What Time Is Your Brain at Its Best? with Dr. Rodrigo Tello, Oklahoma State University
Inside the GMAT
In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Dr. Rodrigo Tello, MBA Program Manager at Oklahoma State University and a researcher studying chronobiology and circadian rhythms in organizational management. Rodrigo explains how our chronotypes—whether we naturally perform better earlier or later in the day—can affect focus, decision-making, learning, and even how managers respond to employee ideas. He also shares what his research has found about the “synchrony effect”: what can happen when demanding tasks line up with the time of day your brain is naturally at its best....
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Week 3: Vexed by Verbal Reasoning | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching
Inside the GMAT
Knowing how to read doesn’t automatically mean you know how to approach GMAT Verbal. In the latest episode of our summer GMAT prep series, GMAC Zach and GMAT instructor Hailey Cusimano dig into Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning—and some of the habits that can make these questions harder than they need to be. They explore why GMAT Verbal is more objective than it may seem, how assumptions and outside knowledge can lead you toward tempting wrong answers, why reading faster isn’t necessarily the answer to pacing problems, and how process of elimination can help you make more...
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Week 2: Don't Sweat the Quant Stuff | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching
Inside the GMAT
GMAT Quant questions can look intimidating—but the hardest part is not always the math. In week two of our six-week GMAT study series, GMAC Zach is joined once again by Hailey Cusimano of Menlo Coaching for a hands-on Quantitative Reasoning session. Together, they work through three challenging problems and explore what actually separates an efficient GMAT solution from a long, calculation-heavy one. You’ll learn why rushing into the first available approach can cost you time, how to identify the question’s true ask, and how techniques such as number picking, visual organization, and...
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Week 1: Building Your Study Plan | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching
Inside the GMAT
Summer can be a great time to prepare for the GMAT...but only if you have a plan! In the first installment of our summer GMAT study series, GMAC Zach is joined by Hailey Cusimano, Director of Tutoring at Menlo Coaching, to discuss how candidates can build a study timeline that is structured, realistic, and flexible. Hailey explains why GMAT preparation should generally move through two phases: first developing the necessary foundations and strategies, and then practicing under increasingly realistic test conditions. She also shares why completing more questions does not automatically lead to a...
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Rewind: Meet with Admissions at GMAC Tours
Inside the GMAT
This episode originally published in 2025, but since a new round of GMAC Tours just started up again, I want to make sure new listeners have a chance to learn all about these one-of-a-kind, free events. Enjoy! - GMAC Zach Thinking about business school? Don’t go it alone. In this episode, we’re hitting the road as we explore , the global events that bring top business schools and aspiring students together under one roof. Host Zach is joined by Maggie Cooley, Director of Events and Marketing for GMAC Tours, to unpack why these MBA & Masters Tour events are more than just...
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GMAT Superscore Explained with Charles Bibilos, GMAT Ninja
Inside the GMAT
GMAT Superscore is coming, and it could change how candidates think about retesting, performance anxiety, and an imperfect test day. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Charles Bibilos, founder of GMAT Ninja, to explain what GMAT Superscore means in practice. Charles breaks down how a superscore combines your strongest Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights section scores across multiple eligible exam attempts. He also explains which candidates are most likely to benefit, why an uneven test day no longer needs to feel catastrophic, and how business...
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Financing Your MBA: What Every Candidate Should Know
Inside the GMAT
Paying for business school can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, Zach sits down with Allie Danziger, Chief Marketing Officer at Ascent Funding, to discuss one of the biggest concerns facing prospective students: how to finance graduate management education. Together, they explore why cost remains a major barrier for candidates, common misconceptions about loans and scholarships, strategies for building a realistic financial plan, and ways students can evaluate the long-term return on investment of their degree. Whether you're just beginning to...
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How to Use the New GMAT Official Guide 2026–2027
Inside the GMAT
“Nothing is better than the real thing. Official GMAT questions are the gold standard for getting ready for the test.” The is here, and that means new official questions, updated online practice tools, and fresh ways to prepare for test day. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined once again by Stacey Koprince of Manhattan Prep to break down what’s new in this year’s Official Guide collection and how candidates should actually use it. They discuss why official GMAT questions are so valuable, how to balance official prep with third-party learning resources, and why...
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The 5 Traits of Successful GMAT Test Takers with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching
Inside the GMAT
“Anxiety and excitement are chemically the same reaction — context changes how we interpret it.” What actually separates top GMAT performers from everyone else? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Hailey Cusimano, Director of Tutoring at Menlo Coaching, to unpack the five traits she's observed that that drive GMAT success. Through the lens of curiosity, balance, consistency, resilience, and flexibility, Hailey explains why the GMAT is less about memorization and more about critical thinking, self-awareness, and intentional preparation. Whether you’re just...
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What Today’s MBA Candidates Really Want (According to the Data)
Inside the GMAT
“Candidates aren’t chasing career switches—they’re investing in long-term skills.” If you’re considering business school, you’ve probably asked yourself some big questions: Is it worth it? What should I prioritize? And how are other candidates making this decision? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with his colleague Andrew Walker, Director of Industry Communications at GMAC, to unpack insights from the —featuring perspectives from over 4,000 candidates worldwide. Together, they explore how candidate motivations are shifting, what “ROI” really means...
info_outlineThis episode originally published in 2025, but since a new round of GMAC Tours just started up again, I want to make sure new listeners have a chance to learn all about these one-of-a-kind, free events. Enjoy! - GMAC Zach
Thinking about business school? Don’t go it alone.
In this episode, we’re hitting the road as we explore GMAC Tours, the global events that bring top business schools and aspiring students together under one roof. Host Zach is joined by Maggie Cooley, Director of Events and Marketing for GMAC Tours, to unpack why these MBA & Masters Tour events are more than just information sessions. They’re networking goldmines, resume-boosting bootcamps, and overall application game-changers.
You’ll hear what really happens at a Tour event, how to make a lasting impression, and why attending one could help you discover your best-fit program (especially one you’ve never considered before).
Whether you’re years away from applying or finalizing your target school list, this episode will help you make the most of one of the most impactful tools on your business school journey.
Find a Tour near you: https://www.mba.com/connect-with-schools/gmac-tours/events-calendar
Key Takeaways
1. GMAC Tours are free, curated events designed for every stage of the b-school journey.
Whether you're exploring your options or ready to apply, there’s value for everyone—from keynotes and meetups to resume clinics and GMAT info sessions.
2. The biggest asset? Face time with admissions reps.
Attendees meet directly with decision-makers from top global business schools, building authentic relationships that can strengthen applications and inform school selection.
3. Thoughtful preparation goes a long way.
Doing research ahead of time, preparing smart questions, and showing genuine curiosity helps you stand out, both in scheduled meetups and casual booth chats.
4. Be open to discovering new schools.
80% of attendees consider a new program they hadn’t previously thought about. Don’t just target the usual suspects—use the event to explore your full range of options.
5. Your application can benefit directly.
From resume feedback to application tips and admissions insights, the information (and impression) you gain at a Tour event can translate into a stronger, more personalized application.
Chapters
01:12 - What is a Tour Event?
03:25 - Who Should Attend?
05:24 - Overview of Activities
06:55 - About School Meet-Ups
10:04 - About Resume Review Clinics
11:20 - About B-School Talks
12:01 - About the GMAT Info Session
13:16 - Planning Your Schedule
14:52 - Benefits of Attending
16:57 - Using the Event to Strengthen Your Application
17:56 - Success Stories
21:07 - Tips for Attending
23:06 - Making a Great Impression at Networking Events
25:07 - Common Mistakes to Avoid
28:42 - Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts