Which Test is Best? Choosing a Business School Exam with Charles Bibilos, GMAT Ninja
Inside the GMAT
“Sometimes with more choice comes more anxiety. And the decision of which exam to take ends up being part of the process that can be complicated and painful.” Deciding which exam to take can be tough - but it doesn't have to be! In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined by Charles Bibilos, founder of GMAT Ninja, to discuss the complexities of choosing between the GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment (EA) for MBA admissions. They explore the unique features of each test, the psychological aspects of test-taking, common myths surrounding standardized tests, and effective...
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From Setback to Success: Turning Persistence into a 685
Inside the GMAT
“The most important thing is to not give up and to believe that it’s possible.” What does it take to turn setbacks into success? In this episode, GMAC Zach sits down with recent GMAT test taker Ana Marie Dias, who shares her candid journey from underestimating the exam to earning a competitive score of 685 that opened doors to her dream program in Munich, Germany. Ana Dias, originally from Portugal, earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University of Coimbra. For the past three years, she has been working in finance in Germany, where she is now preparing to pursue a...
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Beyond a Perfect Score
Inside the GMAT
“Prepping for the GMAT was one of the biggest, most self-motivated projects of my adult life. It gave me concrete feedback I hadn’t experienced in years. Improvement wasn’t visible every day, but I could see how my effort turned into results.” In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Julia Shackelford, who earned a perfect GMAT score of 805, but insists the real story is everything behind the number. Julia shares how months of disciplined practice, self-reflection, and resilience transformed not only her test performance but also her confidence in tackling...
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Skills-Based Approach to GMAT Prep
Inside the GMAT
“Knowledge used to be power, but it no longer is power. What you do with that knowledge—that’s the skill.” In this must-watch episode for test takers, GMAC Zach speaks at length with Sergey Kouk from Admit Master about a skills-based approach to GMAT preparation. They discuss the common misconceptions surrounding the GMAT, the importance of reasoning skills over mere knowledge, and how to effectively prepare for the test using strategies akin to learning to drive a car. Sergey shares insights on building confidence, the significance of practice, and section-by-section analysis. The...
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Inside the GMAT Official Guide
Inside the GMAT
The GMAT Official Guide is more than just a book. It’s your direct line to real GMAT questions and the best possible test-day preparation. In this episode, is once again joined by from to explore how to get the most out of the Official Guide and other GMAT official tools. You’ll learn why practicing with real GMAT questions is essential, how to use them effectively alongside third-party resources, and the strategies that can turn your study time into score gains. The conversation also covers how to analyze mistakes, track progress, set realistic goals, and maximize efficiency....
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Keep it Simple, Score Higher
Inside the GMAT
“Don’t prepare until you can get the questions right. Prepare until you can’t get them wrong.” What if mastering the GMAT wasn’t about doing more—it was about doing less, but smarter? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, Zach is joined by Scott Woodbury-Stewart, Founder and CEO of , to explore how simplifying your prep can lead to better results. With over 20 years of experience helping test-takers turn confusion into clarity, Scott shares why most people struggle—not because they're not "math people," but because they’ve never been taught the right way to learn. From building a...
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The Hidden ROI of an MBA
Inside the GMAT
An MBA can open doors to top jobs and bigger paychecks—but what about the value that doesn’t show up on a resume? In this episode, Zach is joined by Melody Jones, founder of , to uncover the hidden ROI of business school: confidence, personal growth, lasting relationships, and the transformational power of human skills like communication. If you’re wondering what an MBA can offer beyond a job title, this conversation is for you. Contact Melody & Vantage Point: Register for the GMAT exam: Chapters: 03:55 - The ROI of Confidence 06:52 - The ROI of Personal Growth 10:19 -...
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How to Choose the Right Type of MBA Program
Inside the GMAT
Not sure whether you should pursue a full-time, part-time, or executive MBA program? You're not alone! Oren Margolis from joins the pod to dive deep into the crucial decision-making process of choosing the right type of MBA Program. As an experienced MBA admissions consultant and executive coach, Oren and Zach explore the nuances between the three program types and discuss how each format aligns with different career goals, personal circumstances, and professional aspirations. Whether you're looking to pivot careers, accelerate to executive leadership, or balance work and study, this episode...
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Season 5 Coming Soon! Plus Announcements!
Inside the GMAT
Season 5 is on the way! In this quick update, host Zach shares what’s coming in the next season of Inside the GMAT, how you can get involved, and one big announcement: the Official Guide 2025–2026 is out now! Whether you're prepping for the exam or just starting your journey, this is your moment to get ahead. 📝 Get the new Official Guide: 📩 Have a story to share? Email us at
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Replay: Reduce Exam Anxiety and Get the Results You Want (2023)
Inside the GMAT
This episode was originally published on September 7, 2023. GMAC's Eric Chambers is joined by Charles Bibilos, Founder of GMAT Ninja, where they do things a bit differently by tackling your test anxiety head on. Charles talks all things assessment anxiety, from how it can manifest in an exam environment to how to overcome it, with a lively discussion about how the latest edition of the GMAT helps reduce your chances of experiencing anxiety on test day. Tune in to get over your testing jitters! References:
info_outline“Prepping for the GMAT was one of the biggest, most self-motivated projects of my adult life. It gave me concrete feedback I hadn’t experienced in years. Improvement wasn’t visible every day, but I could see how my effort turned into results.”
In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Julia Shackelford, who earned a perfect GMAT score of 805, but insists the real story is everything behind the number. Julia shares how months of disciplined practice, self-reflection, and resilience transformed not only her test performance but also her confidence in tackling challenges far beyond the GMAT.
Together, Zach and Julia explore what it really takes to succeed on the GMAT, why natural ability matters less than consistent effort, and how shifting your focus from outcomes to process can change the way you see yourself.
About Our Guest:
Julia earned a BBA in Finance from the University of Arkansas in 2015 and spent the following nine years in banking, where she focused on lending, business development, training, and compliance. She now specializes in helping students excel on exams like the GMAT. She hopes to use what she learned through preparing for her own exam to improve the experience of other students.
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
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Journey
01:44 The Process Behind the Perfect Score
03:22 Mindset and Self-Discovery
05:48 Overcoming Challenges and Setbacks
07:55 The Importance of Self-Compassion
10:18 Redefining Success
12:21 Learning and Growth Through Preparation
15:00 Balancing Study and Life
17:25 Tools and Techniques for Effective Studying
19:54 Reflection and Course Correction
22:25 Advice for Future Test Takers
24:33 Final Thoughts on Success and Happiness