The Dominate Test Prep Podcast

Brett Ethridge / Dominate Test Prep

Details

This show is designed to take the guesswork out of preparing for your standardized test and equip you with practical how-to's for getting more right answers on test day, successfully navigating the admissions process, getting accepted to your dream school, and succeeding in the classroom. Our episodes deliver expert advice from the industry's top test prep instructors and admissions consultants as we endeavor to prepare you for success not only on test day, but also in your future profession and life beyond. Oh, and did we mention that we have a lot of fun? You will too, as we embark on this important next chapter of your education together. Thanks for listening!

Recent Episodes

JUN 30, 2025
72. Is Random or Block Practice Better for Test-Day Results?
What is the best way to practice for your standardized test? It seems like a simple and straightforward question, but in reality there are a lot of different ways to structure your study sessions. The two most effective are block training, where you focus on one topic at a time until you master it, and random training, where you work on multiple disciplines within the same practice session. Is one method more effective than the other for your test-day results? In this episode, Brett sheds light on this important question by relating insights from an NBA assistant coach, who has seen how block vs. random practice plays out on game day at the highest levels of athletic performance. Brett delineates key differences between block and random practice and explains that each has a different objective, and that they need to work together to build toward maximizing your test-day performance. Brett explains precisely how to balance block and random practice as you progress in your test preparation and shares an important tip for effective time management as well. Your study sessions should be intentional and follow a proven methodology that produces results. By the end of this episode, you'll have a better understanding of what that looks like and how to implement it. RESOURCES / LINKS Article: Ideal Pacing Strategy for the Executive Assessment Video: The Learning Curve of Testing Mastery - When to Expect Breakthrough! SIMILAR EPISODES If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast: Episode 56: How to Use Practice Test (and What to Avoid!), with Vinay Narang Episode 52: 5 Tips for Staying Consistent with Your Studying Episode 40: Proven Principles of Perfect Practice, with Mike Bergin A DOSE OF MOTIVATION "Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." — Stephen King Connect with Us Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT) Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].
20 MIN
NOV 19, 2024
71. GMAT, GRE, or EA for Business School?
When you're applying to business school, you will almost certainly have to take one of these standardized tests as part of the application process: the GMAT Exam, the GRE, or the Executive Assessment (EA). The question becomes, which one? In this conversation excerpted from Brett's recent appearance on MBA Waves, Brett breaks down the key differences between the three exams, explores which exam is best for which type of applicant, discusses the mindset you should adopt when starting to prepare for your exam, and shares the reasons you absolutely should NOT choose one test over another. He even lets slip which exam he would opt for if given the choice! There's no need to stress about which exam to take. After listening to this wide-ranging conversation about the GMAT, GRE, and EA, we're confident that you will have a clear sense of the key decision points and a firm understanding of your next steps as you prepare to dominate your test. RESOURCES / LINKS Get a feel for the different types of questions on each exam with Dominate Test Prep's free trial offers: https://www.dominatetestprep.com/free-trial-options Follow MBA Waves on YouTube for more great content about business and MBA admissions Connect with Bara Sapir Connect with Krithika Srinivasan SIMILAR EPISODES If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast: Episode 69: Psychometrics of the GMAT Focus Edition Episode 57: How to Prepare for the Executive Assessment Episode 55: Key Differences Between the Executive Assessment and GMAT Episode 42: GMAT vs. GRE for MBA Admissions A DOSE OF MOTIVATION "Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house." — Proverbs 24:27 Connect with Us Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT) Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].
60 MIN
JUN 27, 2024
70. Bye-Bye Logic Games: Preparing for the New-Look LSAT, with Dave Hall
June 2024 was the last LSAT with Logic Games. Love 'em or hate 'em, Logic Games were a huge part of the LSAT exam and a right of passage for many a law school candidate — and they are no more. RIP, Games. So what does this mean for you? What does the new version of the LSAT look like moving forward? How should you prepare for it? With Logic Games being replaced by a second Logical Reasoning section, how can you learn to love LR and get a great score on test day? We're joined by LSAT expert Dave Hall, LSAT instructor at Dominate Test Prep and founder of Velocity LSAT, to break it all down for you. The only constant is change, as they say, and this change to the LSAT presents a great opportunity for you to separate yourself from your peers by preparing effectively for the new-look LSAT. Dave is here to tell you how. RESOURCES / LINKS Free Logical Reasoning Lesson: "Introduction to Conditional Reasoning + Practical Applications for the LSAT" Get Started with LawHub - An extensive library of Official LSAT PrepTests Prepare for the LSAT with Dave Hall's comprehensive LSAT Prep Course (Month-to-Month Access) - https://www.velocitylsat.com/offers/NRLpWowX Prepare for the LSAT with Dave Hall's comprehensive LSAT Prep Course (4 Months Access) - https://www.velocitylsat.com/offers/LzTwauXZ Prepare for the LSAT with Dave Hall's comprehensive LSAT Prep Course (12 Months Access) - https://www.velocitylsat.com/offers/Qjs3WYgG SIMILAR EPISODES If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast: Episode 53: LSAT vs. GRE for Law School Admissions, with Dave Hall Episode 30: 5 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Starting Law School, with Dave Hall Episode 4: On the New Digital LSAT (and a Good Ham Sandwich), with Dave Hall A DOSE OF MOTIVATION “All good things must come to an end.” — Geoffrey Chaucer Connect with Us Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT) Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].
38 MIN
JAN 22, 2024
69. Psychometrics of the GMAT Focus Edition
On February 1, 2024, the “old” GMAT is going away and the new GMAT Focus Edition is the version of the business school entrance exam that MBA hopefuls will take as part of the admission process moving forward. In this episode we take a deep-dive look a the new GMAT exam from a psychometric standpoint, meaning the intellectual abilities and skills GMAT Focus tests and the psychological traits built into the makeup of the exam. Specifically, we analyze the GMAT Focus Edition on five fronts: Why the changing business school landscape necessitated a rethinking of the GMAT exam and how the GMAC meets the needs of business schools with GMAT Focus How the GMAC ensured the validity and reliability of the GMAT Focus Edition despite reducing the number of questions Key differences between the GMAT Focus Edition and the legacy GMAT that renders GMAT Focus a very different test (note: it’s not just a shorter GMAT) Understanding the new GMAT Focus scoring algorithm and how to compare scores to the old GMAT The new Review & Edit feature of GMAT Focus and how to maximize it from a test-taking standpoint (hint: be very careful about changing your answers!) While we geek out a bit when talking about certain features of the GMAT Focus Edition, we always bring it back to what it means for you as a test-taker in terms of being able to get more right answers on test day. If you’re planning to take GMAT Focus, you’ll have a much better understanding of what you’re in store for after listening to this episode. If you’re an MBA admissions officer or consultant, you’ll have a better feel for what the GMAT Focus Edition measures, how it compares to the old GMAT, and how to think about a student’s score when evaluating their application. RESOURCES / LINKS Article: "Equating GMAT Focus vs GMAT Scoring Scales" Take the guesswork out of preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition with the industry's top-rated Complete GMAT Focus Prep Course (fully updated and specifically designed for the GMAT Focus Edition) SIMILAR EPISODES If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast: Episode 65: Initial Thoughts on the New GMAT Focus Edition, with Barbara Coward Episode 50: What Good are Standardized Tests Anyway? Episode 42: GMAT vs. GRE for MBA Admissions A DOSE OF MOTIVATION “Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” — Muhammad Ali Connect with Us Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT) Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].
44 MIN
NOV 20, 2023
68. Demystifying the New Digital SAT, with Mike Bergin
The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), the granddaddy of all standardized tests, is finally joining the digital age. International students have already been able to take the SAT on a computer; as of March 2024, the new Digital SAT will permanently replace pencil-and-paper exams worldwide. The SAT is evolving — and that's a good thing says Mike Bergin, President & Owner of Chariot Learning. Mike joins this episode to help us prepare for this brave new world of college admissions testing. We discuss: Why the SAT has finally decided to go digital, and what it means for you as a test taker Logistics of the online exam, including devices you're allowed to use and software you'll need to install before test day The new section-adaptive scoring algorithm, how it differs from the current linear paper test, and test-taking strategies to maximize the new section flow Substantive differences between the Digital SAT and the legacy SAT, especially with regard to reading comprehension passages and the reintroduction of vocabulary Recommended resources for preparing for the Digital SAT And more! The only constant in life is change, as they say. But change doesn't have to be scary. Indeed, once you fully understand how the new Digital SAT works and what you're in store for on test day, you can fully embrace this change and dominate your performance on test day. After learning from Mike in this episode, you'll be able to do just that. RESOURCES / LINKS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Digital SAT from the official College Board SAT site Free SAT Prep from Khan Academy Personalized SAT Prep with Mike Bergin via Chariot Learning Connect with Mike Bergin on LinkedIn Essential SAT Math Strategies - video course from Dominate Test Prep SIMILAR EPISODES If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast: Episode 40: Proven Principles of Perfect Practice, with Mike Bergin Episode 67: What to Look for in a Tutor, with Mark Skoskiewicz Episode 41: SAT vs. ACT for College Admissions, with Amy Seeley Episode 48: Planning Your Campus Visits, with Mary Lanni A DOSE OF MOTIVATION "Your outcomes are a lagging measure of your habits…. Your knowledge is a lagging measure of your learning habits…. You get what you repeat." — James Clear Connect with Us Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT) Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].
46 MIN