

  • Register for and complete the Berkeley Haas online application form.
  • Submit transcripts form all past and current university attendance, bachelor’s degree or graduate.
  • Send Berkeley a resume.
  • Take the GRE or GMAT and submit your scores.
  • Complete two required admissions essays and up to two additional optional ones.
  • Find two recommenders and have them send Haas letters of recommendation.
    • The Haas School of Business prefers that at least one letter be from a current employer.
    • For details on submitting letters of recommendation, see this web page.
  • Give an interview
    • Only candidates who are already being strongly considered for acceptance will be invited to interview.
    • If you receive an interview invite, you are very likely to be accepted as long as you pass the interview.
    • Be optimistic and be prepared! Take advantage of the Berkeley MBA program’s official interview advice.
  • Pay the $200 application fee, or possibly get a fee waiver.
    • Fee waivers are potentially available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients who are currently in Americorps, Peace Corps, or the U.S. military; others who demonstrate financial need may also be eligible for a waiver.
  • Proof of English proficiency for applicants from countries where English is not the primary official language.
Is your GMAT score good enough to apply?
GMAT deserves special focus as you ponder how to get into Berkeley MBA studies. Why? Students are more likely to submit GMAT scores than GRE scores when applying for MBA programs. You’re also reading this on the Magoosh GMAT blog. So– you guessed it– it’s time to take an extra close look at the “GMAT” dimension of applying to the Berkeley MBA program. (If you’re considering taking the GRE instead, check out Chris’s GMAT vs. GRE article. If you decide the GRE is right for you, Magoosh offers GRE prep as well!)

The table below can help you see what different Berkeley GMAT score levels mean, in terms of your chances of getting in.

Berkeley MBA GMAT Scores

GMAT SCORE ZONECHANCES OF ACCEPTANCE

The safe zone: 740-800Scoring on the low end of this range puts you comfortably higher than the average of 726, which is where you want to be. Of course, this is assuming that your work experience, GPA, resume and recommendations are also in line with the Haas averages. Don’t forget that your numbers alone won’t be enough to get you in. Your story, your values and your future goals also need to be a good fit.

The “in the running zone”: 700-740Scoring in this range definitely still gives you a solid chance with adcom, but other aspects of your application (work experience, GPA, resume, recommendations, essays) will need to be very impressive and/or diverse.

The “pretty please?” zone: 650-700If you score in this range, your application is likely going to face some serious extra scrutiny, particularly if you fall on the low end. Your uniqueness factor has to be at least at 9 out of 10 to be considered, particularly if you fall below the average, even more so if you fall outside of the middle 80% range.

The RARE exception zone: 600-650There are going to be very very few exceptions in this range, but not many at all. You need to be a real superstar and your uniqueness factor has to be an 11 out of 10 to be accepted if you fall in this range.

Application Requirements for Berkeley’s Other MBA Programs
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, the application standards I just discussed are specifically for the Berkeley Haas full-time MBA program. Application requirements vary for some of the other programs offered by Berkeley Haas, and are found on their respective program application web pages. For instance, you can go here for weekend/part-time MBA application info, or to this page for the Haas executive MBA application checklist.

So what does the Haas School of business offer, both in terms of other programs, and in terms of academics within their main full time MBA program? We’ll get to that next!

Berkeley MBA Program Info
As I just mentioned, the Berkeley full-time MBA is just one of several degree paths offered by the Haas School of Business. With that in mind, the full-time MBA is arguably Haas’s biggest draw. It’s also probably the reason you clicked on this article. So we’ll focus on the academics for this main option first, and then discuss other offerings.

Berkeley Haas MBA Academics and Curriculum (Full-Time)
The Berkeley Haas MBA is built around 14 core courses. These core courses are taken in the first year of study. However, they aren’t the only classes offered in that initial year. First-year students take the required core classes exclusively in the fall, but take two electives alongside their core courses in the Spring. For full details on this core-focused first-year path, see the Haas MBA curriculum page. Core courses focus on the basics of common fields of business, such as financial services, marketing, business communication, and so on.

Many of the electives experiential learning, and are labelled as Applied Innovation in the Haas MBA course catalog. Over 20 different Applied Innovation courses are available. You can see a detailed list (with descriptions!) here. In terms of what you’ll be doing in these courses, activities include consulting, research, management, and more!

Still other electives focus on global learning, designed to help students prepare for leadership in international business. You can see the Berkeley MBA’s international electives on the school website.

Best of all, Berkeley lets MBA candidates customize their electives very flexibly. In fact, if you go to Berkeley for your MBA, you’ll even have the option to create your own electives, if you like.

Other Berkeley MBAs
Berkeley offers two main alternatives to the full-time MBA: an part-time evening and weekend MBA program (EWMBA), and an Executive MBA (EMBA).

The EWMBA, is, as you might expect, designed to give full-time working professionals the flexibility they need to earn an MBA. And this particular Berkeley Haas MBA just got more flexible! With the EWMBA flex option, students can now take their courses remotely. You’ll still have to attend a small handful of on-campus events, but otherwise, this option allows you to study from anywhere in the world.

The EMBA is similar in many respects to the standard full-time MBA. It has many of the same instructors and some similar coursework. However, this Executive MBA is designed– as you’d expect– for students whoa re already executives at their workplaces. As such, the program, while full-time, makes special effort to give full-time executive students the flexibility they need to keep working while they learn. And of course, some aspects of the academics are also unique to the EMBA, tailored to its especially experienced students.

Last but certainly not least, Haas offers dual-degree MBAs. Ambitious students can earn a JD/MBA, an MBA paired with a Master of Public Health, and an MBA/Masters in Engineering combo. To learn more, see the Concurrent Degrees page on the Haas website.

Non-MBA Programs
So, we’ve just looked at MBA degrees that are paired with non MBAs in a double-major. Now would be a good time to mention that the Berkeley Haas School of Business also offers a two degrees that aren’t MBAs at all. If you are considering MBA alternatives but still want to go to B-School, these two options may appeal to you. There’s Haas’s Masters of Financial Engineering, which focuses on the science of instruments and analytics within the finance industry. And for those especially interested in the academics and research side of the business world, Berkeley offers a business PhD.

Is UC Berkeley a good choice for your MBA?
What is the Berkeley MBA known for, in terms of excellence? Well, the Berkeley Haas School of Business is unique among business schools in many ways. Here are a few unique factors to consider when weighing Berkeley’s value as an MBA option.

Diversity in the Berkeley MBA Program
One thing I’d like to call special attention to is their efforts to focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (as outlined in this link).

These efforts could post particularly unique admissions and study options for underrepresented minorities. If you are from an underrepresented group, you may have noticed that in spite of Berkeley’s stated DEI goals, underrepresented groups remain underrepresented. (See the Class Profile table near the beginning of this post.) But while that could be seen as a deterrent for underrepresented applicants, it also could be seen as an opportunity.

Cara Skikne, a B-school admissions expert from Studyportals and BusinessBecause, gives this advice if you feel underrepresented in a school’s current Class Profile diversity statistics:

Don’t self-select out. Don’t let your concept of what a typical MBA student should look like, hold you back. Business schools are obsessed with diversity and with getting perspectives from different life experiences and backgrounds. Bring those perspectives into your application.Be authentic rather than telling admissions officers what you think they want to hear.

Reach out to people. You might not personally know someone who has attended a particular school, but alumni are usually happy to chat about their experiences.

Be sure to check out Cara’s full article on the best business schools for diversity.

Research Initiatives
It’s also worth noting that the Haas School has an impressively wide range of research initiatives and facilities. And they are known for their accomplished faculty, including a number of Nobel laureates.

Employment Outcomes for Haas Graduates
But one of the biggest factors as you choose an MBA is, of course, how the degree will help your career. The big question here: what are the employment outcomes for Berkeley MBA graduates?

Here are a few numbers for the post-degree careers of alumni from the class of 2020:

  • Average annual salary: $139,423
  • Average sign-on bonus: $31,330
  • Received a sign-on bonus: 73.4%
  • Received a job offer within three months of graduation: 89.5%
  • Accepted a job offer within three months of graduation: 87.3%
That’s just a quick snapshot though. You can find out more on the Berkeley Haas Employment Report website. You can also read a very detailed Berkeley MBA class of 2020 employment outcomes report in PDF.

How much does a Berkeley MBA cost?
They say cash is king, and it’s certainly a top consideration as you do a cost-benefit analysis of an MBA form the Haas School of Business. To see those costs, go to the Berkeley MBA’s tuition and fees page. There, they break down the cost of tuition, other fees, and personal costs (room, board, etc…) in great detail!

The post Berkeley MBA: Complete Guide to Admissions appeared first on Magoosh Blog — GMAT® Exam.
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Stern MBA: Everything You Need to Know [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: Stern MBA: Everything You Need to Know
NYU MBA Class Profile
As you ask yourself how to get into NYU for B-school, it’s helpful to consider the class profile for Stern MBA students. Who are these students, academically and demographically? The information in the table below helps you see how you compare to those admitted.

NYU MBA Students, By the Numbers
So, what GPA do you need to get into NYU’s MBA program? And what GMAT score do you need for NYU? For that matter, what is NYU Stern’s acceptance rate? The answers to these questions and more can be found in the following table.

Class Size360

Acceptance Rate19.5%

GMAT Scores729 (average)

700-760 (middle 80%)

GRE Scores162 (average for both Quant and Verbal)

157-168 (middle 80%, Quant)

157-167 (middle 80%, Verbal)

GPA3.6 (average)

3.3-3.9 (middle 80%)

Average Years of Work Experience5.1

Women41%

Minorities36%

Underrepresented Minorities17%

International Passport Holders 32%

You can find more information at the source page of that table: the official NYU MBA class profile page. That page will tell you more about students’ work experience, academic background, and other defining characteristics.



How to Get Into NYU Stern
So far, I’ve given you information that helps you to see the backgrounds and some of the defining characteristics of who gets into the NYU Stern MBA program. If you like what you see in the table above, the next step is to look at how to get into NYU Stern.

I’m referring to the application requirements. Below is a list of the things you need to do when you apply for the Stern MBA—a guide on how to get into NYU Stern, if you will.

The “How to Get Into NYU Stern” Checklist
  • Scores for one of the following tests:
  • Transcripts and degrees from all previous higher education (undergraduate and graduate)
  • Résumé or CV
  • Work history
  • Three application essays (plus a possible fourth optional one)
    • Professional aspirations essay (150 word maximum)
    • Essay about embracing change (350 word maximum)
    • “Visual” essay (6 pictures with captions)
    • One additional optional essay to give more information about yourself (250 word maximum)
    • See NYU Stern’s application essays web page for more info.
  • Two recommendations
    • One must be from a current supervisor; if that’s not possible, you’ll need to provide an explanation as to why.
    • See the Stern MBA EQ Endorsements page for more details on recommendations.
This checklist should get you started. For full details, including how to submit your application materials, see the official Stern MBA application website. For a table of application deadlines, see the Stern deadlines page.

Academics and Programs for an NYU Stern MBA
The Stern MBA academics web page—and the links on that page—have a wealth of information. Below, I’ve summarized the key aspects of Stern’s academic offerings.

Part Time and Full Time Programs
NYU Stern offers both full and part-time MBA programs, allowing more students to simultaneously enjoy the benefits of work and graduate business study in New York City. The campus’ Greenwich village location is easily accessible via public transportation.

Electives and Concentrations
It’s because of this location 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 roughly three times more part-time students than it does full-time students (source: U.S. News and World Report). 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. This flexibility is particularly nice for the large part-time contingent. Being able to choose freely among courses makes a part-time degree a lot easier to manage. You can read more about the core courses and the electives on NYU Stern’s curriculum page.

There’s far more to the curriculum than just the wide variety of electives. The Stern MBA program offers optional concentrations in 27 different areas. If you find it hard to pick just one, you’re in luck. Because the Stern MBA is so flexible and customizable, you can complete up to three concentrations during your studies.

Other Stern MBA Programs
Besides the standard full-time or part-time MBA programs, NYU Stern also offers Executive MBAs, and MBAs in Tech and Fashion and Luxury. Dual degrees are possible as well!

Non MBA Business Grad Degrees at Stern
But wait, there’s more! One thing that makes the NYU Stern Business School unique is its sheer volume of non-MBA offerings.

For one thing, you can choose from nine different non-MBA Masters degrees. Choices include MS degrees in Accounting, Marketing and Retail Science, Global Finance, and more. This page on the NYU Stern website will provide more information for those who are interested in a Stern MBA and want also to explore similar grad school options.

If you’re especially interested in the academic end of the business world, Stern’s PhD program, a degree you may want to pursue after finishing your Stern MBA, may be right for you. Of course, going right into that PhD or starting in the pre-Doctoral program is also an option.

Is NYU a good choice for your MBA?
Is the Stern MBA good? Well, it’s well-ranked and well-respected, ranked at number 10 for American MBA programs by U.S. News and World Report. That said, there are a number of comparable top MBA programs you could choose from in the top 10 or 20 B-schools. The real question here is whether or not the Stern MBA is good for you.

 

Advantages of NYU Stern
 

One decided pro in favor of attending NYU’s business school is the flexibility you get. Not only can you easily be either part-time or full time, but you can also take a very wide variety of electives and concentrations. As noted above, you can also take pursue other degree paths, outside of but similar to the traditional MBA.

Stern also emphasizes research and hands-on-experiences in building businesses. The Stern MBA program’s research initiatives and supports for entrepreneurship are world class!

The long-term benefits of earning a Stern MBA—the employment outcomes—also look good. Within three months of graduation, 92% of graduates have received job offers, and 89% of them have accepted a job. Furthermore, the jobs tend to be great ones! Nearly 65% of all Stern MBA graduates go on to work in consulting or financial services. The average starting salary for a NYU Stern MBA graduate is $143,858 a year. Of course, there’s a lot more to the employment numbers than just the figures above. Fortunately, Stern is very transparent about its employment outcomes, You can read their full employment report to learn more.

Possible Disadvantages to the NYU Stern School of Business
There are downsides as well. For one thing—as you may have inferred when reading the student profile—NYU Stern is not very diverse. At least, not in comparison to many other similarly high-profile business schools. They have a lower proportion of women, and both minorities and underrepresented minorities are—well—underrepresented.

The cost is also a consideration. Tuition is $157,400 total for two years as a full time MBA student, and the registration fees alone cost well over four thousand dollars (source: NYU Stern). This is not expensive per se compared to comparable world-class MBA programs. Still, B-school isn’t cheap, and the costs I outline above can feel particularly challenging when stacked alongside New York City’s high cost of living. To maximize your return on investment, accepted students are encouraged to apply for Stern MBA scholarships.

Still, if you want to be at the epicenter of US and world finance, NYU is in New York, and, as Woody Allen, one of the most famous New Yorkers has said, “At least 90% of life is showing up.” Being in New York is different from not being in New York, and for some, that difference alone just might make NYU Stern more than worthwhile, even when downsides are considered.

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UT Austin MBA: How to Apply to McCombs School of Business [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: UT Austin MBA: How to Apply to McCombs School of Business
With a collaborative and collegial environment that prizes entrepreneurship, the UT Austin MBA program at McCombs has a lot to recommend it. Not only is the program well-situated in Austin, Texas, but U.S. News & World Report also ranks it #18 in full-time American MBA programs (and #7 for part-time MBAs!). So if you have your eye on this business school, keep reading to find out more about how to get in and what a UT Austin MBA education entails!

UT Austin MBA Class Profile
Studying the stats of the most recent class admitted to the UT Austin MBA program can help you understand what your goals should be for test scores and GPA–as well as what the overall composition of the student body looks like. Take a look!

Acceptance Rate

36.9%

Class Size241

GMAT (average)704

GMAT (middle 80%)650-740

GPA (undergraduate average)3.44

Average Work Experience6 years

Average Age 29

Women34%

International Students10%

U.S. Minorities31%

(Sources: Texas McCombs, US News)

With the UT Austin MBA acceptance rate at just over 1/3 of applicants, it’s important to stand out from the pack. Getting stellar application materials together can help you do this!



What You Need for Your McCombs MBA Application
With all of those stats in mind, how should you go about preparing to apply to the UT Austin MBA? Here’s what you’ll need to do!

1. Get your undergraduate transcripts ready.
Unlike some of its competitors, McCombs requires official transcripts on application, not enrollment, so request these from your undergrad institution right away!

2. Take an accepted test.
For the UT Austin MBA program (full-time), this is the GRE, the Executive Assessment (EA), or the GMAT. You’ll need these scores to submit your application.

3. Open an application and request your recommendation.
You’ll need just one letter for the ad com, and you should open an online application to send the official form to your recommender. Be careful not to send more than one–they won’t be read!

4. Get your essays ready!
While you’ll submit these with the online application, they should definitely take more time than filling in your name and address on the form, so plan ahead! There are two required essays:

1. We will learn a lot about your professional background through your resume and letter of recommendation, but we want to get to know you further. Please introduce yourself. Select only one communication method for your response.

a. Write an essay (250 words)

b. Share a video introduction (one minute in length)

2. Picture yourself at the completion of your MBA journey. Describe how you spent your time as a Texas McCombs MBA student to achieve your personal and professional goals. (500 words)

You’ll also have the opportunity to include an optional essay of up to 250 words, detailing anything you think the admissions committee should know about you and your application.

If you are from an underrepresented minority group, the essays are a great place to highlight how you and your background would be an asset to the school. As Cara Skikne, MBA admissions expert, told Magoosh, if you are from one of these groups:

Don’t self-select out. Don’t let your concept of what a typical MBA student should look like, hold you back. Business schools are obsessed with diversity and with getting perspectives from different life experiences and backgrounds. Bring those perspectives into your application. Be authentic rather than telling admissions officers what you think they want to hear.

5. Upload your resume and submit your application.
The UT Austin MBA program requires, rather than recommends, a resume, so this is worth spending time on! This should be professional and focus on your work experience. Keep in mind that successful applicants generally have at least two years’ work experience (post-bachelor’s degree).

Then, it’s time to submit! Don’t forget to give your application a thorough proofread before clicking that final button!

For more application advice direct from the McCombs adcom, check out these admissions tips from the McCombs School of Business!

UT Austin Program Overview
What can you expect from a UT Austin MBA? Here’s an overview of the curricula for the primary programs the school offers.

Full-time MBA
With students selecting 70% of their coursework from 100+ electives, UT Austin MBA students have an exceptional opportunity to design their own programs. During the first semester, students focus on core, required classes. The second semester, they can take two electives. Their second year focuses entirely on courses of their own choosing, as well as fellowship opportunities.

Working Professional MBA
This seven-semester program unfolds with three semesters per year, allowing for an intensive program that can still fit into working professionals’ schedules. Unlike the full-time program, this degree focuses on required coursework, without the choice of electives.

Weekend MBA
This 48-credit course takes place on the weekends, giving students even more flexibility to pursue their degrees while continuing regular employment. Unlike the other UT Austin MBA programs,this program of required courses primarily takes place in Dallas/Fort Worth, though it is supplemented by two intensives (one per year) in Austin.

Executive MBA
The UT Austin Executive MBA includes intensives around the country, from Austin to New York City to Washington, D.C. The two-year program of required coursework includes such immersions both nationally and internationally. During the summers, students participate in six-day-long Global Immersion trips to complement their Global Practicum course. Here, students observe local businesses in practice.

Is UT Austin a good MBA program?
If you have any doubt about UT Austin MBA program’s quality, a quick glance at the U.S. News & World subrankings should help clear your worries! The school is ranked #1 nationwide in accounting; #4 in information systems; #5 in business analytics; and #9 in entrepreneurship–and this doesn’t include the numerous other UT Austin MBA fields of study that come near the top of the list! (Source)

Other than its rankings, however, the experience at UT Austin has inspired a loyal and large alumni network. Part of this may be due to its renowned Fellows Program, which places students in businesses for real-world experience while also providing seminars and coaching to help them achieve their goals.

Finally, McCombs has both a local and global emphasis. Its students benefit from its placement in Austin and the school’s strong industry connections, but also have the opportunity to do “study tours,” 1-2 week long placements abroad. The UT Austin MBA program also boasts 30 exchange programs, as well as an international “adventure program” for future full-time students to meet their peers before classes start!

In other words: if you’re looking for a tight-knit community with global connections and top-notch academics, McCombs might be the right program for you!

Still want to explore other options? Say no more! For extra advice and links to other school admissions guides, head on over to the Magoosh Top MBA page.

The post UT Austin MBA: How to Apply to McCombs School of Business appeared first on Magoosh Blog — GMAT® Exam.
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MIT Sloan MBA: Complete Guide to Admissions [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: MIT Sloan MBA: Complete Guide to Admissions
Does MIT have an MBA program? You bet it does! Although MIT is best known for engineering and other tech related fields, the MIT MBA is quite prestigious, and is on Magoosh’s top 25 list for MBA programs. Read on to learn more about the Sloan MBA program.

MIT Sloan MBA Program: GMAT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and GPA
Is the MIT MBA any good? Without a doubt, it’s an elite, high-quality MBA. So if you’re asking that question, you’re likely really wondering if it’s a good option for you personally. The best way to know if MIT is right for you is to look at the information in the class profile—the statistics about the most-recently accepted class of MIT MBA students.

This info can be divided into two categories. There’s admissions info—statistics that are directly related to admissions decisions and your chance of being admitted yourself, such as years of work experience or GPA; these pieces of data answer the question. Then there’s demographic information—information about the gender, race, and so on. This info is not directly used by the admissions committee, but it can give you a feel for the shared social qualities and background of MIT Sloan students.

Check out the tables below for the MIT MBA class profile information. Unless otherwise noted, these numbers come from the Sloan MBA’s own profile page for the incoming class of 2022.

MIT MBA Acceptance Rate, Test Scores, and Average GPA

Admission StatisticClass of 2022 Numbers

Total enrollement484

Acceptance rate14.6%

Median GMAT Score720

Median GPA 3.54

Top two undergraduate degreesBusiness/Econ: 35%

STEM: 33%

Average work experience5 years

The acceptance rate numbers come from U.S. News and World Report. As you can see, an academic background in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math can really work in your favor in this particular program, as can transcripts from undergraduate majors in business or economics.



BONUS TABLE: Sloan MBA GMAT Score Ranges
I’d be remiss if I didn’t give you some extra info on GMAT score ranges in relation to the average GMAT score, and how they impact your application to the Sloan MBA. This is, after all, the Magoosh GMAT Blog. (Sloan does accept GRE too, and you can check out our GRE Blog and GRE prep service for support with that test.) And now, a detailed answer to the question “What is a good GMAT score for Sloan?”

GMAT Score RangeChances of getting into the MIT MBA program

The safe zone: 740-800.Even on the low end of this range, you're comfortably above the mean score of 720. Of course, this zone being "safe" assumes that your other application materials (resume, cover letter, GPA, work experience, etc...) are at or above Sloan's averages. Remember that your test scores-- and your other numbers for that matter-- aren't the only thing that get you int he door. Your resume and your values and goals, as demonstrated by you video statement, are also very important.

The “in the running zone”: 700-740.Scoring in this range still definitely gives you a good chance of being accepted. But you'll want your other numbers to be average or above average. And the things that can't be measured so clearly by numbers-- the quality of your resume, references, and personal statement, for instance, should be high quality.

The “pretty please?” zone: 650-700.This places you below the average score of 720 and can potentially put you outside of the middle 80% GMAT score range of 680-760. It's not impossible to get accepted with these kinds of GMAT scores. But to have a chance, the rest of your application should be a 9 out of 10, quality-wise.

The RARE exception zone: 600-650.There will be very few exceptions made in admissions for students with a score this low. Remember in the cell above this one in this table, where I encouraged you to have an application that's a 9 out of 10. For this lower score range, try 11 out of 10! Or better yet, consider retaking your GMAT.

Demographic Info for the Sloan MBA

Demographic categoriesNumbers

Women38%

International students33%

U.S. minorities40%

U.S. underrepresented minorities19%

White students60%

More About the MIT MBA 2022 Class Profile
First, I’d like to emphasize that the numbers above are just a quick snapshot. Sloan itself offers additional info related to academic and work background, international origins, racial identity, GRE scores, and more. I’d definitely encourage you to check out the official MIT MBA class profile page to see every detail of the “big picture.”

When looking at the demographics, I would also encourage you to apply even if you don’t see your gender or race represented as well as you’d like. Business schools have a passion for diversity and inclusion, and the Sloan MBA is no exception. Just because your background is underrepresented doesn’t mean that you and others like you won’t be accepted and welcomed. In fact, those who are underrepresented may even be sought out as MIT Sloan works toward maintaining a more balanced student body. In fact, part of the mission of the MIT Sloan School of Management is to be as inclusive as possible!

How to Get Into the MIT Sloan School of Management: Application Process
Let’s look at when to apply, and what to do when you apply.

The MIT MBA Application Rounds
MIT Sloan accepts MBA applications in three rounds: Round 1 (late September), Round 2 (mid-to-late January), and Round 3 (mid-April). Magoosh has an excellent guide for how you can plan your test prep and other admissions prep around this common 3-round timetable. See the “application dates” section of our GMAT Test Dates article!

With that in mind, when will you know if you got in? Typically, the MIT MBA program will notify you of their decision in 2-3 weeks. So what about exact dates? Well, that varies from year-to-year. But for the current exact dates, you can consult MIT’s own How to Apply to the MBA Program web page.

MIT Sloan MBA Application Checklist
That admissions page I linked to immediately above also has a detailed description of the admissions materials you need to complete. Once you’re ready to apply, you’ll definitely want to check that out. But for now, here’s a quick summary checklist of the items you need to include in your Sloan MBA application:

  • Online application profile (register here)
  • Cover letter (300 words max, excluding the greeting and sign-off wording, no other essays are needed)
  • Resume (1 page max, Times Roman, 10 point font)
  • Video statement (60 seconds max, no editing, music, or special effects)
  • Letter of reference (one letter from a professional reference)
  • Additional references (provide MIT with the contact info for two additional references; each recommender will then be contacted by the school)
  • An organizational chart (gives context to your current employment position, 2 pages max)
  • Academic transcripts (for all current or past higher education study)
  • Standardized test scores (GMAT or GRE)
  • Relevant courses and certifications (MIT has a list of the kinds of courses and certifications you should list on their How to Apply page.)
  • $250 Application fee, with fee waivers possible for:
    • Veteran or active duty U.S. military personnel
    • Current Teach for America members or alumni
    • Current Peace Corps members
    • MLT/Jumpstart MBA Prep Fellows
    • Forté MBA Launch Participants
MIT Sloan MBA Curriculum
Like so many other top-tier MBA programs, the MBA at MIT focuses on required “core classes” in the first year. But they engage in this common practice with a twist or two! Most noticeably, all core classes are completed within the first semester!

With a core portion so short—and so much emphasis on electives after the core—you may ask yourself what the academic focus of such a small core could even be. The answer is that the focus is less on specific academics, and more on teamwork. During that first core semester, students engage in team-building exercises with their cohorts and their smaller work teams within their cohorts. The cohorts and teams you’re assigned in this first semester will stay in place for the remainder of the degree, so that there’s a sense of group cohesion within the MIT Sloan community even as everyone goes in their own unique directions with their electives. The core courses themselves will focus on various broad aspects of management practice and on studies of more common conventional problems face by managers.

So let’s talk about those electives. Electives fill the bulk of the program, the final year and a half after the core, team-building first semester. A detailed description of class options (and core courses!) offered through the Sloan school of management can be found here. But elective offerings have even more flexibility than that; students can also take up to three additional graduate level courses from other programs outside of the Sloan School of Business, either through MIT or Harvard. In some cases, additional classes at Harvard Business school are also an option.

In addition to the core courses and electives, MIT MBA curriculum includes action learning labs. These labs provide experiential learning, partnering students with various businesses and organizations.

Last but not least, the MIT MBA program offers optional tracks. These tracks allow students to ass an emphasis to their coursework, if they want to. Currently, there ate three optional tracks: a finance track, an entrepreneurship & innovation track, and a track in enterprise management for innovative leaders.

But this complexity of choices extends beyond just the MBA program itself. Read on to learn about a rich range of other Sloan degree options.

Other Degrees Offered, Beyond the Sloan MBA
If you’re here, there’s a good chance you came here primarily to learn about the MIT’s full-time MBA, the degree we’ve discussed so far. But you just might be curious about other options… or perhaps now that I’ve mentioned there are other options, your curiosity is suddenly piqued! Below is a quick list of the other degree programs offered at Sloan:

Sloan MBA Employment Outcomes
We’ve looked a lot at how to get into the MIT MBA, and at what your experiences might be like once you get in. Now let’s look at what happens to Sloan MBA students after their studies. That’s right—I’m talking about employment outcomes.

Prospects for Getting a Job After Graduation
Before we look at salaries, we should first look at the chance that you’ll have at getting job after you finish school. After all, you can’t have a salary unless you have a job to begin with.

I’m happy to say that if you have just graduated from MIT with an MBA, your chances of getting a job offer and accepting it are very high. A staggering 95.5% of Sloan MBA degree holders are offered a job within three months of graduating—a high figure even by the standards of comparably prestigious MBA programs (Sloan is ranked number 5 for business schools in America by US News and World Report). 91.1% of Sloan graduates also accept a job offer within that 3-month post-graduation period.

The pay for these jobs is respectable as well. The average starting base salary is $144,140. Moreover, 79% of students also receive a signing bonus, with a bonus average of approximately $34,000. Of course, there’s much more to the numbers than that. For a breakdown of the industries and regions graduates are placed in, along with salary ranges by industry and region, see the full MIT Sloan MBA employment outcomes report.

As you’ll see, some incredible opportunities await those who complete the program. Although consulting and finance are common fields of hire, applicants have good prospects whether they intend to become a consultant, go into finance, or have other career goals.

The post MIT Sloan MBA: Complete Guide to Admissions appeared first on Magoosh Blog — GMAT® Exam.
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USC MBA Program: Everything You Need to Know to Apply [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: USC MBA Program: Everything You Need to Know to Apply
USC MBA Class Profile
I always advise students to look at the class profile for any MBA program they’re interested in. This recommendation certainly holds true for all of Magoosh’s Top 25 MBA programs, and the USC MBA program is no exception!

Why is the class profile important? Well, it tells you two things. First it tells you the academic achievement of students who are typically accepted. This helps you know what standards you should meet when you apply, answering questions such as “What GMAT score do I need for USC?” and “What GPA do you need for the USC MBA?” Second, it helps you understand what your learning environment will be like, by telling you the demographics of your classmates.

Below is a table that shows academic and demographic information for the USC MBA class of 2023. I’ve also included the USC MBA acceptance rate.

Class Profile: USC MBA Program, Class of 2023

Class Size218

Acceptance Rate24.3%

Average GMAT Score716

Average GPA3.57

Average Work Experience5.25 years

Minorities47%

Underrepresented Minorities21%

LGBTQ7%

Female36%

International Students34%

In the table above, the acceptance rate info comes from U.S. News and World Report. The rest of the data above comes directly from the USC Marshall MBA program’s own class profile page. I’d strongly encourage you to check out that class profile page, because it includes a lot of interesting additional information, including the academic and professional backgrounds of accepted students. On that page, notice that both business backgrounds and science backgrounds are quite common for MBA candidates in the class of 2023!



How to Get Into the USC MBA Program: Admissions Requirements
USC’s application process for the MBA program includes a number of requirements and steps. But before we get to the application checklist, I want to share a wonderful piece of news: the USC Marshall School of Business DOES NOT CHARGE AN APPLICATION FEE for its MBA program! This really is a breath of fresh air, and their reasoning really brought a smile to my face. On their application requirements page, USC Marshall says:

The Marshall Full-Time MBA Program does not require an application fee. Rather we prefer to consider any candidate who has a genuine interest in our program regardless of the ability to pay a fee.

Isn’t that wonderful? In additional good news, the USC Marshall MBA doesn’t require reference letters either! OK, on that note, let’s look at what you do need in order to apply to the USC Marshall MBA.

Register For and Complete an Online Application
You can sign up and start your online USC MBA program application here.

Academic Transcripts
You’ll need to submit transcripts that demonstrate you have completed a bachelor’s degree; you’ll also need to submit all transcripts from any past or present university study.

GRE or GMAT Scores (if applicable under USC MBA Program rules)
USC Marshall generally requires test scores form its applicants, but there are a number of exceptions. Current USC Medical students who are applying for the MBA as part of a dual degree MBA/MD program don’t need to submit test scores. Other students may apply for a test waiver. To ask for a waiver, you should argue that you have demonstrated your ability– especially math ability– through other forms of achievement. More details can be found in the “Test Waiver” section of the USC Marshall Admissions Frequently Asked Questions page.

Application Essays
There are two required essays when applying for a USC MBA. Essay themes can vary from year to year. Currently, the USC Marshall MBA admissions committee requires a statement of purpose that is limited to 100 words and a personal statement letter that may be as long as 600 words. A third optional essay, max 250 words, may be written to explain anything other information applicants feel the adcom should know. For more details, click to expand the “Essays” section of USC Marshall’s admissions requirements page.

A Professional Resume
USC recommends that your resume should be one page in length, but they don’t treat that limit as a hard and fast rule.

Proof of English Proficiency
Typically, the USC MBA program asks students for TOEFL or IELTS scores as proof of English language ability. However, students who have completed an undergraduate program where the courses were taught in English can submit their undergrad transcripts instead of taking an exam. If you think your undergraduate degree may qualify, contact USC admissions to double-check.

How Much Does an MBA Cost at USC?
This is not part of the applications checklist per se, but certainly, the ability to pay for USC is an important part of getting into the door and staying in the program. Like most higher-rated MBA programs (US News and World Report puts USC Marshall in the top 20), tuition is relatively high compared to non-business grad school. Still, the USC MBA’s full-time tuition price tag of roughly $133k puts it within standard range for B-schools of its class. And they do offer scholarships. See the USC Marshall MBA’s Tuition and Fees page for details.

Remember though– the costs I linked above are specifically for the full-time MBA program. Costs can vary with the other MBAs USC offers. “What other MBAs?,” you may ask? Hold on to your B-school hats– we’re in for a wild ride through USC’s five different MBA options in the very next section.

USC MBA Program Overview
This section should answer a couple of common questions I get from students. First off, is the USC MBA competitive? Yes, but exactly how competitive it is– and what the exact standards are– varies depending on the program. Secondly, I’m sometimes asked “Does USC have a good MBA program?” It definitely does, but it also has, in fact, five good MBA programs! The USC Marshall school provides five distinct MBA options, each catering to different demographics.

1. Full-time USC MBA Program
Geared towards younger business professionals, the full-time MBA is a two-year program built upon a 5-term first-year core curriculum. Beyond this core, students have ample elective options to customize the program to their individual career goals. Elective categories include data science, marketing, entrepreneurship, business communication, and more. Accepted students have an average work experience of 5.25 years. With an average GMAT score of 716 and an average GPA of 3.57, 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. Per the class profile page for this USC MBA program, the average GMAT score (636) and average GPA (3.3) are a bit more attainable than the average standards for successful full-time applicants.

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. According to the program FAQ, the average GMAT score is 630 and the average GPA is 3.2. 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 focused 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. Ultimately though, experience is stressed over test scores where admissions are concerned. The average student age is 29 (compared to 29 for the full and part-time MBAs), and successful applicants have an average of 15 years of work experience (source: USC EMBA class profile page).

5. International Business Education and Research MBA (IBEAR MBA)
Finally, the IBEAR is a one-year accelerated program geared towards mid-career professionals and designed to aggressively recruit students from around the globe. Enrolled students will complete 56 units of coursework over six terms. There is also an option for an IBEAR degree with STEM emphasis. For details on these options, see the main curriculum page and the page for the STEM option.

The class profile page indicates that IBEAR students have an average GMAT score of 630, and typically possess 10 years of work experience. Because GPA systems vary so much from country to country, GPA is not a key admissions criteria for IBEAR. Ultimately, a small but diverse class size of 56 students from dozens of different countries ensures an intimate and cultured cohort.

Does USC have a good MBA program?
If you’ve read this far, you may already have ideas about many of the things that make USC’s MBA fairly good. But there are a few other unique aspects of the program to consider.

Alumni networking and support is certainly an important factor. USC takes their commitment to the network of Alumni and current students– what they call the Trojan Network— very seriously. And you can read even more about their alumni resources here.

Secondly, USC recruits and supports people with STEM interests and ambitions to an impressive degree. Arguably, they are on par with MIT’s MBA program in that respect. I’ve already mentioned IBEAR’s recently-added MIT emphasis. It’s worth mentioning that the regular full-time MBA at USC also has a well-established optional STEM emphasis.

Of course, return on investment is also a consideration. And USC provides a lot of info to help you investigate that aspect of your decision. Be sure to check out Marshall’s employment outcomes page, which includes detailed reports on earnings and job placements for the last seven years of graduating cohorts.

The post USC MBA Program: Everything You Need to Know to Apply appeared first on Magoosh Blog — GMAT® Exam.
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Chicago Booth MBA: The Complete Admissions Guide [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: Chicago Booth MBA: The Complete Admissions Guide
Chicago—a city is known for its deep-dish pizza, stunning Lake Michigan vistas, and yes, a world-class business education! Chicago Booth, also just referred to as “Booth,” is a prestigious MBA program at the University of Chicago. The Booth MBA program is currently ranked #3 in best business schools and #1 in part-time MBA programs, so you’ll have to be a very strong candidate to get in. Without further ado, let’s jump in and take a look at what it takes to get a Chicago Booth MBA!

Class Profile[/*]
[*]Application Process[/*]
[*]MBA Curriculum[/*]
[*]What makes the Booth MBA program unique?[/*]
[*]Employment Outcomes[/*]
[/list]

class of 2022. Here are the highlights:

Class ProfileAdmission Statistics

Acceptance Rate12%

Class Size620 (out of 5037 applicants)

GMAT (Average)732

GRE (Average)163 (Quantitative)

161 (Verbal)

GPA (Average undergraduate)3.6 (GPA range 2.8-4)

Average Work Experience5 years

Women Students42%

International Students39%

Student Holding Graduate Degrees16%

Average Age of Full-Time Students28

Minority Students44%

Underrepresented Minorities20%



applying to Chicago Booth, but below is an application checklist covering the key application components.

Online Application and Application Fee
You’ll need to submit your application over the web. You can register for that online app and access it from theBooth MBA application page.

To submit the application, Booth asks for a $250 processing fee. While a $250 fee is not necessarily expensive for a top-tier grad school, it’s not exactly cheap either. If you’re interested in getting the fee waived, you may be able to do that. Waivers are available to those who have participated in certain kinds of work or study programs. For more info, go to Booth’s admissions FAQ page, and click the question “Am I eligible for a fee waiver?”

Essays for Booth MBA
You will be asked to submit two required essays as part of your Booth application. As far as formal requirements, you may use your judgement about how long. This year’s required essay prompts are as follows:

  • How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)
  • An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)
Additionally, you may also choose to compose an essay based on the following optional prompt:

  • Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? (Maximum 300 words.)
What might you feel the need to explain a bit further in this essay? Perhaps your grades dipped, you took off a period of time from work, or you experienced a hardship or extenuating circumstance. Include anything that you feel impacts your application and therefore requires additional elaboration.

Of course, it’s better to skip the question than to over-explain something that doesn’t really relate to your application.

Finally, if you’re re-applying to Booth, you’re required to compose an additional essay in response to the following prompt:

  • Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (Maximum 300 words.)
Booth MBA Test Scores
Does the Booth MBA program require the GMAT? Booth requires either the GMAT or GRE as part of your application. For the class of 2022, 83% of admitted students submitted GMAT scores and 17% of admitted GRE scores.

When you initially apply, Booth accepts self-reported scores on the honor system, meaning you can simply state on your application what scores you received. However, if your scores are self-reported and you then get accepted, this acceptance will be conditional. In other words, you won’t be fully admitted until you submit your official score report. At this time, you can submit your GMAT scores using code H9X-9F-34 or your GRE scores using code 0685. Also, scores are valid for five years.

International students from non-native-English speaking backgrounds may also need to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores. For details, go to Booth’s instructions for international Chicago-Booth applicants.

Transcripts
You’ll need to submit transcripts for any undergraduate or graduate studies you’ve done so far. When you apply, you can send scans of your transcripts electronically. You’ll need to send official transcripts if you’re admitted.

Resume
Of course, in an MBA application, work experience is about as important as your academic track record. This is why Chicago Booth asks you to send them a one-page resume. What does a strong resume look like? I’m glad you asked! Chicago Booth itself offers a detailed list of winning resume tips and tricks for their MBA program.

Letters of Recommendation for Booth MBA Admissions
Booth requires two letters of recommendation as part of your application. Both letters should be from people who know you well and can speak both to your character and your potential to succeed at Booth. Booth even goes so far as to say that you should not choose your recommenders based on reputation and status. Rather, choose them based on their ability to speak to specific strengths and contributions you have made.

The first letter should ideally be written by a current or former supervisor who has worked with you directly in a professional setting. If you work for a family business, please do not select a family member to write this letter, but opt for another professional client.

The second letter should come from another professional connection, for example, a colleague at a particular place of employment or organization where you volunteer.

Your recommenders will also be asked to complete an assessment of you that answers questions about your general work performance and your ability to take and use constructive feedback.

Overall, choose individuals who can speak authentically and emphatically on your suitability for admission into Booth’s MBA program.

Interviews
If you are being strongly considered for admission based on the rest of your application, you will be invited to an admissions interview. The Chicago Booth Admissions page says that interviews take place either on the campus or “in a location convenient for you.” In the current pandemic era, this likely includes remote interviews. If you have more questions about that option, it’s best to email admissions@chicagobooth.edu.

For more tips and tricks on the interview process, check out interview tips from Chicago Booth admissions.



four different MBA programs (full-time, evening and weekend MBA program, and EMBA) and they’re detailed below:

ProgramOverviewTypical Time to CompleteYears of Work Experience (mid 80%)Age of Students (mid 80%)

Full Time MBAA highly multidisciplinary, flexible full-time MBA program that includes an internship halfway through the program. 21 months3-726-31

Evening MBAA program designed for professionals working full-time during the day. Evening classes are held downtown Chicago.2.5-3 years2-925-33

Weekend MBAAn MBA program held on Saturdays. Students can take in-person classes downtown Chicago or take classes virtually from anywhere in the United States.2.5-3 years3-1026-34

Executive MBA A unique MBA program intended to help students build upon existing professional skills. This program is held in Chicago, London, and Hong Kong.21 months8-2031-44

Now, let’s take a closer look at the Booth MBA curriculum.

Regardless of which program you take, Booth’s curriculum centers around what they consider the fundamentals of business: accounting, economics, psychology, sociology, and statistics.

Beyond that core, Booth’s curriculum is highly adaptable and customizable to your own areas of interest. In other words, you’ll have a great deal of freedom in designing your own curriculum. That said, below are some key curricular components of the full-time MBA program. Note that the curriculum is very similar to the Executive MBA, with slightly different formatting. (Booth’s EMBA stands out from other executive MBA programs in how well it’s integrated with the regular full-time MBA.)

LEAD
LEAD is a leadership workshop that will happen at the very beginning of your Booth studies. And I do mean at the very beginning. LEAD transcends typical classroom instruction; it begins before the academic year has even properly started. The coursework starts during orientation week before the actual academic semester begins. But then it continues into that first term. Another distinguishing feature of LEAD is that it’s facilitated by classmates (second-year students) rather than by instructors. For more information about this unique component of the Booth MBA, read the MBA Leadership Development page for the program.

Qualified Work Experience
Like most other top MBA programs, Chicago Booth includes direct work experience with firms as part of the degree paths. The qualified work experience component of the Booth MBA consists of internships that Chicago facilitates. You can read all about it on the .FoundationsFor the “Foundations” coursework, students need to take one class in financial accounting, one in microeconomics, and one in statistics. Within those categories, though, there’s a lot of flexibility! Accounting and microeconomics both have five different possible courses to choose from, and stats offers an impressive array of 9 courses.Functions, Leadership & Management, and the Business EnvironmentLike Foundations, this component of the curriculum gives categories to choose courses from. In this case, however, the categories are functions, leadership & management, and business environment. Here though, you do have somewhat less flexibility in which courses you can choose. There are eight classes between the three categories, and you’ll need to choose 7 of those classes and take them. So it may be more helpful to think of this in terms of choosing one class to eliminate, and then taking all of the other classes.ElectivesThis is where your range of choice becomes truly broad. MBA candidates at Chicago Booth may choose ten electives… from a group of hundreds! Chicago Booth alone offers roughly 200 MBA electives, ranging from essential topics (such as supply chain strategy, financial instruments, venture capital, and investment banking) to intriguing theoretical and ethical topics learned in classes with names like Crony Capitalism and Storytelling and Narratives in Business. And you can also take electives from other graduate programs at the University of Chicago, including ones outside of their business school!

study abroad programs page for details.

In terms of research, Booth has numerous research centers and initiatives and a robust faculty research program that’s very open to student participation. Perhaps best of all, the results of Booth’s research and case studies are widely publicized for public benefit on the Booth Review website. (Also note that research opportunities are open to current students, Booth alumni, and even people from outside of the Booth community who will otherwise not attend the Booth MBA!)



a full report.

Ultimately though, these are respectable numbers. A 90+% rate for both job offers and employment in the first quarter after graduation is very respectable, even among high-ranked MBA programs like Chicago Booth. The same goes for that median pay of $150k.

Return on investment is, in practical terms, the most tangible, measurable factor in whether an MBA program is a good investment. You can look into the data above and info from other years at Booth’s main employment report hub page. Hopefully the employment data, stacked against current tuition rates, really helps you pull your decision together as you consider Chicago Booth!

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GMAT vs CAT: Which Test is Right For Me? [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: GMAT vs CAT: Which Test is Right For Me?


While thinking about an MBA, students often encounter the dilemma of taking the GMAT vs. CAT. The Common Admissions Test (popularly known as the CAT) is a national-level exam in India accepted by the majority of the top MBA programs in the country. On the other hand, the Graduate Management Admissions Test (often known as the GMAT) is accepted in over 7000 business programs offered by over 2000 business schools across the globe, including a few top schools in India like the Indian School of Business (ISB), XLRI, and MDI.

Want to know more about which exam might be better suited for your goals and profile? Here’s all you need to know about the differences between the GMAT and the CAT.

Comparing GMAT vs. CAT

Both the GMAT and the CAT are standardized tests (with an online mode available) designed to test applicants on quantitative ability, reasoning skills, and data interpretation skills. The main differences between these two top MBA entrance exams are listed in the table below.

ParameterGMATCAT

Organizing InstitutionGraduate Management Admission CouncilIndian Institute of Management

Eligibility CriteriaThe applicant should be at least 13 years old. No upper age limit.A minimum of 50 percent marks in the bachelor’s program. No age restrictions.

Acceptability of the ExamBusiness Schools around the globeIndian Business Schools

Validity of the ExamValid for five yearsValid for one year

When Applicants Can Take the ExamYear-round (taken as per the student's convenience)Once a year (conducted at a fixed time)

Exam Format and DurationFour sections consisting of 80 questions that have to be attempted in 187 Minutes. The four sections are Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment, and Integrated Reasoning.Three sections consisting of 100 questions that have to be attempted in 120 Minutes

Score FormatScore+percentileOnly percentile is reported

Exam FeeUSD 250INR 2,000 approximately

Max number of attemptsA maximum of five attempts in one year is allowed. There should be a difference of 16 days between consecutive attempts. Overall, eight attempts in a lifetime are allowed.No such restriction except for the fact that the exam can be taken only once a year when conducted by the authorities.

Now, let’s deep dive into some of the critical differences.

GMAT vs. CAT Difficulty

Honestly, it depends on the preparation type and personal comfort of the test takers. Some people find the GMAT more difficult due to the kind of questions asked and the adaptive question format. While taking the CAT, the students can see the entire paper and identify the questions they should attempt to answer, in order to maximize the score in the given time. When it comes to the GMAT, you can only see, and therefore attempt to answer, one question at a time. Skipping a question on the GMAT usually leads to a penalty.

On the other hand, some people find the CAT more difficult due to a high percentile competition. For instance, you need a 99+ percentile to be able to get into top IIMs. Moreover, the syllabus is slightly less structured than the GMAT, and the questions on the exam are slightly more difficult than on the GMAT, making the preparation more challenging.

This brings us to our next point of comparison.

Syllabus

The GMAT exam has four sections, namely Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and Integrated Reasoning while the CAT has 3 Sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. As mentioned above, the GMAT tests applicants on Analytical Writing apart from Quantitative Ability, Reasoning Skills, and Data Interpretation.

While you can easily find the topics that are commonly tested on both of the exams online, there is no exact syllabus prescribed by the organizing institutes. While we are comparing the syllabus, it is important to look at the type of content that comes in the respective exams. Let’s look at the syllabus one section at a time.

  • Quantitative Ability
    The quant section is comparatively more difficult on the CAT. While similar concepts are tested, the GMAT asks comparatively more basic questions and the CAT tests more complex concepts from the same topic.
  • Verbal Ability
    The CAT Verbal focuses on reading comprehension a lot more than the GMAT, while the GMAT Verbal test Sentence Correction and Critical Reasoning along with Reading Comprehension. Hence, the GMAT has a heavy English grammar component which is not featured in the CAT exam. With the CAT, the applicants need to focus more on paragraph structure than the grammatical structure of sentences and phrases. Usually, the GMAT poses a much greater challenge for Indian and other non-native candidates as compared to the CAT.
  • CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning vs. GMAT Integrated Reasoning
    Here, the similarity is that both the CAT Data Interpretation and the GMAT Integrated Reasoning have graphs, charts, and math operations that test the candidates’ data interpretation skills. On the GMAT, graphs and charts are more detailed compared to the CAT, with paragraphs of accompanying text. An important point of difference is the fact that while the CAT’s DILR section is a part of the overall score, the GMAT’s IR section is not counted for the score out of 800, and its result is separately reported on the GMAT scorecard.

    The CAT Logical Reasoning is nothing like the GMAT IR. On the CAT LR, the applicants need to detect and comprehend logical patterns. Though there are elements of logic, logical pattern comprehension is not tested directly on the GMAT.

Adaptive vs. Non-Adaptive Format

A fundamental difference between the two is the adaptive nature of the GMAT exam.

GMAT questions are adaptive in nature. Fundamentally, what it means is that on the GMAT, the difficulty level of the next question is based on the response on the previous question. The exam starts with an average difficulty level question, and the applicants get a slightly easier or more difficult question as they progress through the exam. This means that the applicants can’t skip a question or return to it later. The exam needs to be solved one question at a time!

Meanwhile, the CAT has a non-adaptive format. The applicants can view the entire question paper, devise their strategy on which questions to attempt and in which order, review their responses, skip the ones they are unsure about to avoid negative marks, etc. Thus, the exam tries to evaluate the candidates’ ability to be selective and attempt the questions that maximize their score in the given amount of time.

Scores

On the GMAT exam, the candidates are marked between 200 and 800. Section-wise, the candidates are scored 0-6 for Analytical Writing Assessment, 1-8 for Integrated Reasoning, and 0-60 for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. Only the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are used to calculate the score out of 800. The Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning scores are reported separately on the scorecard.

The CAT exam is for 300 marks. Each of the 100 questions carries three marks for the right answer. Each wrong answer carries a negative mark, and the final score is based on the number of correct and incorrect answers. The CAT scorecard has a section-wise percentile as well as an overall percentile score reported.

Should I take the GMAT or the CAT?

This is a complex discussion influenced by a number of factors as well as the personal preference of the test taker. Here are some of the top factors you should consider before making a decision:

  • Target Schools:
    The CAT is mostly popular in India and a limited number of global colleges. Apart from 20 IIMs, 100+ business schools in India accept CAT scores. Some of the international schools such as SKEMA Business School, SP Jain Institute of Management, Singapore Management University also accept CAT scores.

    The GMAT is globally recognized and accepted in over 4000 business schools, including top B-Schools like Harvard Business School, Stanford, etc. Some Indian schools like ISB, XLRI, etc., also accept GMAT scores. Here is a detailedlist of Indian schools that accept GMAT scores. So, the applicant needs to identify the schools where they want to apply and use that as the most important factor to decide on which exam to prepare for.
  • Location:
    If you are planning to study and settle abroad, chances are you would need a good GMAT score. If you are planning to study in India, a top CAT score will provide more opportunities.
  • Scholarships:
    Merit-based scholarships, Need-based scholarships, and External scholarships can be explored for almost all global schools after taking the GMAT exam. This is another factor that you should consider before deciding which exam is the right one for you.

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What is a STEM MBA? Top STEM MBA Programs in 2022 [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: What is a STEM MBA? Top STEM MBA Programs in 2022


As per the World Economic Forum, over 100 million new jobs will emerge as the workplace becomes more digitized. To fill the gap for business leaders capable of understanding and leveraging technology in a tech-driven world, many universities across the globe have started offering STEM MBA programs. STEM MBA programs are designed to simultaneously provide you with business fundamentals as well as technology and analytical skills. It helps business leaders make decisions in a dynamic environment by leveraging data analytics tools while leading cross-functional teams.

But before we deep dive into the benefits of a STEM MBA program, let us first understand exactly what a STEM MBA program is.

What is a STEM MBA?
STEM is an acronym for “science, technology, engineering, and mathematics” and generally relates to technical careers. Meanwhile, a typical MBA program covers the foundations of a business and touches a broad range of subjects, including finance, marketing, economics as well as technology. Thus, business and management degrees don’t typically fall under STEM.

A STEM MBA or a STEM-certified MBA offers a curriculum taught with an emphasis on STEM applications in addition to the management fundamentals. The program typically includes specialized courses on accounting, decision theory, economics, technology law, statistics, etc., while providing the necessary management science and leadership skills to occupy companies’ leadership roles.

What’s the difference between STEM MBA and MBA?

The traditional MBA courses focus on building learners’ business and managerial skills.

Meanwhile, STEM MBA also focuses on learners’ technical skills. The current trend suggests that employees with capabilities of making decisions using technology and analytics are more employable than traditional MBA graduates of similar profiles.

In terms of courses, the STEM MBA program offers courses in the category of Business Analytics, Accounting with Statistics and Mathematics, Management in Information Systems, etc. It also covers other domains like Financial Management and Investment Banking, Digital Marketing, Operations and Technology Management, and Supply Chain Management. At the same time, the traditional MBA programs focus more on Hospitality and Facility Management, Human Resource Management, Sales and Marketing Management, Entrepreneurship, Hotel Management, etc. To see which programs rank the highest, check out our list of the top MBA programs in 2022.

If we speak from students’ profiles perspective, many STEM MBA courses are open to STEM undergraduates or people working in STEM roles. In comparison, traditional MBA courses are available to students from all fields.

One of the other primary differences between the two is the extended OPT program for STEM MBA. This brings us to the next topic – the benefits of STEM MBA programs

What are the benefits of STEM MBA programs?
OPT Program for International Students

With visa restrictions coming into play, the STEM MBA course provides international students with more extended Optional Practical Training (OPT). With a typical program, global learners can stay and work in the U.S. for 12 months after graduation. However, since there is a need for STEM-trained professionals in the country, learners who graduate from STEM-designated programs are allowed to apply for a three-year OPT.

Eligible students have an option to apply for an extension of OPT after the initial period of 12 months. Refer to the US DHS page for STEM OPT for more details.

STEM MBA Students Are Equipped With Career-Ready Skills

As per Emerson’s report, increasing STEM skills shortage in the US will leave two million jobs empty by 2025. Almost every business is incorporating technology in its core value proposition. For instance, the rise of e-commerce, FinTech, and Social Media companies in the past few years has meant that technology is woven into the everyday tasks of most modern managers.

More Scope for International Students

Getting an H-1B visa has become very difficult for international students. Given the gap in talent pool in the STEM domain, students with STEM-MBA stand a better chance at getting hired and securing visas.

This creates a unique proposition for both local and international students looking to become equipped with career-ready skills in the US.

STEM MBA Programs in the US (2022)

These are the top STEM MBA programs in the US for 2022.

MBA ProgramSTEM DesignationProgram Length (months)

Arizona State: W.P. Carey School of BusinessSTEM designated MBA

21

Carnegie Mellon: TepperSTEM MBA

24

Chicago BoothFull-time MBA

24

Columbia Business SchoolMBA program

16-20

Cornell: Johnson School of ManagmentTech MBA

12

Harvard Business SchoolMBA with STEM specialization24

Indiana: Kelley School of Business

STEM designated Majors

24

Michigan Ross School of Business

MBA program

24

MIT: Sloan

MBA program

24

Northwestern University: Kellogg

STEM designated Majors

24

NYU Stern

Full-time MBA

24

Rice: Jones Graduate School of Business

Full-time MBA

24

Stanford Graduate School of Business

MBA program

24

UC Berkeley: Haas

MBA program

24

UCLA: Anderson

Full-time MBA

24

UMass Dartmouth: Charlton

MBA program

12

UNC Kenan Flagler

Full-time MBA

24

University of Connecticut (UConn)

STEM-designated MBA concentrations

21

University of Georgia: Terry

Pathway MBA program

12

University of Rochester: SimonMBA with a STEM designated option

24

University of Texas: McCombs School of Business

STEM designated concentrations 24

Wharton School of Business

STEM designated Majors

24

Wisconsin School of Business

STEM-designated MBA

24

Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Foisie

Online MBA program for STEM professionals

32-64

With almost all top US school incorporating multiple options for aspirants to pursue STEM designated MBA programs, the importance and popularity of these program is only going to increase in the future. With the dual benefit of teaching a highly relevant and in-demand skill as well as providing international students a way to stay and work in the US for three years after graduation, the program hits a sweet spot for all aspirants.

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UPenn Wharton MBA: The Complete Guide to Admissions [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: UPenn Wharton MBA: The Complete Guide to Admissions


Wharton is one of the top B-schools across the globe and has consistently featured in the top tier all major B-school rankings. It was ranked the world’s #1 MBA program by Financial Times Ranking in 2022 for a record 11th time. The Wharton MBA program is a full-time, two-year MBA program at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League university in Philadelphia.

Wharton MBA Class Profile: GMAT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and GPA

Number of applicants7,338

Number of students enrolling in incoming class897

Percentage of international students36%

Percentage of female students52%

Percentage of students of color35%

Mean year of work experience5

Mean GMAT Score733

Median GMAT Score740

How to Get Into UPenn Wharton: Admission Requirements
GMAT Scores for Wharton MBA

I’m just going to cut right to the chase on this one: no messing around because Wharton is not messing around when it comes to GMAT scores. In fact, it is the toughest out of all the top b-schools when it comes to scores.

Let’s take a look at the numbers:

For the Wharton incoming class of 2023, the average GMAT score was 733, the median score was 740. You read that right. More than half of the incoming class had a stellar GMAT score of 740 or above. Compare this to Harvard, which had a median GMAT score of 730, and it is clear that Wharton’s median test score for the incoming class of 2023 was more than that of Harvard. Since GMAT scores are factored into the all-important U.S. News and World Report rankings, this could be Wharton’s way of letting us know they don’t think they are second best to anyone, and this is not good news for individuals who are hoping other laurels might carry a low GMAT score on their coattails. So it is safe to say that the first step to getting into Wharton is to aim for a stellar GMAT score.

Wharton reached another big milestone and achieved the highest ever-application, with the school reporting that over 7,338 candidates applied for admission, a 20+ percentage points increase over the last 2 years.

It is also worth noting that Wharton tends to appreciate an even split in quantitative and verbal scores more than some of its competitors, which is perhaps not surprising given its emphasis on well-roundedness and intellectual curiosity. So be wary if you think your stellar quant score is going to compensate for a weaker verbal score into Wharton’s hallowed halls.

Wharton GMAT Score Ranges

  • The safe zone: 730-800
  • The “in the running zone”: 700-730
  • The “pretty please?” zone: 650-690
  • The rare exception zone: 600-650

If your scores are in the “pretty please?” or “rare exception” ranges, I highly recommend you do some serious GMAT prep or consider the GRE as an alternative (although not many Wharton hopefuls are submitting GRE scores, the average GRE score of those admitted is typically lower than the average GMAT score of admitted students).

Application

The Wharton MBA program has a comprehensive application process, and anyone applying for it needs to cover the following core categories –

  • Basic Personal Information
  • Essays (2)
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2)
  • GMAT/GRE Score
  • English Language Test Score
  • Resume
Wharton MBA Curriculum

The Wharton MBA curriculum is the highlight of the MBA program. It has a one-of-a-kind structure with the perfect blend of rigor and flexibility. Make no mistake, it is a rigorous and intensive program that covers a broad range of cross-functional concepts including business fundamentals, leadership aspects, communication & analytical skills, etc.

The program has a fixed core part that is mandatory for all students while at the same time has a flexible core part to allow students to experiment and explore their areas of interest. Apart from imparting you the fundamentals of management, the Wharton MBA program allows you to specialize in one or more areas of interest by selecting a major and completing core as well as elective courses from that major. The program also has a flexible structure allowing students to take more electives in the first year to prepare for an internship, entrepreneurial venture, etc, and defer some core courses to their second year.

Why choose Wharton MBA?

Wharton School of Business is consistently recognized as one of the best business schools in the world. Whether it is their innovative teaching methods or their diverse range of academic programs, whether it is their immense resources or their largest and most cited faculty team, Wharton is a leader in all areas.

Breadth of Disciplines & Opportunities

Although it’s known for its strength as a finance program, Wharton is equally powerful in several other areas including entrepreneurship and technology. Wharton students have over 17 different majors to choose from and explore the areas of their interests. You can also take over a third of the classes from any of the other 11 schools under Penn University. The flexibility allows you to complement your foundational business skills with new-age skills like cloud technologies and blockchain or explore other interest areas from arts or science.

Wharton also provides various other avenues and opportunities to its students to ensure their holistic development.

  • Dual Degrees Programs
    You can pursue a dual degree program with any of the other schools under the Pennsylvania university. (Johns Hopkins School, Harvard Kennedy School, etc.)
  • Internship Track

    Students can explore opportunities to get practical experience and apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills through the internship track.
  • Independent Study Project

    Students can even pursue areas of interest that may not be covered by the course curriculum and receive comprehensive support from the school. ISPs not only allow students to get their work counted towards the official graduation requirements but also provide them with the supervision and support of a faculty member.
  • Depth of Support

    Wharton provides a strong support system through its dynamic community, global alumni network, and world-renowned professors. While Wharton MBA alone has roughly 50 different clubs, the students also have access to the 300+ clubs spread throughout Penn University. Similarly, the 200+ Wharton faculty team is complemented with over 1000+ professors in the 11 Penn Schools. So, no matter what interest areas you might have or what kind of peer group you might be in search of, you will find plenty of students in the same boat.

Wharton MBA Employment Outcomes

Like with any top MBA program, Wharton’s high rating has a lot to do with the career outcomes it creates for its graduates. Wharton graduates are some of the most sought-after job applicants in the country and across the globe. Over 99% of the graduating class of 2021 who was seeking a job received an offer right after earning their MBA. This was the largest class in Wharton’s history and yet managed the school’s highest-ever median base salary at $155,000.

The top three outgoing industries among the graduating class were financial services (35%), consulting (27%), and technology (18%). Since a big bunch of the student pool has prior finance experience, recruiters from banks and other financial institutes are extremely active on campus. A large number of graduates go into investment banking, corporate finance, and even hedge funds & private equity.

All of these factors combined is what makes Wharton’s MBA program one of the most sought after destination for MBA aspirants from across the globe.

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How Important Is GPA For MBA Admissions? [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: How Important Is GPA For MBA Admissions?

Is my GPA good enough for a good MBA program? Should I even bother to apply to certain colleges if my GPA is lower than a certain level? If these are the questions that keep popping into your head, then this blog is for you.

First of all, you are not alone. While applying for business schools, one of the most common doubts that applicants have is regarding the GPA required for MBA programs.

How does GPA factor into MBA admissions?

Your GPA is one of several other factors that make up your application. Along with your GMAT or GRE score, the GPA acts as an indicator of your academic aptitude and plays a vital role in your application. The admissions committee looks into the GPA to take an educated guess of how well you would be able to handle the academic rigor of an MBA program. If you are wondering whether you can handle the program, go through our blog on the general curriculum of an MBA program.

What is a good GPA after all? Honestly, it depends on the business program you are applying for and varies significantly from college to college. But, generally speaking, a good GPA is something between 3.0 to 3.5. It goes higher for top business schools. For example, institutes like Harvard and Stanford usually have classes with an average undergrad GPA of 3.5 and higher.

The average GPA for top business schools is listed below.

Average GPA for Top 20 Business Schools

MBA Program

Average GPA

Stanford University3.8

University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)Not given

University of Chicago (Booth)3.56

Northwestern University (Kellogg)3.56

Northwestern University (Kellogg)3.6

Harvard University3.7

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)Not given

Columbia University3.6

University of California—Berkeley (Haas)3.65

Yale University3.62

Dartmouth College (Tuck)3.5

Duke University (Fuqua)3.5

University of Michigan—Ann Arbor (Ross)3.45

University of Virginia (Darden)3.5

Cornell University (Johnson)3.33

Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)3.32

University of Southern California (Marshall)3.6

University of California–Los Angeles (Anderson)3.49

University of Texas–Austin (McCombs)3.44

University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)3.34

If your target school isn’t listed above, go through our list of the top MBA programs to find their respective average GPAs, average GMAT scores, etc.

Can you apply for an MBA with a low GPA?

There is no minimum GPA requirement for MBA admissions. A low GPA does not mean rejection. MBA schools take a variety of components into consideration. If your GPA is low, but you excel in other departments, you still stand a chance to get admitted to your dream program. For example, if your GPA is low, you can easily offset it with a high GMAT/GRE score or stellar essays. When business schools evaluate an application, they look at the entire profile and consider how an applicant might fit with the overall class. If they think you’ll thrive and bring a unique perspective to the program, you stand a great chance at your target school.

How to Overcome a Low GPA When Applying for Business Schools

You might be wondering how to overcome a low GPA. An application for business schools will have several other components including:

  • GMAT Score
  • Work experience
  • Letter of Recommendations
  • Essays
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Awards and achievements

If you do well on these components, you can offset your low GPA. If you have a low GPA but have a high GMAT score, you still stand a good chance since the GMAT is a more recent indicator of your academic rigor and shows how you have improved over time. However, a high GPA and a low GMAT score might raise a few concerns.

Highlight Your Low GPA

Another way to offset your low GPA might be to highlight it. You might find it strange, but highlighting your low GPA allows you an opportunity to justify why it happened. For instance, you might have gone through a personal loss in a particular year, or might have been selected for a national team and had to dedicate your time there. There are several factors that can affect a GPA, and B-schools want to understand the reason behind a low score.

There are also ways to acknowledge that your undergraduate GPA is low, but it’s not a representation of how far you have come and how you will perform as a future MBA student. This will typically be a part of your essay. MBA schools love students who have taken up leadership roles both in career and in extra-curricular activities. So, if you have led an organization, a local community project, or implemented a successful initiative in your society, it will offset your less than ideal GPA.

Bring Something to the Table

Work experience, obviously, also plays an essential role in your selection or rejection. If you have work experience in a high-growth area, for example, data science, you could be scored better than someone who has a high GPA but no relevant work experience. People who think their work experience is a better reflection of their capabilities must supplement their application with glowing letters of recommendation.

Your awards and achievements and extracurricular activities also play a key role. If you are a national-level player or have won government awards, you would become desirable. As mentioned earlier, B-schools are looking at your application from the point of view of “What do you bring to the table,” and they prefer students from diverse areas.

Taking extra courses might also help. For example, if you scored low in data science, you can take additional courses in a local community college. Take several courses to show an alternative transcript. Producing an alternative transcript will provide admissions committees with more evidence regarding your performance. Also, you will be able to improve grades, showcasing your tenacity to do well with the rigorous business school course load.

Final Thoughts on GPA and MBA

While there is no denying that a GPA is an important factor in the admissions process, it is not the only factor that matters. A good GPA increases your chance at selection, but you can offset a low GPA through other ways that show how well you will fit in the program, and all factors contribute towards this. Many people get into top business schools with comparatively low GPAs, and you can too. Just remember not to shy away from the efforts that it would demand!

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Introduction to GMAT Critical Reasoning [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: Introduction to GMAT Critical Reasoning


What is GMAT critical reasoning?

GMAT Critical Reasoning is one of the three question types found in the GMAT Verbal section. All CR questions contain a prompt (usually 100 words or fewer) that presents some sort of argument, which is followed by a question stem and 5 answer choices. The questions revolve around a logical analysis of the core argument and might involve strengthening it, weakening it, finding its underlying assumption, etc. You’ll find around 13 Critical Reasoning questions in the GMAT Verbal section. GMAT Critical Reasoning tests your critical thinking and logic skills more than your reading skills.

Logical reasoning is also one of the most important skills in the business world. Whether it is to decide if one strategy is better than another or what motivates your customers to continue buying from you, or to understand what concerns your company’s investors or to make effective sales pitches, well presented and logical arguments is the bedrock of a successful business manager. An effective manager has to be skilled at deciding: How would I strengthen or weaken this argument? What is the assumption of this argument? What further evidence would I need to evaluate this argument? In other words, a real-life manager needs to apply all the skills required for Critical Reasoning on the GMAT. Arguments are very important in business, and the skill of evaluating arguments is one that every manager should cultivate. That’s precisely why business schools want you to bone up on it and why the GMAT asks about it in Critical Reasoning questions.

The 8 Critical Reasoning Question Types

Every CR question on the GMAT will contain a short argument which is usually composed of 2 key parts – a premise and a conclusion. To do well on the GMAT CR, it is essential to identify and understand both of these components well. But before going into detail about the argument and sharing tips on how to crack CR questions, it is important to know the types of CR questions asked in the GMAT exam. The eight broad categories of GMAT Critical Reasoning questions are:

1) weaken the argument/find the flaw in the argument
2) strengthen the argument
3) find the assumption

4) draw inference/conclusion
5) structure of the argument, including boldface structure questions and dialogue structure questions
6) paradox
7) evaluate the conclusion
8 ) complete the argument

Types #1-4 account for approximately 75% of all GMAT CR questions. You can find out more about each one of these types in the linked blog articles or practice the various CR questions types here.

Top Tips for Improving in GMAT Critical Reasoning
Tip #1 – Read the Question First!
Step one of the general strategy for GMAT Critical Reasoning is: Read the question stem before reading the argument. Know which type of question you are going to have to answer, and read the argument with that question in mind. The basic idea is: when you know what you need to do, you will be reading the argument with that in mind.

Example: While most CR arguments will contain a conclusion and premises, some peculiar problem types like ‘complete the argument’ or ‘draw the conclusion’ might not have both. The ‘draw a conclusion’ questions definitely won’t have any conclusion in the argument. If you read the argument without looking at the question stem, you might waste time searching for a conclusion that isn’t there.

Therefore, read the question to understand exactly what is asked of you and approach a given problem accordingly.

Tip # 2 – Find that Unstated Assumption

Once you have identified exactly what the conclusion and the premise of the argument are, it is important to think about the underlying assumption holding the argument together. Our job is never to question the facts of the argument but to find that unstated assumption and question that gap between the facts and the conclusion. Ask yourself: What did the author need to be true in order to reach the conclusion?

In reality, every argument has three key components:

  • A premise, which is the facts or reasons that form the foundation of the argument;
  • A conclusion, which is usually the message of the argument and supported by the premise.
  • An assumption, which is usually not stated in the argument but must be true for the conclusion to be valid. In other words, if the assumption is found to be false, the entire argument will fall apart.

If you have a mathematical bent of mind, think of these components through the following equation:

Premise + (Unstated) Assumption + (extra context/background info) = Conclusion

To become good at solving CR questions, it is important to become good at analyzing the argument and identifying all these components of the argument. You can find more details regarding assumption questions here.

Tip #3 – Know What You’re Looking For Beforehand

In all Critical Reasoning questions, the GMAT gives one correct answer and four tempting and potentially confusing statements for the other choices. Folks who read the argument & question and then wander aimlessly into the answer choices without any further thought are asking to be perplexed, and, chances are, they spend much longer than necessary on many Critical Reasoning questions.

Go into the question with an idea of what you seek. For types #1-3, the best thing to do is to find the assumption of the argument — reaffirming or undercutting the assumption of an argument is the most powerful way to strengthen or weaken it. Finding the assumption may also be helpful in finding the flaw of the argument (if the flaw is a faulty assumption).

For the other question types, you will be less able to predict what the answer will be; still, formulating the task in your own words will help you. In your own words, what is the structure of the argument? What is the paradox that needs to be resolved? What kind of information would be required to evaluate the conclusion? etc. The more clearly you understand what type of information or argument will satisfy the question, the more quickly you will find it.

Tip #4: Read EXACTLY what is written

The majority of mistakes in the critical reasoning section often boil down to the same fundamental error that students make: misreading the argument, question stem, or one of the choices.

It is extremely important to take your time, stay engaged with the argument and read EXACTLY what is written without trying to paraphrase it. A single word can change the meaning of the conclusion or what piece of information can make that conclusion invalid. It might seem beneficial to simplify certain details or ignore certain modifiers that seem like ‘extra’ information for the argument. Reading carefully and noticing every modifier or extra information in the passage is the best way to avoid mistakes on GMAT.

Tip #5: Look for Four Wrong Answers, Not the Correct One.

Almost all Critical Reasoning questions will have at least a couple of choices that are clearly incorrect. When struggling through the confusing options, your focus should be to first find those low fruits and eliminate them. In the first pass, only eliminate the option choices that you are completely sure are incorrect. You can always go through the options again and iteratively make eliminations to find four incorrect choices. This will also allow you to “narrow the field” and focus on the more difficult or confusing choices that require slightly more focus and attention. Once you have done that, the last remaining choice, no matter how confusing or how strange, has to be the correct answer.

Critical Reasoning questions challenge your thinking skills and ability to critically analyze arguments. They need great attention to detail and are immune to most shortcuts or gimmicks. Follow the above discussed tips to understand what is tested in these questions and master the GMAT CR.

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Free GMAT Practice Questions and Resources [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: Free GMAT Practice Questions and Resources


You’ve realized that taking and acing the GMAT exam is the next best step for your career, so you’re now looking for available GMAT practice questions. If you’re now wondering whether there are free GMAT sample questions and tests, you’ve reached the right article!

The answer to that is YES. There are plenty of free GMAT mock tests, study guides, practice questions, and other resources available for you. Magoosh and other test prep websites offer different resources to help you prepare for your upcoming GMAT exam.

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Should you take GMAT practice tests on paper, online, or in CAT format?

Many 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 (or find an old test floating around the internet–the GMAC no longer sells them), 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. The GMAT, after all, is a computer-adaptive test.

The Value of Computer Adaptive Tests (CATs)

Computer-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 reaction to stress on the test day will also affect your scores.

With that said, the more solidGMAT practice tests you take under test-like conditions (which do involve computers), the more realistic your practice test scores will be.

The Value of Taking 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.

Additional GMAT Practice Resources

With that said, it’s important that you also have a list of GMAT practice resources. Today is your lucky day, we’ve done the job for you! Here are some additional GMAT practice tests and resources that you can use while preparing for your GMAT exam:

Helpful Youtube Channels


Flashcard Apps and Drills


Strategy and Study Guide


Diagnostic Tests


There are also other resources available online, so add your great GMAT prep finds to the list! Remember to also consult with your fellow GMAT takers and friends who’ve taken the GMAT in the past. Check different GMAT forums for recommended study guides, articles, and materials as well.

Takeaway

Now that we’ve reached the end of this article, always remember that when it comes to GMAT prep, it’s important that you are honest with yourself when taking the diagnostic tests. Know your strengths and weaknesses and use them when planning for your GMAT prep strategy.

Thanks to modern technology, you will not run out of available resources as you prepare for your GMAT exam. The challenge now is to filter down through these materials and find the best ones for you. When preparing for the GMAT, it’s important to take practice tests that are as close to the actual test. This includes trying to take the different tests in a similar environment as when you’re taking the actual exam.

When you’ve reached the last part of your prep period, remember to allow time to relax and rest before the actual test. Preparing and taking the GMAT exam are achievements on their own merits. When you’ve done your best preparing for the GMAT exam, all you can do is have faith in yourself and give yourself credit for everything you’ve achieved so far. Acing the GMAT exam will soon be within your reach too!

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Free GMAT Diagnostic Tests (Verbal and Quantitative) [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: Free GMAT Diagnostic Tests (Verbal and Quantitative)


Curious about where you would stack up compared to others taking the GMAT test? Take our FREE GMAT Diagnostic Tests (Verbal and Quant) to gauge your skills on the GMAT exam. Answer explanations and a link to your recommended study plan will display at the end of each GMAT exam.

GMAT Quantitative Diagnostic
Enter your email below to start the Quant diagnostic, or scroll down to take the Verbal diagnostic right away! We recommend taking both the GMAT diagnostic tests together to get an accurate measure of your ability. For real, GMAT-like pacing, give yourself 25 minutes to complete each of the diagnostics (10 questions each).

GMAT Verbal questions come in the three formats: Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, and and Reading Comprehension.

Give yourself 25 minutes to complete this diagnostic. There are 10 questions total. Let’s get started!

Please go to Free GMAT Diagnostic Tests (Verbal and Quantitative) to view this quiz


How to Take the Magoosh GMAT Diagnostic Tests
You should allow yourself 25 minutes for the Quant Diagnostic Test and 25 minutes for the Verbal Diagnostic Test. And remember, these tests measure your skills in all of the same question formats you’ll see on GMAT test day: Data Sufficiency, Problem Solving, Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction. If you’d rather not take separate tests, take an all-in-one online GMAT practice test.

What to Expect
These short, free GMAT diagnostic tests are best taken by students who already have at least beginner-level knowledge of the test. The quizzes assume that you are familiar with the basic question formats on the GMAT. For GMAT Quantitative, the Problem Solving questions are the same five-option multiple-choice questions, similar to what you have seen on virtually every standardized test in your life. However, the Data Sufficiency questions are unique to the GMAT.

Similarly, on Verbal, Reading Comprehension questions are comparable to ones you’ve seen on many other standardized tests, but the Sentence Correction and Critical Reasoning questions might be a little different from what you have seen before.

If you are brand new to the GMAT, it’s probably a good idea to get familiar with the mechanics of the various question formats before you take these mock GMAT tests online. You can learn about the GMAT “big picture” (question formats, topics, pacing, etc…) in Magoosh’s Hassle-Free Guide to the GMAT Test—or in the GMAT Official Guide from the test-makers, GMAC.

For both GMAT exam diagnostics, answer explanations are provided at the end. Pay close attention to these answer explanations, as they often contain tips and strategies that can be used to answer other similar questions.

Exam Summary and Scores
Once you have taken each of the free online GMAT diagnostic tests, you will get an email with your score. Then you can look at your recommendations, based on your scores. The GMAT prep recommendations appear in the section immediately below.

By the way, don’t be discouraged if you found the mock GMAT tests hard: the GMAT test is supposed to be hard! Keep in mind that these are just diagnostic tests to measure where you are in your GMAT journey. No matter where you start, Magoosh can help you with your GMAT prep! You can choose between a live cohorted class with an instructor (which includes all our lessons and practice questions) or access to the self-study option by itself.

As you follow your recommended study plans, take notice of the types of questions that you get wrong. For example, are you stronger or weaker in Sentence Correction? And what is your accuracy like in Data Sufficiency versus Problem Solving? Pinpointing your strengths and weaknesses can help you craft the perfect approach to your studies!

How to Use Each Diagnostic Test to Shape Your Study Plan
As you can see in the recommendations in your test results, we have divided the possible GMAT diagnostic test results into four “score groups” that include a recommended study plan and other tips and tricks.

Just as importantly, you should see this GMAT diagnostic tool as just a start to your studies, and not an absolute measure of your ability. In other words, just because you may do poorly in a given area (Data Sufficiency, Sentence Correction, Problem Solving, etc.) right now does not mean you’ll continue to do poorly.

So if you get a less than ideal score on a given GMAT diagnostic test, don’t panic! Instead, be aware that these two short mini-tests give a merely a tentative snapshot of where your skills might be for now. Real, in-depth practice is needed to fully measure your GMAT exam abilities. And of course, extending your GMAT exam practice well beyond each diagnostic also allows you to build and improve on all of your GMAT skills. And once you’ve started prepping, check out our GMAT Question of the Day for a new Verbal or Quant practice question for each day of the month!

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Magoosh Blog [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: Magoosh GMAT Quantitative Diagnostic Test


Welcome to the Magoosh Quantitative diagnostic tests! We recommend taking both the Verbal and Quant tests together (go back to GMAT Diagnostic Tests to take the Verbal quiz).

The Quant diagnostic includes both Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving questions, and covers the most frequently tested GMAT Quant concepts. For real GMAT exam-like pacing, give yourself 25 minutes to complete this GMAT practice quiz; this will help ensure that the GMAT scores on this diagnostic test are accurate. There are 10 questions total. Let’s get started!





 

Question 1 of 10

1. QUESTION 1

A class contains boys and girls. What is the probability of selecting a boy from the class?

(1) there are 35 students in the class

(2) the ratio of boys to girls is 3:4

Diagnostic GMAT Scores, Answer Explanations, and Study Plan Recommendations
After you take the quiz, enter your email [optional] to get a copy of your Diagnostic GMAT scores along with answer explanations and custom recommendations for your GMAT exam prep. These recommendations divide test-takers into four different “buckets,” based on their abilities in both Quant and Verbal. These buckets are labeled Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4. Each group comes with its own special recommendations for GMAT practice.

The GMAT prep recommendations will include a recommended study plan and additional tips and advice, based on your performance on the free GMAT practice tests. The study plans we assign to each score group are all three months long. This, typically, is the amount of prep time that most test-takers need in order to get excellent GMAT scores. With that in mind, if you feel three months isn’t the right timeline for you, you can pick a different study plan from the Magoosh GMAT exam study plan page.

How to Use these Free GMAT Practice Tests
As mentioned above, this GMAT Quant quiz should be taken with the GMAT Verbal Quiz, and you should follow the recommendations for your score group.

Beyond that, these quizzes are a great way to start identifying your strengths and weaknesses on the GMAT exam. Rather than simply looking at your score on these free GMAT practice tests, you should carefully examine exactly which questions you missed, and why. The answer explanations in the summary you receive at the end of the test can really help you understand which concepts are in play for each question, and can give you insight into the kinds of things you should be studying. You may find you need to focus on Data Sufficiency, or on algebra, or integer properties, and so on.

Above all, remember that the GMAT scores you get today are not the GMAT scores you’re stuck with. If you scored low on this diagnostic test, don’t feel bad! This test is meant to be a starting point toward your best possible GMAT scores. And that road to better scores includes many additional materials, such as full-length free GMAT practice tests from the Graduate Management Admissions Council, and other materials, both official and unofficial. Good luck on your road to GMAT exam success!

Ready for the Verbal diagnostic? Go back to GMAT Diagnostic Tests to take the Verbal quiz!

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GMAT Test Dates | 2023-2024 and Beyond! [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: GMAT Test Dates | 2023-2024 and Beyond!
[img]https://magoosh.com/gmat/files/2017/02/GMAT-Test-Dates.jpg[/img]

Both [url=https://www.mba.com/service/testing/appointment-search]in-person[/url] and [url=https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/about]at-home[/url] GMAT test dates are available to test-takers this year—and the at-home option will be permanently available going forward. In this post, we’ve covered some more vital information about the GMAT test dates for 2023—read on to find out more!

[url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/#dates]GMAT Test Dates (2023-2024)[/url][/*]
[*][url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/#testcenter]The 3 Steps to Scheduling Your GMAT Test Date[/url][/*]
[*][url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/#appdates]MBA application dates[/url]
[list]
[*][url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/#round1]Round 1[/url][/*]
[*][url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/#round2]Round 2[/url][/*]
[*][url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/#round3]Round 3[/url][/*]
[/list]
[*][url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/#register]When do I need to register for the GMAT?[/url][/*]
[*][url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/#plan]When should I plan on taking the GMAT?[/url]
[/list]
[url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/gmat-online/]online, at-home GMAT[/url] testing options. Meanwhile, the GMAC (test-maker) began to offer the remote GMAT in April 2020; it’s offered every day, with multiple time slots.

However, popular days and times can still fill up—the remote proctor aspect of the testing means that there are still limits to how many test-takers can sign up for the exam at a given time.

With all of these GMAT test dates to choose from, should you just throw a dart at a calendar? No! You’ll ned to be strategic about picking your test date, because you’ll need your score for whatever MBA application round you choose. We’ll talk more about this later i the post!

[url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/#contents][img]https://magoosh.com/gmat/files/2017/07/back-to-top-button-1-150x40.png[/img][/url]

[url=https://accounts.gmac.com/Account/Register]GMAC’s “Create Your Account”[/url] page to get started. Once that’s done, you’ll have the ability to browse and see your options for GMAT dates (and locations, if applicable).

Step 2a: Find a test center with available GMAT dates
Once you’ve registered with GMAC and have the ability to look at GMAT exam dates, the next step is to find a GMAT test center. For in-person dates, look under “Future GMAT Test Center Exams” and click “Register Now” or “Register as a Test Taker with Disabilities.” Each of these buttons will take you to options for your location.

Remember, the farther in advance you book your GMAT, the more options you’ll have for both GMAT locations and GMAT dates.

Step 2b : Pick a date for the online GMAT
Because the online GMAT is available every day, the key to picking a GMAT test date online is finding the day and time that work best for you.

To find test dates for a remote GMAT, select “Register for the GMAT Online Exam” under “Future GMAT Online Exams” on your MBA.com “My Account” page. Click on dates to see available time options.

Step 3: Schedule Your Exam
Once you know which test format you want to take and are registered to take the GMAT, you’re ready to actually select your GMAT test date. Follow the on-screen instructions within your GMAT account.

Of course, there’s a lot more to registering for the GMAT and choosing your test date than just accessing and navigating the official GMAT website. Timing is a crucial consideration too. Below, we’ll look at when to register, and how to select the GMAT test date that’s right for you.

[url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/#contents][img]https://magoosh.com/gmat/files/2017/07/back-to-top-button-1-150x40.png[/img][/url]

[url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/#contents][img]https://magoosh.com/gmat/files/2017/07/back-to-top-button-1-150x40.png[/img][/url]

[url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/gmat-101/]GMAT examination[/url].

[url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/#contents][img]https://magoosh.com/gmat/files/2017/07/back-to-top-button-1-150x40.png[/img][/url]

[url=https://www.mba.com/us/the-gmat-exam/gmat-exam-scores/your-score-report/send-your-scores.aspx]GMAC says[/url] it can take up to 20 days for your test to be reported to schools. That could actually mean 21 days, depending on whether your test day scores get transmitted from the test center to GMAT central the same day you take the test or the next day. There’s also a small chance that for some reason there could be unexpected delays in the GMAC sending our scores. So, beyond GMAT exam dates, you should consider the dates of arrival for your GMAT exam report.

To be safe, you’ll want to book your GMAT date at least 21 days prior to your application deadline, so that there is ample time for your scores to be processed and sent to your school. Giving yourself a few extra days beyond the 21 can’t hurt either. So really, there’s an extra month in there. That’s why I recommend taking your GMAT 7-8 months before your deadline instead of just 6-7.

[*]Improve your GMAT scores with [url=https://gmat.magoosh.com/]Magoosh GMAT[/url], you can choose between a live cohorted class with an instructor (which includes all our lessons and practice questions) or access to the self-study option by itself.[/*]
Adjust the recommended GMAT application timeline to your personal needs
Of course, your mileage may vary, in terms of how much time you really need and when you should register for the GMAT. If you have more than 20 hours a week to study or have higher-than-average GMAT skills, you may need less time to prepare for your exam or a possible retake. Conversely, if you have fewer hours of spare time per week or lower baseline skills for the exam, you may need to reserve more prep time before you actually take the test.

Also, while it isn’t as common, some students get all of the soul searching, university visits, reference letter gathering and so on out of the way before they tackle the GMAT. If this sounds like you, then your GMAT prep time and GMAT exam date will take a different position in your overall timetable for admissions.

Improve your GMAT scores with [url=https://gmat.magoosh.com/]Magoosh GMAT[/url], you can choose between a live cohorted class with an instructor (which includes all our lessons and practice questions) or access to the self-study option by itself.

[url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/#contents][img]https://magoosh.com/gmat/files/2017/07/back-to-top-button-1-150x40.png[/img][/url]

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Top MBA Programs of 2023 [#permalink]
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FROM Magoosh Blog: Top MBA Programs of 2023
When you’re looking for the best MBA programs that are a fit for you, your first instinct is likely to look for a list of the top MBA programs. Read on to discover this year’s top MBA schools.

[img]https://magoosh.com/gmat/files/2021/09/Top-MBA.jpg[/img]

Top 25 MBA Programs in the US (2023)
US News and World Report uses [url=http://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/business-schools-methodology]the same methodology each year[/url] to survey all 493 Master’s in Business Administration programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. Of the 363 respondents this year, 134 supplied enough information to be ranked in 2023.

1. University of Chicago (Booth)
[list]
[*]Booth boasts a top MBA program with that focuses on finance and economics.[/*]
[*]Location: Chicago, IL[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 732[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.54[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 22.6%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/chicago-booth-mba/]University of Chicago’s MBA program[/url]!



2. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
[list]
[*]Penn is known for its intense finance program, among other concentrations.[/*]
[*]Location: Philadelphia, PA[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 733[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.6[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 18.2%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/upenn-wharton-mba/]University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) MBA program[/url]!



3. Northwestern University (Kellogg)
[list]
[*]In addition to its top-rated marketing program, Kellogg is also known for its top-notch part-time MBA.[/*]
[*]Location: Evanston, IL[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 727[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.7[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 26%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/northwestern-kellogg-mba/]Northwestern Kellogg MBA[/url] program!



4. Stanford University
[list]
[*]The most selective business school worldwide, Stanford is renowned for its extensive and accomplished alumni network.[/*]
[*]Location: Stanford, CA[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 738[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.78[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 6.2%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/stanford-mba/]Stanford MBA program[/url]!



5. Harvard University
[list]
[*]One of the most prestigious MBA programs, Harvard’s is also the oldest program, with large graduating classes.[/*]
[*]Location: Cambridge, MA[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 727[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.69[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 12.5%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/harvard-mba/]Harvard MBA program[/url]!



6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
[list]
[*]Sloan is widely recognized as a premier quantitative-based program, and this is reflected in the class members’ strong STEM backgrounds.[/*]
[*]Location: Cambridge, MA[/*]
[*]Median GMAT – 728[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.6[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 12.1%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/mit-sloan-mba/]the Sloan MBA program[/url]!



7. Yale University
[list]
[*]Yale SOM is a leading program for students interested in non-profits.[/*]
[*]Location: New Haven, CT[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 726[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.67[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 23.6%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/yale-mba/]Yale MBA program[/url]!



8. Columbia University
[list]
[*]Columbia’s MBA program is known for its ties to the financial community.[/*]
[*]Location: New York, NY[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 732[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.5[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 15.7%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/columbia-mba/]Columbia MBA program[/url]!



9. University of California—Berkeley (Haas)
[list]
[*]Haas has a reputation for prioritizing social responsibility in its MBA program.[/*]
[*]Location: Berkeley, CA[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 726[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.67[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 17.6%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/berkeley-mba/]Berkeley Haas MBA program[/url]!



10. University of Michigan—Ann Arbor (Ross)
[list]
[*]Ross MBA students engage in real-world consulting experiences.[/*]
[*]Location: Ann Arbor, MI[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 722[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.53[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 20.2%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/university-of-michigan-ross-mba/]Michigan Ross MBA program[/url]!



11. Dartmouth College (Tuck)
[list]
[*]Dartmouth Tuck is known for its small, tight-knit cohorts[/*]
[*]Location: Hanover, NH[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 724[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.54[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 29.5%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/dartmouth-tuck-mba/]Dartmouth Tuck MBA program[/url]!



12. Duke University (Fuqua)
[list]
[*]Duke Fuqua is strong in general management and marketing courses.Location: Durham, NC[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 713[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.48[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 19.2%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/duke-fuqua-mba/]Duke Fuqua MBA program[/url]!



13. New York University (Stern)
[list]
[*]Flexible curriculum that allows students to take courses at other NYU schools.[/*]
[*]Location: New York, NY[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 729[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.59[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 19.5%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/stern-mba/]NYU Stern MBA Program[/url]!



14. University of Virginia (Darden)
[list]
[*]UVA’s MBA program employs the case study method to teach students through real-world examples.[/*]
[*]Location: Charlottesville, VA[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 715[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.52[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 29.9%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/uva-darden-mba/]UVA Darden MBA program[/url]!



15. Cornell University (Johnson)
[list]
[*]Cornell’s MBA emphasizes real-world situations, from internships to use of case studies.[/*]
[*]Location: Ithaca, NY[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 704[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.34[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 29.5%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/cornell-johnson-mba/]the Cornell Johnson MBA program[/url]!



16. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
[list]
[*]The four mini-semesters per academic year permit Tepper students to take more courses than do many of their peers.[/*]
[*]Location: Pittsburgh, PA[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 691[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.35[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 29.7%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/carnegie-mellon-mba/]Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA program[/url]!



17. University of California–Los Angeles (Anderson)
[list]
[*]UCLA Anderson places graduates in top consulting and investment bank positions.[/*]
[*]Location: Los Angeles, CA[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 713[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.47[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 29.8%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/ucla-anderson-mba/]UCLA Anderson MBA program[/url]!



18. University of Texas–Austin (McCombs)
[list]
[*]UT is known for its highly rated accounting and information systems programs.[/*]
[*]Location: Austin, TX[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 708[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.48[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 35.5%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/ut-austin-mba/]Austin McCombs MBA program[/url]!



19. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)
[list]
[*]A top research program, UNC’s MBA program offers highly-raked accounting and real estate tracks.[/*]
[*]Location: Chapel Hill, NC[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 696[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.4[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 44.3%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/programs/mba/]University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler) MBA program[/url]!



20. University of Southern California (Marshall)
[list]
[*]USC Marshall is known for its International programs and study opportunities.[/*]
[*]Location: Los Angeles, CA[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 716[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.6[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 23%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/usc-mba/]USC Marshall MBA program[/url]!



21. Emory University (Goizueta)

[list]
[*]Emory is known for its comprehensive curriculum that goes beyond academics.[/*]
[*]Location: Atlanta, GA[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 692[/*]
[*]Average GPA -3.36[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 53.1%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://goizueta.emory.edu/full-time-mba]Emory University (Goizueta) MBA program[/url]!



22. Georgetown University (McDonough)
[list]
[*]Georgetown McDonough is known for its international and governmental relationships.[/*]
[*]Location: Washington, D.C.[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 704[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.35[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 48.1%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://msb.georgetown.edu/mba/]Georgetown University (McDonough) MBA program[/url]!



23. Indiana University (Kelley)
[list]
[*]US News, Fortune, Bloomberg, and others have repeatedly ranked Kelley’s entrepreneurship program #1.[/*]
[*]Location: Bloomington, IN[/*]
[*]Average GMAT- 679[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.33[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 31.5%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://kelley.iu.edu/programs/online/campaigns/customization/lgf/index.html]Indiana University (Kelley) MBA program[/url]!



24. University of Washington (Foster)
[list]
[*]UW is known for its collaborative learning, which includes core study teams[/*]
[*]Location: Seattle, WA[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 704[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.42[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 35.2%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://foster.uw.edu/academics/degree-programs/full-time-mba/]University of Washington (Foster) MBA program[/url]!



25. University of Notre Dame (Mendoza)
[list]
[*]University of Notre Dame is known for its flexible and rigorous program, and values-based learning focusing on integrity.[/*]
[*]Location: Notre Dame, IN[/*]
[*]Average GMAT – 668[/*]
[*]Average GPA – 3.34[/*]
[*]Acceptance Rate – 41.6%[/*]
[/list]
Learn more about the [url=https://mendoza.nd.edu/graduate-programs/one-year-mba/]University of Notre Dame (Mendoza) MBA program[/url]!



Note: This report’s rankings take into account such criteria as program assessments by peers and recruiters, graduate employment rates and placement successes, mean starting salaries for graduates, student selectivity, the mean GRE and GMAT scores of accepted applicants, and the program’s acceptance rate.

The above schools above accept the GMAT or GRE. However, check with each individual program before applying, as more schools are quickly becoming open to different tests. These tests includes the Executive Assessment (EA), or in some cases, the LSAT or MCAT!  Acceptable tests vary significantly by school and program, so it is worth doing a bit of research before deciding on which test you will take.

Getting Into Top MBA Programs
So you’ve decided that an [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/is-an-mba-worth-it/]MBA is worth it[/url] for you—what next? If you’re applying to the top MBA schools, you’ll need to work on polishing the parts of your application that you can still control.

GPA, Scores, and Other Factors
Because most students applying to [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/what-is-an-mba/]MBA programs[/url] have full-time work experience, it’s likely that your college days are behind you.  If you’ve been in the business world for more than a few years, you might also want to check out an [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/executive-mba-vs-mba/]executive MBA[/url].

To some extent, the schools to which you choose to apply will depend on your undergraduate GPA and test scores.  Undergraduate GPA and test scores are two of the most important factors in admissions.  However, if your GMAT or GPA isn’t in the range of the top 10 MBA programs’ averages, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t apply!  It does mean that you’ll need  to compensate for this elsewhere in your application.  The application factors within your control include GMAT or GRE scores, getting strong letters of recommendation, and writing outstanding essays.  You may also  want to explore other options, such as less selective schools, or explore in person and [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/online-mba-no-gmat-requirement/]online MBAs with no GMAT requirement[/url].

How important are MBA rankings?
MBA program rankings are important since prospective employers care about them, meaning you are more likely to be hired after your degree if you’ve attended a well-ranked business school. Your [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/is-an-mba-worth-it/]salary is likely to be higher[/url] as well. A smart MBA applicant calculates their potential [url=https://aringo.com/mba-return-on-investment-roi-calculator/]return on investment on each MBA program[/url] before applying, and a better-ranked school will often turn out to be a better investment than attending a similar program at a lower-ranked or lesser-known school.

You should also pay close attention to a school that ranks well for a [url=https://aringo.com/mba-specializations/]specific specialization[/url], such as marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, supply chain management, etc. This is usually a sign that the school makes an effort to lead in that field and has been focusing on the subject in question for a long period of time. Employers watch these MBA rankings too and are likely to seek new employees from schools that specialize in the relevant fields.

Finding an MBA program that’s a good fit for you takes some work. You will want to consider the specifics of each program — things like location, cost, size, student body, reputation, and other factors that are particular to you.  Plus, you’ll want to factor in your personal goals, and where you’d like to see yourself, career-wise, in five and ten years to find the programs that fit you best.  With some research and self-reflection, you’ll be able to do it. Good luck!

The post [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat/top-mba-programs/]Top MBA Programs of 2023[/url] appeared first on [url=https://magoosh.com/gmat]Magoosh Blog — GMAT® Exam[/url].
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
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