Inside the GMAT

It's Week 7 of Zach's EA prep, and Stacey from Manhattan Prep helps GMAC Zach review his most recent practice exam, focusing on three specific problems: a Two-Part Analysis question in the Integrated Reasoning section, a Critical Reasoning quesiton in the Verbal section, and a complex Problem Solving question in the Quantitative Reasoning section. They explore strategies for tackling each type of question, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying logic, taking notes, and being aware of traps in answer choices. The discussion highlights the need for effective test preparation and the value of learning from mistakes to improve performance in future exams. About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student. Helpful links: Register for the EA: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register Purchase EA Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare GMAC Free EA Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare/free-prep-resources Manhattan Prep EA Resources: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/courses/executive-assessment-test-prep Takeaways: Taking notes during the exam can help clarify complex questions. Understanding the logic behind questions is crucial for success. Each answer choice is designed to test specific reasoning skills. It's important to identify key details in the question prompt. Practice with various question types can enhance test-taking strategies. Avoid rushing to answer choices before analyzing the question. Recognizing distractor answers can prevent common mistakes. Familiarity with question formats can reduce anxiety during the test. Effective time management is essential for completing all questions. Learning from incorrect answers is vital for improvement. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 00:46 Integrated Reasoning (IR) Question - Two-Part Analysis 13:08 Verbal Reasoning (VR) Question - Critical Reasoning 27:33 Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Question - Problem Solving 37:53 In Review & Next Steps

Practice Exam #2 results are in...and they are good! It's Week 6 of GMAC Zach's EA prep and the results are in for his second practice exam. In this week's episode, Stacey dives into Zach's results, focusing on his score improvement and the strategies he employed during his preparation. They also explore the emotional aspects of test-taking, the importance of reviewing results, and the next steps in Zach's study plan. The conversation also touches on how life challenges can impact preparation and the structure of the exam itself, highlighting personal preferences and strategies for success. About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student. Helpful links: Register for the EA: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register Purchase EA Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare GMAC Free EA Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare/free-prep-resources Manhattan Prep EA Resources: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/courses/executive-assessment-test-prep Takeaways: The importance of reviewing practice exam results to identify strengths and weaknesses. Life challenges can serve as motivation during test preparation. It's common for scores to fluctuate; not every practice test will show improvement. Understanding the exam structure can help reduce anxiety. Reviewing questions you got wrong is crucial for future success. Focus on low-hanging fruit when studying for improvement. Practice tests should be taken within a few days of review for better retention. The EA exam's panel structure can be psychologically comforting. Setting realistic goals for future practice tests is essential. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Practice Exam Results 01:35 Score Analysis and Improvement Strategies 03:58 Life Challenges and Test Performance 05:47 Reviewing Practice Exam Results 08:34 Next Steps and Future Practice Tests 10:28 Exam Structure and Test-Taking Strategies

Register for GMAC Insider Week Free: https://go.gmac.com/gmac-insider-week-december-2025-virtual-seminar-series Do you want free, focused guidance to level-up your business school applications and GMAT performance - with exclusive bonuses for attendees! Join us for our first ever GMAC Insider Week! A series of FREE 30-minute seminars with top test prep and admissions counselors. For each seminar, live attendees will be entered to win one full GMAT Exam Voucher AND receive an exclusive 10% discount on official GMAT Prep products - up to $330 in value! Tell 'em GMAC Zach sent you.

Writing the "Why Our School?" essay is one of the toughest—and most overlooked—parts of the MBA application. In this episode, GMAC Zach sits down with Jeremy Shinewald, founder of MBA Mission and one of the most trusted voices in MBA admissions, to break down how to turn this high-stakes prompt into a powerful statement of fit. Jeremy explains why this essay is far more than a formality, where most applicants go wrong, and the three core components every strong response must include: your context, your goals, and a bridge that connects those goals to the school's specific resources. He also shares insider tips from two decades of advising thousands of candidates, including how to avoid sounding generic, why authenticity matters more than perfection, and how to demonstrate conviction that resonates with admissions committees. If you want to tell your story with clarity, purpose, and genuine fit, this episode is your roadmap. Featured Resources: mbaMission: https://www.mbamission.com onTrack by mbaMission: https://ontrack.mbamission.com About Our Guest: Jeremy Shinewald is the founder of mbaMission (Poets and Quants 4x top-ranked MBA admissions consulting firm) and is an industry founder, innovator and driver. He is the author of the Complete Start to Finish Guide to MBA admissions and "'What Matters?' and 'What More?': 50 Successful Essays for the Stanford GSB and HBS (and Why They Worked)". He is the creator of onTrack by mbaMission, an asynchronous MBA admissions course and platform which Poets and Quants called, "the most comprehensive MBA admissions resource ever created." Jeremy's thought leadership has led to him being quoted in the WSJ, NYT and many other media outlets. Takeaways: The 'Why Our School' essay is crucial for MBA applications. Applicants often make the mistake of pandering to schools. Authenticity is key; don't try to be someone you're not. Understanding your goals before applying is essential. Researching schools thoroughly can enhance your application. Your personal statement should reflect genuine fit with the school. Communication skills are vital in the application process. Context in your essay should lead to your goals. Don't leave your application to the last minute. Chapters: 00:00 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 00:35 Understanding the MBA Admissions Process 05:25 The Art of Personal Statements 08:19 Crafting the 'Why Our School' Essay 10:36 Crafting Your MBA Goals 15:07 Understanding the School's Fit 18:19 The Importance of Clarity in Goals 20:20 Valuing the 'Why This School' Essay 22:07 Final Thoughts on the Application Process

In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Ashwini Deshpande, a former fashion designer turned MBA candidate whose two-month GMAT sprint transformed her entire career trajectory. Ashwini shares how she went from designing digital fashion at Meta to scoring a 750 on the exam (roughly a 715 on today's scale), earning admission—and a scholarship—to the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She walks through her unconventional path, why she approached GMAT prep like a creative challenge, how the right prep tools accelerated her progress, and why non-traditional applicants should see their backgrounds as an advantage, not a barrier. Ashwini also explains how her GMAT skills still show up in the classroom and in consulting recruiting—and how confidence, mindset, and self-reflection powered every step of her journey. You can follow Ashwini's MBA adventures on Instagram, offering a behind-the-scenes look at classes, campus life, and what it's really like to be a business student with a fashion-tech edge. Explore GMAT Prep: https://www.mba.com/gmat-exam-prep Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GMATbyGMAC Takeaways: Creativity can lead to a successful MBA journey and prep plan. Self-reflection is key in GMAT preparation. Non-traditional backgrounds can be advantageous in applications. Choosing the right business school is crucial for fit. A strong GMAT score can open doors to not just top schools, but scholarship opportunities. Start preparing early to avoid last-minute stress. Utilize resources that match your learning style. Confidence is essential for non-traditional candidates. Success is achievable with dedication and the right mindset. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ashwini's Journey 05:03 The GMAT Experience: Preparation and Strategy 10:23 Choosing the Right Business School 15:32 Leveraging a Unique Background in Applications 21:06 Advice for Non-Traditional MBA Candidates 25:59 Conclusion and Key Takeaways