To give you a head start and keep you on track in the New Year, Personal MBA Coach has developed a 4-part MBA planning series!
Check out week 3 today:
Planning Ahead for the GMAT/GRE/Executive Assessment
If you have not researched standardized tests since you took the SAT or ACT many years ago, a lot has changed. GMAT scores are valid for 5 years AND you can take the exam up to 5 times during a 12-month period. There is no longer a lifetime limit for the GMAT.
Similarly, you can take the GRE once every 21 days and up to 5 times within any 12-month period. GRE scores are also valid for 5 years. There is also currently no lifetime test limit for the GRE.
the newest member of the standardized test party. It was originally developed for EMBA applicants, but an increasing number of full-time MBA programs now accept the EA. Candidates can take the EA exam up to 4 times in their lifetime (2 in-person and 2 online).
At this time, Columbia Business School, Duke Fuqua, NYU Stern, UVA Darden, UCLA Anderson, CMU Tepper and Texas McCombs among the top schools that allow applicants to submit EA scores. The EA is a shorter test so if you are pressed for time, it may not be a bad option.
Not sure which test to take? Watch this quick tips video.
Some schools also have test waivers in place. While it is too early to know for certain, Personal MBA Coach would be surprised if the schools that offer these waivers rush to remove them. That said, securing a strong test score remains a great way to stand out as a competitive applicant. Watch this quick tips video for Scott’s advice on when you should waive the test.
5 MBA Test Preparation Tips to Maximize Your Test Scores
What does all this mean for MBA hopefuls? The pressure to perform is high and performing well takes advance planning! Personal MBA Coach has 5 MBA test preparation tips to ensure you maximize your score.
1) Start earlier than you think you should!
This may seem obvious, but with scores valid for up to 5 years and the ability to retake the test, there is no reason to wait. In fact, the earlier in your career you take the test, the better.
You have mastered most of the skills tested in the GMAT/GRE in undergrad (if not before). That said, the longer you wait, the less you will remember about reading comprehension and math fundamentals.
2) Take a practice test now to see your baseline.
Even if you do not intend to go full force on your studying just yet, take a practice test and see how you stack up. Check this score against your target schools to get a sense of what it means — to get started, check out Personal MBA Coach’s school guides for average scores. Getting a feel for how much work you have ahead of you will allow you to be more honest with yourself when putting together a study plan.
3) Set a schedule.
Be realistic about how many weeks you will set aside for studying and how many hours in each week you can carve out. Writing out a study plan will be easier to stick to and make it less likely that you will shortchange your prep time and need to cram at the last minute.
4) Think about how you learn best and use this to inform your study plan.
You know how you learn best. Do you thrive with personal one-on-one support? Do you do your best learning from books or online? Countless support options are available for the GMAT/GRE/EA so think about what would be best for you and plan accordingly! Personal MBA Coach’s tutors scored in the 99th percentile and are available to provide you with customized GMAT, GRE and EA tutoring on your schedule and based on your specific needs. Our tutors also can advise which test is best for you before you begin your MBA test preparation.
5) Read short articles in The Economist or Science every week.
This is a great way to sharpen your reading comprehension skills and expand your vocabulary. Pick a few short articles every week and make your life easier come test time with limited effort.
Contact Us for Personalized MBA Tutoring Services
There is no better way to maximize your score than through 1:1 tutoring. Get started today with Personal MBA Coach’s Tutoring Services before our tutors fill up! Our tutors have helped students increase GMAT scores by 90 points and GRE scores by 11 points.
