Tackling the GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) is probably the least “fun” part of the MBA application process. If you’re hoping to gain admission to a top MBA program, however, the admissions exam is an essential component that you’ll want to dedicate sufficient time, energy, and focus to. Many candidates wait too late and…
How to Prepare for the Shorter GRE and GMAT Focus [Episode 588]
Show Summary Bara Sapir joins Admissions Straight Talk to discuss the benefits and challenges of the GRE and GMAT exams. She delves into the structure and length of the exams and also discusses the challenges unique to each one. Bara shares her expert tips on how to overcome these challenges, including being an active participant…
LSAT vs. GRE: Which One Should You Take When Applying to Law School?
Law schools are still requiring that candidates take a standardized exam as part of the application process (at least for now). In the past, law school applicants had only one testing option – the LSAT – but a growing number of law schools are now accepting the GRE, too, including those at Harvard, Columbia, Yale,…
Making Friends with the GRE: How To Overcome Test Anxiety and Perform at Your Best
“I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. I can’t concentrate or focus. I am just so nervous.” I heard all of this from Janelle, a prospective graduate student, during our conversation about scheduling a GRE test date. I was not surprised that Janelle was nervous, given that almost all prospective graduate students are a bit anxious…
Get Ready for the New GRE
The GRE has been a staple in graduate school admissions for more than 75 years, but big changes are coming to the test beginning on September 22, 2023. In this post, we’ll cover what you need to know. The new GRE will be considerably streamlined and updated; the four-hour window to complete the exam will…
All You Need to Know About the New, Shorter GRE [Episode 531]
In this episode, Rohit Sharma, Sr. Vice President of Global Higher Education and Workskills, explains how ETS made the GRE almost two hours shorter (without cutting any sections) and why that’s a good thing for test takers – and institutions. [SHOW SUMMARY] Are you wondering what the new shorter GRE is about? What does it…
To Test or Not to Test: That Is the Question
“I can’t concentrate, worry about little things, and have trouble sleeping. I am just so nervous,“ said Maria, a prospective doctoral applicant who was concerned that making the wrong choices might sabotage her chances of acceptance. Maria’s distress was not surprising. I had received multiple emails, telephone calls, and text messages from other clients who…
Test Waivers at Top 25 MBA Programs: Everything You Need to Know
For most applicants, taking a standardized test is likely the least appealing part of applying to business school. At the onset of COVID in the spring of 2020, many Full-Time MBA programs created great flexibility with their GMAT or GRE requirement. In some cases, the test was waived altogether; in other cases, either the online…
Should You Take the GMAT, the GRE, or Seek a Test-Optional Program?
Test-optionality had been a growing trend in undergraduate admissions, and during COVID it became common for many graduate programs as well. While the pandemic is largely over, test-optionality even in grad programs shows no signs of disappearing. A growing number of programs offer test-optional applications or test waivers, and decisions that were previously non-negotiable, such…
Testing, Testing, 1-2-3: What’s the Right Test Prep For You? [Episode 443]
Are you thinking about taking a standardized test for undergraduate or graduate admissions? Read on for must-know test-prep information! [Show summary] We’re calling in test prep leaders and co-hosts of the Tests and the Rest podcast, Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley to discuss tips and strategies for choosing the right test prep for you as…
How to Eliminate Test Anxiety [Episode 427]
Ace any standardized admissions test, with top-tier academic coaching and effective tools to manage anxiety [Show summary] Bara Sapir has been providing test prep for over 20 years and is a pioneer in mindful test taking, implementing a holistic approach to the test prep process. She shares her best tips along with her comprehensive approach…
Test-Taking Advice for People with Learning Disabilities or Test Anxiety
Nobody likes taking tests, right? Well, perhaps a few of you out there get psyched at the chance of showing how well you have boned up for your exams. But most people facing a timed test can’t wait to get it out of the way. Even those who are fairly confident of their abilities will…
Worried About MBA Application Surge? Listen to the Experts!
Many MBA programs have chosen to make the GMAT and GRE optional for applicants this year. If you’re worried about how that might affect applicant numbers—and therefore, your chances of acceptance—you need to check out our recent live Q&A, Applying to Business School in a Test-Optional Application Surge. It’s available free of charge for on-demand…
So, You’re Applying to Business School with a Low GPA or GMAT Score?
You want to apply to business school, but you may be holding back because you’re worried about your low numbers–an unimpressive GPA or GMAT/GRE score. Don’t worry – this is NOT the end of the world! This post will define what “low” really means, help you put your scores into context, and show you how…
Why These GMAT Experts Approach Test-Taking With Empathy [Episode 402]
How can you ace the GMAT, the EA or any test required at your dream school? [Show summary] Mike Diamond of Apex GMAT shares his advice for acing the GMAT, prepping for graduate program tests of all kinds, and why empathy is central to Apex’s approach to test-coaching. Mike Diamond, Director of Curriculum Development at…
Watch The Impact of Your GMAT & GRE Now!
Our recent webinar, The Impact of Your GMAT & GRE: A Critical Piece in Your MBA Application, was a deep dive into the world of MBA admissions testing. If you weren’t able to join us or you missed out on any part of the session, it’s now available for free on-demand viewing!
Online GMAT vs. Online GRE: Pros and Cons
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected businesses and schools throughout the world. Since testing centers closed worldwide; both the GMAT and GRE have switched to online formats for the foreseeable future. GMAT’s whiteboard debacle ETS was first to make the move, releasing their online, at-home exam almost a month before the GMAT. While GRE examinees are…
UPDATES: How Does Corona Continue to Impact Testing? [GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, ACT, SAT, TOEFL, EA]
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect schools and businesses worldwide. The health and safety of testing candidates and staff remain priorities as testing organizations continue to offer online testing while finding ways to safely reopen testing centers. Here is the most up-to-date information on admission tests and their response to coronavirus. GRE ETS is offering…
ETS Announces At-Home TOEFL and GRE
According to the ETS website, the TOEFL iBT™ Special Home Edition and GRE™ General Test at-home solutions are now accessible to international test-takers who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These tests are currently available wherever the computer-delivered TOEFL iBT™ and GRE General test are usually available, except for Mainland China and Iran. ETS…
ETS Announces GRE General Test at Home Option
Due to the sweeping effects of the coronavirus, ETS will be temporarily offering an option to take the GRE General Test at home. This option will be available in selected countries and is for students who, due to public health concerns, cannot take the GRE General Test at a test center. Who will be able…