Inside the GMAT

Inside the GMAT is the podcast designed for anyone considering, applying to, or preparing for business school. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the MBA path, knee-deep in applications, or focused on mastering the GMAT exam, this show is your inside track to smarter decisions, expert advice, and strategies that work. Brought to you by GMAC (the makers of the GMAT exam) each weekly episode features candid conversations with admissions leaders, test prep experts, and successful students. You’ll get practical tips for excelling on the GMAT, insights into how schools evaluate candidates, and real stories from people who’ve walked the same path. From study strategies and score reports to networking, career pivots, and big-picture trends shaping graduate management education, Inside the GMAT brings you the guidance and confidence you need to succeed. If you want the inside scoop on the GMAT, admissions, and how to get the most out of your business school journey, this podcast is for you.

Replay: The GMAT Explained 11/05/2026

How to Spot Bad GMAT Advice with Rowan Hand, Your GMAT Coach 10/22/2026

How to Spot Bad GMAT Advice with Rowan Hand, Your GMAT Coach “Just because it's written online, just because it's on your screen, doesn't make it true.” There’s no shortage of GMAT advice online. The harder part is figuring out which advice is actually worth following. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with GMAT tutor and test prep advisor Rowan Hand to talk about how candidates can become smarter consumers of GMAT information. Rowan has worked with more than 1,000 students around the world since 2005 and has experience as a question writer, explanation writer, and content editor. Together, Zach and Rowan explore why outdated GMAT advice continues to circulate, when another test taker’s experience can be useful—and when it can be misleading—and how to evaluate tutors, prep companies, Reddit threads, and other online resources. They also dig into one of the biggest new challenges for test takers: using AI for GMAT prep. Rowan explains where tools like ChatGPT can be helpful, where they can fall short, and why getting the right answer isn’t always the same thing as learning the right approach. In this episode: Why outdated GMAT advice can persist long after the exam changes Why official GMAT materials remain an essential part of prep How to distinguish personal experience from prescriptive advice How to evaluate GMAT tutors and prep companies What to look for when GMAT sources conflict Where AI can help with GMAT prep—and where extra scrutiny is warranted Why the best solution to a practice question is often the one you can apply again How to think realistically about your GMAT preparation timeline The bottom line: whether advice comes from a tutor, Reddit, a friend, or an AI tool, don’t assume something is true simply because it sounds authoritative. Check the source, consider whether the advice applies to your situation, and focus on approaches you can use consistently. About Our Guest: Since 2005, Rowan hand has worked as a GMAT/GRE Tutor and test prep advisor around the globe, teaching one-to-one and group courses in London, Paris, and Warsaw, and ultimately expanding his reach to multiple continents online. He's worked with clients from Hong Kong to Taipei to Perth to Sydney to Manila to New York to Chicago to Frankfurt to Riga to Moscow to help boost careers at schools ranging from HBS to INSEAD to MIT Sloan to Wharton to Cambridge Judge to IE, IMD, IESE, and more. In addition to teaching, Rowan has worked as a question writer and explanation writer for numerous GMAT prep materials, and has developed a niche as a consultant editor, improving question explanations for better understanding by non-technical readers. He's also published multiple #1 Amazon Bestsellers (GMAT and Test Prep), including Helpful Resources: Your GMAT Coach: Rowan's GMAT Guides: Rowan on YouTube: Rowan on Instagram: Key Takeaways: Not all GMAT advice deserves equal weight. Outdated information, anecdotes, forum posts, prep-company content, and AI-generated answers can all sound authoritative even when they are incomplete or wrong. Official GMAT materials should remain a core part of prep. Rowan emphasizes that official questions have gone through the actual exam-development and review process, which third-party material cannot fully replicate. Online communities can be valuable if you use them critically. Reddit and GMAT forums are especially useful for comparing different solution methods, but candidates should focus on approaches that are understandable, repeatable, and transferable to other questions. AI can help, but confidence is not the same as correctness. LLMs can surface outdated information, make mistakes on certain GMAT question types, and sometimes reach the right answer using a method that is not especially useful for test day. Build your study plan around your actual starting point, target, and timeline. Rowan recommends working backward from application deadlines and allowing room for multiple exam attempts rather than relying on a generic prep timeline. Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction 02:00 — Rowan’s background in GMAT prep 05:28 — Why outdated GMAT advice sticks around 08:30 — Common GMAT myths and misconceptions 11:34 — When personal experiences become misleading 12:47 — What to do when GMAT sources conflict 14:52 — How to use Reddit and GMAT communities wisely 19:12 — Evaluating tutors and prep companies 24:08 — The risks of relying too heavily on AI 29:50 — Using AI more effectively during prep 30:03 — Building a realistic GMAT study timeline 32:00 — Where to find Rowan /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/43085213

Studying Business in Europe: What You Gain Beyond the Classroom with GEM Alpine Business School 10/15/2026

Studying Business in Europe: What You Gain Beyond the Classroom with GEM Alpine Business School Choosing a business school isn’t just about choosing a program. It’s also about choosing a city, a culture, a professional network, and a place you may call home long after graduation. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Jinnie Hinderscheit, Head of Marketing for Post-Experience Programs at , to explore what it really means to study business in Europe. Drawing on her own experience moving from the United States to France as an international student—and ultimately building her life and career there—Jinnie discusses the benefits and trade-offs of studying abroad, how local business ecosystems can create global career opportunities, and why factors like affordability, culture, friendships, and quality of life deserve a place in your business school decision. They also explore what makes France and Grenoble distinctive destinations for graduate management education and how GEM connects students with an ecosystem built around technology, innovation, and global business. If you’re considering studying abroad—or simply wondering how much location should factor into your business school search—this conversation offers a new way to think about what you’re really choosing when you choose a program. Helpful Resources: GEM Alpine School of Business: About Our Guest: Jinnie Hinderscheit is an international marketing and communications professional specializing in higher education, research, and technology. At GEM Alpine Business School, she leads marketing and recruitment for the MBA, Executive MBA, and DBA programs. Her expertise includes international student recruitment, brand positioning, digital marketing, and program development. Key Takeaways: You’re choosing more than a school. The city, industries, alumni network, culture, and lifestyle surrounding a program can shape both your student experience and your career opportunities. Studying abroad can change how you work. Being immersed in unfamiliar cultures and multicultural teams can challenge your assumptions and develop skills that translate directly to global workplaces. Local and global aren’t opposites. A strong local ecosystem can expose students to global companies, international classmates, faculty, and ideas while providing a concrete environment in which to apply them. The surrounding business ecosystem matters. Company projects, visits, internships, speakers, and work experiences can help students test career paths and build relationships beyond the classroom. Quality of life belongs in the decision. Jinnie argues that affordability, friendships, culture, and lifestyle aren’t separate from the academic experience—they can affect how well a student is able to thrive. Make the experience count from day one. Her closing advice: use the career center, professors, company projects, language-learning opportunities, and friendships—and remember to enjoy the experience while it lasts. Chapters: 00:00 – What does it really mean to study in Europe? 01:03 – Jinnie’s journey from international student to life in France 02:06 – Why students choose Europe 04:14 – Advantages of studying in Europe 05:58 – Trade-offs to consider before studying abroad 07:01 – What you gain by stepping outside your existing network 09:02 – Why the city around your business school matters 11:17 – How local companies become part of the student experience 14:05 – Friends, culture, affordability, and quality of life 15:48 – How the local and global perspectives reinforce each other 17:27 – What international students bring to local companies 19:07 – Why study business in France? 21:11 – What makes Grenoble different? 23:02 – Grenoble’s technology and innovation ecosystem 24:19 – What international students should know about GEM 25:40 – Who thrives at GEM? 27:10 – Jinnie’s advice for prospective international students /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/43126893

How to Use AI in Your Application w/ University of San Francisco's Masagung Graduate School of Business 10/08/2026

How to Use AI in Your Application w/ University of San Francisco's Masagung Graduate School of Business AI can help you research business schools, brainstorm essay ideas, prepare for interviews, and organize the application process. But how much AI is too much? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined by Hannah Artis, Senior Director of Graduate Admission, and Frank Fletcher, Senior Director of MBA Programs at the Masagung Graduate School of Management at the University of San Francisco. They discuss how admissions teams are thinking about AI, where it can genuinely strengthen your application, and where relying on it too heavily can cause you to lose the most important part of your candidacy: your own voice. You’ll hear why AI can be an excellent “sparring partner,” why an overly polished essay may actually work against you, how to use AI to prepare for an MBA interview without sounding scripted, and why critical thinking remains one of the most important skills you can bring to business school. Plus, Hannah and Frank share practical advice for applicants who are still trying to figure out their story, their goals, and their “why.” Helpful Resources: Masagung Graduate School of Business: Key Takeaways: Use AI as a sparring partner, not a substitute. It can challenge your ideas, help you brainstorm, and prepare you for difficult questions—but your judgment and answers should remain your own. Don’t polish away your personality. Admissions teams aren’t necessarily looking for a perfectly packaged candidate; the quirks, uncertainty, growth, and messiness of your story can help them understand who you really are. AI is particularly useful for research and preparation. Use it to explore programs, identify questions, organize deadlines, brainstorm, and practice interviews—but verify important information directly with schools. Never outsource the interview. Preparation is encouraged; scripted, AI-generated responses can prevent admissions teams from seeing how you actually think and communicate. Critical thinking remains the differentiator. Knowing which tools to use, when to use them, and how to navigate ambiguity matters more than simply becoming more efficient. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 02:21 – How often does AI come up with MBA applicants? 05:59 – Where AI can genuinely help your application 07:14 – Using AI as a “sparring partner” 09:45 – Why your application doesn’t need to be perfect 11:59 – The danger of outsourcing the reflection process 12:43 – AI, recommendations, and interviews 16:08 – USF’s policy on AI in applications 17:06 – Are admissions teams using AI too? 19:18 – How business schools are preparing students to work with AI 22:42 – Why you shouldn’t outsource your critical thinking 26:08 – The part of your application you should always do yourself 26:46 – Where it’s reasonable to seek help 27:57 – How to figure out your story and your “why” 30:31 – Learn more about the Masagung School of Management /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/43126708

A Special Message From GMAC Zach 10/02/2026

Is an MBA Right for You? Exploring Nontraditional Routes to Business School with EDHEC's Sandra Richez 10/01/2026

Is an MBA Right for You? Exploring Nontraditional Routes to Business School with EDHEC's Sandra Richez “We're not looking for people who know about business. We're looking for people who are ready to learn about business and who are ready to grow and to lead.” Is an MBA right for you? And what if you don't come from a traditional business background? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined by Sandra Richez, Global MBA Program Director at , to explore how the MBA has evolved—and why candidates from engineering, the humanities, technology, nonprofit, healthcare, the arts, and other fields can bring enormous value to the classroom. Sandra shares what business schools look for beyond traditional business experience, the transferable skills an MBA can help develop, and how the degree can create space to discover entirely new career possibilities. They also discuss the questions prospective students should ask themselves before applying, why choosing a program should start with your own goals rather than rankings, and what makes EDHEC's Global MBA experience distinctive. Whether you already have a clear career goal or are still figuring out what comes next, this conversation can help you think more intentionally about whether an MBA belongs in your future. This episode of Inside the GMAT is presented by EDHEC Business School. Helpful Resources: Key Takeaways: There is no single “traditional” MBA candidate anymore. MBA classrooms increasingly include people from engineering, technology, healthcare, the humanities, the arts, nonprofit work, entrepreneurship, and other backgrounds—not just finance or consulting. A nontraditional background can be an advantage. Different professional experiences bring different strengths to the classroom, and that diversity improves peer learning, collaboration, and problem-solving. Business schools are looking for potential, not just business knowledge. Curiosity, resilience, openness to feedback, collaboration, communication, and a growth mindset can matter as much as prior experience in business. An MBA builds more than technical business skills. Beyond finance, marketing, and strategy, students can develop leadership, decision-making, communication, negotiation, cross-cultural collaboration, and the ability to operate amid uncertainty. An MBA can help you discover a career path you did not expect. Exposure to new subjects, classmates, industries, and applied projects can either broaden your options or help you narrow down what you actually want to do. The decision to pursue an MBA should start with your long-term goals. Ask where you want to be in five to ten years, what skills you are missing today, and whether you are ready to invest in yourself to close those gaps. Choosing an MBA program should be about fit, not rankings alone. Start with your goals, preferred location, format, career support, alumni network, specialization options, and learning environment, then use rankings as one source of information. The value of an MBA is broader than immediate salary ROI. The episode frames the degree as a long-term investment in transferable skills, leadership capability, career flexibility, and future possibilities. Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction 01:04 — Meet Sandra Richez and EDHEC Business School 07:23 — Is the traditional MBA candidate a thing of the past? 09:49 — The rise of nontraditional MBA backgrounds 11:36 — What different professional backgrounds bring to the classroom 14:20 — What makes someone a strong MBA candidate? 16:32 — The broader skills you develop during an MBA 24:07 — Discovering unexpected strengths and new career paths 30:37 — How to decide whether an MBA is right for you 37:07 — How to choose the right MBA program 44:16 — What makes the EDHEC Global MBA distinctive 51:15 — What to do once you're ready to explore an MBA 54:15 — Closing thoughts /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/43074893

Careers in a Changing World: Opportunities, Skills & Navigating What’s Next with Cambridge Judge and ESMT Berlin 09/25/2026

Careers in a Changing World: Opportunities, Skills & Navigating What’s Next with Cambridge Judge and ESMT Berlin “Companies want to know the real person, the human behind those applications.” AI, technological innovation, and economic change are transforming the workplace—and creating new challenges and opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers. So, what skills will be most valuable? Where are the growth opportunities? And how can you stay competitive in an evolving job market? In this special episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Deputy Editor Matt Kefford speaks with Sadia Cuthbert, Head of Cambridge Judge Careers at Cambridge Judge Business School, and Marcel Kalis, Director of the Career Development Center at ESMT Berlin, during the GMAC Virtual MBA + Master’s Tour Europe. Together, they explore the trends shaping the future of work, including the impact of AI on hiring and established career paths, changes in the global job market, and the growing importance of skills like curiosity, communication, adaptability, and relationship-building. They also discuss where new opportunities may emerge, what candidates should understand about recruiting in Europe, and how business school students can make the most of career services, internships, company connections, and other experiences beyond the classroom. Plus, Sadia and Marcel share practical advice you can put into action now as you prepare for whatever comes next in your career. This special episode is brought to you by and . About Our Guests: Sadia Cuthbert is Director of Careers at Cambridge Judge Business School, where she leads a dedicated team delivering a comprehensive programme of career development, skills training, and recruitment opportunities for experienced postgraduate students across the MBA, Executive MBA, and MFin programmes. Sadia began her career as an impact consultant working across South Asia, Mexico, and the Philippines, before transitioning into equity markets research at Bear Stearns and subsequently into equity sales. She spent 12 years in the City, London as an equity stockbroker specialising in emerging markets, at HSBC and Merrill Lynch. Deeply passionate about economics, development, and finance, Sadia brings a rare combination of frontline commercial experience and a genuine commitment to social impact to her work at Cambridge Judge. She is an active mentor and former board member of the Centre for Global Equality, an organisation focused on inclusive innovation. Sadia holds a Masters in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics from the London School of Economics and an undergraduate degree in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Sussex. Marcel Kalis is Director of the Career Development Center at ESMT Berlin, where he has led career services since 2006. He built the function from the ground up and designs and maintains career-development programming for Full-time, Part-time, Global Online, MSc, and Executive MBA students. His work spans career coaching, job-search strategy, skills-development teaching, and the selection of speakers, lecturers, and coaches. Marcel develops networking opportunities that connect students with corporate partners through workshops, company visits, and events, while building relationships with ESMT founding companies, startups, NGOs, and other external partners. Matt Kefford is Deputy Editor for GMAC.com, responsible for writing, editing, and producing multimedia content as well as driving content strategy for the website. A business education journalist for 5+ years, he regularly features as a judge on education industry awards and speaks at industry events. Previously, Matt has written and produced content for national news organizations including The Sunday Times, i News, and Sky News, as well as a number of regional titles. Matt has a B.A. in History from the University of Leeds and an M.A. in Journalism from the University of Sheffield. He is also a gold standard accredited journalist with the National Council for the Training of Journalists. Helpful Resources: Cambridge Judge Business School: ESMT Berlin: GMAC Tours: Key Takeaways: AI, technological innovation, and economic change are reshaping careers. Candidates need to be prepared for established roles and industries to evolve rather than assuming traditional career paths will remain unchanged. Growth often follows change. Areas including technology, energy, health, mobility, cybersecurity, and emerging businesses may create new opportunities as organizations respond to new challenges. Human skills remain critical. Curiosity, communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and the ability to connect with people can help candidates stand out in an increasingly AI-enabled hiring environment. Staying competitive requires being proactive. Networking, learning about industries firsthand, exploring unfamiliar companies, and building relationships can be as important as submitting applications. Business school is more than the classroom. Internships, company visits, experiential projects, exchanges, career services, and peer networks can help students develop the skills and exposure they need to navigate what comes next. Chapters: 01:14 Overview of the GMAC Virtual MBA and Masters Tour 03:17 Key Factors Shaping the Business World Today 05:29 Major Trends and Developments in the Changing World 08:09 Current Job Market and Opportunities 10:11 Challenges and Misconceptions in the Job Market 12:09 The Role of Networking and Personal Branding 18:15 Future Industry Sectors and Long-Term Opportunities 19:14 Predictions for the Next 5 to 10 Years 23:39 Practical Steps to Enhance Career Prospects 28:44 Final Advice for Building a Future-Ready Career /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/43019338

Week 6: How to Actually Review a GMAT Practice Test | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching 09/10/2026

Week 6: How to Actually Review a GMAT Practice Test | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching Spoiler Warning: This episode discusses questions from the second free Official GMAT Practice Exam on mba.com. If you haven't taken that exam yet, there will be some spoilers. What should you do after taking a GMAT practice test? For the final installment of our six-week Summer GMAT prep series, GMC Zach and Menlo Coaching Director of Tutoring Hailey Cusimano go inside the results of a real student practice exam—and discover that the score itself tells only part of the story. After beginning at a 545 and seeing her score fall to 515 after weeks of self-study, this student could easily have concluded that she simply needed more Quant practice, more Verbal practice, or more questions. But a deeper review revealed something very different. Across Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, the same patterns kept appearing: overinvesting time in difficult questions, rushing when the clock became intimidating, getting lost in unnecessary details, and sometimes solving a problem correctly only to answer the wrong question. Hailey breaks down how to spot those patterns, turn mistakes into actionable strategies, and use practice exams as learning tools—not just score predictors. And the payoff? That same student eventually scored a 715. If you're taking GMAT practice exams but aren't sure what to do with the results, this episode is your guide to finding the story behind your score. About Hailey: is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students’ main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun. Helpful Resources: Menlo Coaching: Register for the GMAT: 5 Traits of Successful GMAT Test Takers: Purchase GMAT Official Prep: Key Takeaways: A practice exam is more than a test-readiness benchmark. It can reveal patterns in your decision-making, pacing, confidence, and strategy. Don't automatically respond to a missed algebra question by doing more algebra—or a missed Reading Comprehension question by doing more Reading Comprehension. Ask why you missed it. Spending five minutes on a question you ultimately miss can create problems well beyond that one question by forcing you to rush later. “Silly mistakes” usually aren't random. Look for the repeatable process that made the mistake more likely. One problem can appear across all three GMAT sections. In this case, reading precision, task orientation, and answering the exact question being asked showed up repeatedly. More practice questions aren't automatically better. Review should produce an actionable takeaway you can apply to a different question later. Don't try to become a subject-matter expert on every Reading Comprehension or Multi-Source Reasoning passage. Understand the structure and return to details when they're actually needed. A rough practice score does not necessarily mean your preparation isn't working. Sometimes the data is exposing a fixable strategy problem. Confidence and momentum matter. A bad stretch in one section can affect how you approach the next. The goal isn't just to collect data about what you're getting wrong. It's to understand what needs to happen differently next time. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to using practice exams effectively 02:07 Case study: Student’s initial struggles and data analysis 04:55 Time management insights and question pacing 07:55 Verbal and quantitative section analysis 12:51 Big picture data insights and strategic adjustments 18:02 Common question pitfalls and how to avoid them 21:58 The importance of mental resilience and confidence 26:58 Building effective review habits and strategies 33:00 Final tips for exam day success /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/42859690

Week 5: How to Best Use Practice Exams | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching 08/27/2026

Week 5: How to Best Use Practice Exams | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching Practice tests are an essential part of GMAT prep—but are you using them the right way? In Week 5 of our Summer Prep Series, GMAC Zach is joined once again by GMAT expert Hailey Cusimano to explore how candidates can make the transition from learning GMAT concepts to performing under test-like conditions. They discuss why a practice test should be treated as data rather than a verdict on your readiness, when to start taking official practice exams, and how to practice pacing without burning through your limited supply of full-length tests. Hailey also breaks down some of the most common pacing mistakes—including obsessing over a two-minute-per-question benchmark, spending too much time on difficult questions, and unnecessarily double-checking questions you’ve already solved efficiently. Plus, Zach and Hailey dig into the mental side of the GMAT: how momentum can affect your performance, why trying to predict the scoring algorithm can work against you, and how deliberately introducing manageable stress into your practice can make test day feel more familiar. And if you're following the series, get a practice test ready: next week, Zach and Hailey will walk through how to actually review one. About Hailey: is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students’ main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun. Helpful Resources: Menlo Coaching: Register for the GMAT: 5 Traits of Successful GMAT Test Takers: Purchase GMAT Official Prep: Key Takeaways: Your practice test is data—not a verdict. A practice test isn’t simply there to tell you whether you’re “ready.” It can reveal how you behave under pressure, where your pacing breaks down, what strategies survive under time constraints, and where your prep should go next. Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. Waiting for near-perfect accuracy before taking a practice exam can leave you “treading water.” Once you’ve built a reasonable foundation and can learn constructively from your mistakes, practice tests themselves should become part of the learning process. Pacing does not mean spending two minutes on every question. Different questions deserve different amounts of time. Instead of constantly calculating your time per question, Hailey recommends thinking more broadly about high-value versus low-value time across the section. One difficult question can create a pacing snowball. Spending three or more minutes fighting with one problem may not just hurt you on that question—it can force you to rush several questions afterward. Recognizing sunk-cost thinking and knowing when additional time is no longer adding value are critical GMAT skills. Structure gives you something to fall back on under pressure. You can’t eliminate every stressful moment from the GMAT. You can develop question-solving routines, pacing checkpoints, contingency plans, and even a consistent pre-test routine so your brain has something familiar to rely on when stress arrives. Stop trying to figure out how well you’re doing during the exam. The apparent difficulty of the questions you see isn’t a reliable way to judge your performance. Hailey has seen candidates mentally give up on sections they later discovered were among their strongest performances. Your job is the question in front of you—not reverse-engineering the scoring algorithm. Practice being imperfect. You can miss questions and still perform extremely well. Aiming to feel 100% confident about every answer can actually hurt performance if it causes you to overinvest time. Even strong candidates should have strategies for making a thoughtful, educated guess when necessary. Chapters: Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:54 Contextualizing practice test data 05:46 Balancing confidence and pacing in practice tests 09:07 The importance of review and reflection 12:14 The mental game: stress and momentum 14:56 Practical tips for consistent practice habits 18:08 Overcoming perfectionism and all-or-nothing mindset 21:07 Benchmarking and adjusting pacing strategies 23:56 The value of review and reflection 27:11 Understanding and managing the scoring algorithm 30:04 Preparing mentally for test day challenges 31:02 The importance of a structured routine 31:52 Handling the mental game and stress management 33:05 Avoiding all-or-nothing thinking in pacing 34:01 Using review to inform pacing adjustments 34:55 The role of contingency plans in test strategy 35:49 Common mistakes and how to correct them 36:49 The importance of resilience and grit 38:11 Final tips for test day readiness 38:51 Upcoming episode preview and closing remarks /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/42574925

Week 4: How to Stop Overthinking Data Insights | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching 08/20/2026

Week 4: How to Stop Overthinking Data Insights | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching Data Insights gives you a lot to look at, but that doesn’t mean you need to understand all of it. In the latest installment of our GMAT Summer Prep Series, GMAC Zach and Hailey Cusimano of Menlo Coaching break down how to approach one of the GMAT’s most distinctive sections without getting lost in the data. They explore why timing can be particularly challenging in Data Insights, how to stay focused on the task in front of you, why unfamiliar subject matter shouldn’t scare you, and how having a clear strategy for each question type can make the section feel much more manageable. Plus, Zach puts his own Data Sufficiency skills to the test as Hailey demonstrates how slowing down before you start solving can actually help you work more efficiently. Whether Data Insights is your favorite section or the one you’re still trying to figure out, this episode will help you build a smarter approach to the questions in front of you. About Hailey: is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students’ main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun. Helpful Resources: Menlo Coaching: Register for the GMAT: 5 Traits of Successful GMAT Test Takers: Purchase GMAT Official Prep: Key Takeaways: Data Insights is a resource-management test as much as a reasoning test. A major challenge is recognizing when a question is consuming too much time and deciding whether the next step is actually worth the investment. You do not need to understand everything you’re shown. Start with the task, then seek out the information needed to answer it. Trying to fully absorb every graph, tab, or paragraph upfront can waste valuable time. The bigger danger is often assuming information, not overlooking it. When you catch yourself filling in a gap with outside knowledge or what “seems” true, go back to the information provided and find support you can actually defend. If a Graphics Interpretation question feels like an eye test, you may be interpreting the graph incorrectly. Differences should be defensible from the data rather than dependent on extremely precise visual estimation. On Data Sufficiency, define what would make the information sufficient before you start calculating. Especially on yes/no questions, you do not need one unique scenario—you need to know whether the answer can be determined definitively. You do not have to evaluate Data Sufficiency statements in order. Starting with the statement that gives you the clearest path can make the problem easier and reduce unnecessary work. Doing more practice questions is not necessarily the path to improvement. The useful part of review is identifying exactly where your reasoning broke down and what you need to do differently when you encounter a similar challenge again. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Data Insights and Episode Overview 02:14 GMAT Super Score and Its Impact on Data Insights 03:24 Integrating Quantitative and Verbal Skills in Data Insights 04:47 Common Challenges: Timing and Data Overload 07:08 Building Structure and Task Orientation 09:00 Handling Distractions and Staying Focused 10:01 Practicing Discipline and Resource Management 12:21 Avoiding Assumptions and Logical Leaps 14:14 Understanding the Open Book Nature of Data Insights 16:03 Question Type Specific Strategies 19:08 Using Graphics Interpretation Effectively 29:16 Introduction to Data Sufficiency Questions 30:15 Evaluating Data Sufficiency Statements Independently 32:38 Common Mistakes in Data Sufficiency 35:15 Importance of Inventory Management and Confidence 40:05 Strategies for Success and Self-Reflection 50:14 Psychology of Test-Taking and Next Steps /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/42502480

What Time Is Your Brain at Its Best? with Dr. Rodrigo Tello, Oklahoma State University 08/17/2026

What Time Is Your Brain at Its Best? with Dr. Rodrigo Tello, Oklahoma State University 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. Then Zach and Rodrigo bring the science back to the GMAT. They discuss how to identify your own patterns, experiment with different study times, schedule prep around your strongest hours when possible, and think strategically about when to take the exam. As Rodrigo puts it: before studying for the GMAT, study yourself. They also explore what chronobiology could mean for business school, teamwork, leadership, and the way we design the modern workplace. About our guest: Dr. Rodrigo Tello is a Senior Program Manager, educator, and researcher with more than 14 years of experience in program management, including seven years in graduate business education (MBA). He holds three master’s degrees, including a Master’s in Health and Human Performance, and is a Mayo Clinic Certified Health and Wellness Coach. His research focuses on the intersection of chronobiology, leadership, and management, exploring how biological rhythms influence managerial behavior and decision-making. Passionate about health, wellness, and longevity, Rodrigo is particularly interested in connecting human performance and well-being with leadership and organizational performance. Outside of work and research, he enjoys traveling, biking, lifting, and staying active. Helpful resources: Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ): The Power of When by Dr. Michael Breus: What's Your Chrontotype? Quiz: Register for the GMAT: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to timing and biological clocks 01:09 Rodrigo's journey into wellness and chronobiology 04:39 The book The Power of When and its impact 07:03 Research on managers' chronotypes and responsiveness 08:53 Timing and decision-making in organizations 11:37 Practical applications beyond management 14:23 Personal experiences with study timing and energy levels 20:00 Implications for high-stakes testing like the GMAT 27:25 Societal and organizational shifts towards flexible timing 34:20 Applying chronobiology to MBA and professional development 41:17 Navigating chronobiology in professional settings 45:31 Future research and potential impacts /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/42460730

Week 3: Vexed by Verbal Reasoning | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching 08/13/2026

Week 3: Vexed by Verbal Reasoning | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching 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 defensible decisions. Then Zach puts the strategies to the test with challenging Critical Reasoning questions—and falls into a few traps along the way. About Hailey: is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students’ main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun. Helpful Resources: Menlo Coaching: Register for the GMAT: 5 Traits of Successful GMAT Test Takers: Purchase GMAT Official Prep: Key Takeaways: Verbal is objective. You’re not choosing the answer you can make the best case for; four answers are ultimately flawed for a reason. Read for structure, not memorization. Look for changes in direction, perspective, comparisons, and why each paragraph exists. Don’t bring too much outside knowledge with you. Your assumptions and familiarity with a topic can sometimes make a question harder rather than easier. Know your job before evaluating the answers. An assumption, strengthener, inference, and other question types demand different things. Make your eliminations defensible. “I don’t like this answer” isn’t enough; you should be able to articulate why it fails the task. Review why you got stuck—not just what you got wrong. Hailey’s final advice is to look for recurring resistance points in your decision-making rather than simply drilling more questions of the same type. /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/42420370

Week 2: Don't Sweat the Quant Stuff | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching 08/05/2026

Week 2: Don't Sweat the Quant Stuff | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching 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 proportional reasoning can reveal a much simpler path forward. Along the way, Hailey explains how to: Front-load your analysis so you can execute more efficiently Identify and pursue the path of least resistance Recognize the cues intentionally built into a question Choose useful numbers when variables make a problem difficult to visualize Avoid doing the right math for the wrong question Turn “careless mistakes” into specific opportunities for improvement Whether Quant is your biggest concern or you simply want to become a more flexible problem-solver, this episode will help you approach difficult questions with greater clarity, confidence, and control. About Hailey: is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students’ main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun. Helpful Resources: Menlo Coaching: Register for the GMAT: 5 Traits of Successful GMAT Test Takers: Purchase GMAT Official Prep: Key Takeaways: Analyze before you calculate. A small investment of time at the beginning can prevent you from spending several minutes on an approach that will not pay off. Look for the path of least resistance. The first method that comes to mind is not necessarily the most efficient one. Treat every detail as intentional. A word such as “remaining,” “integer,” or “non-negative” may completely change how the question should be interpreted. Make abstract questions tangible. When a problem uses percentages and variables, choosing useful numbers can make the underlying relationship easier to see. Answer the question that was actually asked. Correct calculations can still lead to a wrong answer when you use the wrong comparison or percentage base. Investigate so-called careless mistakes. Errors often begin with how the problem was interpreted or organized—not with the final arithmetic. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to GMAT quant challenges and guest Haley Cusimano 01:02 The importance of mindset and environment in tackling quant questions 02:29 Common misconceptions about approaching GMAT quant 03:43 The GMAT as an analysis of thinking, not just content knowledge 05:00 Bad habits from content-based exam thinking 06:23 The value of slow analysis and question deconstruction 07:34 Course correction strategies for difficult questions 09:12 Frontloading analysis and identifying the path of least resistance 10:54 Using number sense and ratios to simplify problems 12:27 The importance of understanding question cues and details 15:50 Visual organization of complex data and question setup 17:23 Handling challenging percent questions with strategic number picking 20:14 Dealing with traps and misconceptions in percent problems 24:39 Leveraging divisibility and number properties for quick calculations 28:23 Setting up for success: avoiding careless errors 34:52 Approaches to tackling difficult GMAT questions efficiently 37:32 Visualizing data with tables and diagrams for complex problems 44:46 Using number sense to simplify and verify answers 50:54 Summary and key takeaways for effective GMAT quant prep /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/42326455

Week 1: Building Your Study Plan | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching 07/30/2026

Week 1: Building Your Study Plan | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching 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 higher score, how to use an error log effectively, and what candidates should look for when reviewing their performance. The conversation also covers test readiness, practice-exam timing, managing test-day stress, and why even strong test takers should leave room in their schedules for a possible retake. Whether you are beginning your GMAT journey or trying to regain momentum, this series will help you build a more thoughtful and productive approach to your preparation. About Hailey: is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students’ main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun. Helpful Resources: Menlo Coaching: Register for the GMAT: 5 Traits of Successful GMAT Test Takers: Purchase GMAT Official Prep: Key Takeaways: Build a clear preparation timeline before diving into practice questions. Divide your study plan into two broad phases: foundations and strategy first, followed by timed and test-like practice. Avoid treating practice exams as the structure of your entire study plan. Focus on understanding why you struggled with a question—not simply what type of question you missed. Use an error log to identify recurring behaviors, habits, and decision-making patterns. Prioritize the quality of your review over the number of questions you complete. Look for consistency across practice exams rather than relying on one strong performance. Practice handling realistic distractions and pressure before test day. Maintain balance, flexibility, and resilience throughout the preparation process. Leave enough time in your schedule to retake the GMAT if needed. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to GMAT summer study series 02:30 Why summer is ideal for GMAT prep 05:02 Initial steps for beginning GMAT prep 09:20 Structuring your study timeline 12:55 Content review vs. test simulation 17:20 Benchmarking progress and understanding resistance 22:41 Traits of successful GMAT test takers 27:16 Balancing preparation and well-being 33:50 Emulating test stressors effectively 37:34 The importance of retesting and iteration 40:15 Actionable steps for starting your prep /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/42264385

Rewind: Meet with Admissions at GMAC Tours 07/22/2026

Rewind: Meet with Admissions at GMAC Tours 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 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: 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 /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/42119985

GMAT Superscore Explained with Charles Bibilos, GMAT Ninja 07/15/2026

Financing Your MBA: What Every Candidate Should Know 06/17/2026

Financing Your MBA: What Every Candidate Should Know 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 research programs or preparing to enroll this fall, this conversation offers practical guidance to help you approach funding decisions with greater confidence, including: Why financing feels overwhelming for so many candidates The difference between scholarships, federal loans, and private loans How to calculate your true cost of attendance Common funding mistakes students make Ways AI can help students plan financially Why starting early matters How Ascent Funding supports students beyond financing About our guest: Allie Danziger is Chief Marketing Officer at , where she leads marketing, growth, and customer experience initiatives focused on helping students and families access education financing with confidence. A serial entrepreneur and business builder, Allie has founded, scaled, and successfully exited two companies. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about creating innovative solutions that help individuals achieve their educational and professional goals. In 2020, she founded Ampersand, a workforce development platform designed to help early-career professionals build career-ready skills and connect education to employment outcomes. Ampersand was acquired by Ascent Funding in 2023. Prior to Ampersand, Allie founded and led Integrate Agency, one of Texas's leading marketing and public relations firms, serving more than 600 organizations and growing a team of over 250 professionals. Today, Allie brings a unique perspective at the intersection of education, career readiness, marketing, and technology, helping organizations create meaningful pathways from education to long-term success. Helpful Resources: *Check your rates with Ascent: **Apply for the GMAC scholarship: Register for the GMAT: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Financing Education 01:39 Understanding the Barriers to Financing 06:10 Navigating the Cost of Attendance 11:16 Funding Options Explained 15:32 Common Misconceptions in Student Financing 18:14 Timing Your Financial Decisions 21:40 Ascent Funding's Unique Approach 25:03 Collaboration with GMAC 26:40 Final Thoughts and Action Steps *Disclaimer: GMAC receives a fee for these loans. **The Breaking Barriers Scholarship Giveaway is open to students who are legal U.S. residents (including D.C.) see official rules at /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/41598160

How to Use the New GMAT Official Guide 2026–2027 05/27/2026

How to Use the New GMAT Official Guide 2026–2027 “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 reviewing your practice questions is just as important as answering them. Zach and Stacey also cover common prep mistakes, including burning through too many questions too quickly, studying one question type in isolation, and skipping review on questions you got right. Plus, Stacey shares practical advice for using the Official Guide, section-specific review books, online question banks, and official practice exams more strategically throughout your prep. Whether you’re just starting your GMAT journey or looking for more official practice before test day, this episode will help you get more out of every question you study. Purchase the new GMAT Official Guide: Register for the GMAT exam: Get materials from Manhattan Prep: 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. Key Takeaways Official questions matter because they are real GMAT questions. Third-party prep can teach concepts and strategies, but official GMAT questions are the best way to practice what the real exam will feel like. The Official Guide works best after foundational learning. Candidates should first learn the underlying content, question types, and strategies, then use the Official Guide to quiz themselves. Review is where score improvement happens. Stacey emphasizes that every question should be reviewed, including questions answered correctly, because correct answers can reveal shortcuts, traps, and repeatable strategies. Mixed practice is more effective than over-drilling one question type. The GMAT requires candidates to shift between skills, formats, and sections. Prep should mimic that experience. The newest Official Guide may be worth it, but not always immediately. If a candidate already owns last year’s guide and still has plenty of unused questions, they can continue with it. If they are buying for the first time, the newest edition is the better choice. Practice exams should be used carefully. Candidates should review each practice exam thoroughly and complete targeted study before taking another one. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Official Guide 2026-2027 01:07 The Importance of Official GMAT Tools 03:20 New Features and Questions in the Official Guide 11:38 Exploring the Content of the Big OG 16:02 Strategic Use of the Official Guide 18:15 The Value of Reviewing Correct Answers 22:14 Common Mistakes in GMAT Preparation 27:44 Utilizing the Official Guide Effectively 29:24 Review Books and Their Importance 34:17 Integrating Official Prep Tools with Outside Learning 37:46 Pro Tips for Leveraging the New Official Guide /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/41369905

The 5 Traits of Successful GMAT Test Takers with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching 05/13/2026

The 5 Traits of Successful GMAT Test Takers with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching “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 starting your prep journey or feeling stuck after months of studying, this episode offers actionable insights to help you study smarter — not just harder. About Hailey: is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students’ main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun. Helpful Resources: Menlo Coaching: Register for the GMAT: Purchase GMAT Official Prep: Key Takeaways: The GMAT is fundamentally a critical thinking test — not a memorization test. Curiosity is one of the strongest predictors of long-term GMAT success. Reflective studying is far more valuable than simply completing large volumes of questions. Consistency matters more than cramming or weekend-only “study marathons.” Burnout can quietly undermine progress, even for highly motivated students. Flexibility and adaptability are essential because the GMAT intentionally challenges rigid thinking. Top scorers are not confident all the time — they are resourceful when facing uncertainty. Students improve faster when they analyze why they got stuck, not just what they got wrong. Strong GMAT preparation requires balance between studying, work, rest, and personal life. Resilience allows students to turn setbacks, bad practice tests, and plateau periods into opportunities for growth. The best GMAT students treat mistakes as useful data rather than evidence of failure. Small, intentional daily study sessions are often more effective than infrequent marathon sessions. “Timeline creep” can happen when students study without structure, benchmarks, or accountability. Many students plateau because they over-focus on weaknesses and stop practicing holistically. The GMAT rewards thoughtful decision-making, resource management, and strategic thinking under pressure. Chapters: 00:00 Intro and Meet Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching 08:02 Trait #1: Curiosity 13:50 Trait #2: Consistency 22:39 Trait #3: Balance 32:59 Trait #4: Flexibility 36:48 Trait #5: Resilience 43:11 Integrating Key Traits for Success 49:30 Actionable Steps for GMAT Success /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/41262470

What Today’s MBA Candidates Really Want (According to the Data) 04/23/2026

What Today’s MBA Candidates Really Want (According to the Data) “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 today, and how global preferences for where to study are evolving. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why fewer candidates are pursuing business school for career switching How AI is shaping expectations for business school curricula What candidates really mean when they talk about ROI Key differences between younger and more experienced applicants Why interest in studying in the U.S. is shifting globally The growing demand for business master’s degrees vs. MBAs How candidates are thinking about financing and application strategy Whether you’re early in your journey or actively applying, this episode will help you better understand how to approach your decision—and what really matters. Key Takeaways: ROI is broader than ever: Candidates are thinking beyond salary—factoring in skills, network, personal growth, and long-term career resilience. Career switching is no longer the primary driver: More candidates are pursuing business school to build capabilities, not completely change paths. AI is reshaping expectations—but not replacing fundamentals: Demand for AI in the classroom is rising, but core skills like problem solving and strategic thinking remain central. Global study preferences are shifting: Interest in traditional destinations like the U.S. is softening, while Western Europe and parts of Asia are gaining traction. Rankings matter less—outcomes matter more: Candidates are increasingly prioritizing career outcomes and ROI over prestige alone. Younger vs. older candidates have different motivations: Younger: income, status, global experiences Older: targeted skill-building and career advancement Business master’s degrees are gaining momentum: Especially among younger candidates—and even mid-career professionals looking for focused upskilling. Financing is central to decision-making: Candidates are applying to multiple programs and increasingly relying on financial aid as part of their strategy. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Business School Insights 01:25 Shifting Motivations for Pursuing an MBA 04:10 Understanding ROI in Business Education 07:08 Generational Differences in Business School Aspirations 09:07 Trends in Global Business School Preferences 11:53 Demand for MBAs vs. Business Masters 14:58 Financing Business Education 17:19 Key Takeaways from the Survey /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/40988575

English Proficiency & the MBA: Inside the Duolingo English Test with Elie Bechara 04/15/2026

English Proficiency & the MBA: Inside the Duolingo English Test with Elie Bechara “Testing isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about proving you’re ready to succeed.” When most people think about business school admissions, they focus on test scores, essays, and interviews. But for many candidates around the world, there’s another critical piece of the puzzle: proving you can succeed in an English-speaking academic environment. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined by Elie Bechara, Head of the Duolingo English Test in Europe, to break down how English proficiency testing fits into the modern MBA application—and why it matters more than ever. Elie shares his journey from INSEAD to consulting to tech, and how he found his way to Duolingo. Then, the conversation dives into what the Duolingo English Test (DET) actually is, how it compares to other English proficiency exams, and why its fully online, adaptive format is rapidly gaining traction worldwide. You’ll also learn how the DET complements exams like the GMAT, what business schools are really looking for when it comes to communication skills, and how global trends are reshaping where—and how—students pursue business education. About Elie: Based in Europe, Elie Bechara is the Senior Strategic Engagement Manager for the Duolingo English Test. He works closely with universities, governments, and higher education stakeholders across the region to develop and support fair, secure, and accessible English proficiency assessment in international admissions. Before joining Duolingo, Elie spent over a decade in client-facing roles, across Europe and MENA, in consulting and tech, at LinkedIn, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and PwC, advising institutions, governments, and organisations on strategy, transformation, and talent mobility. Helpful links: Duolingo English Test: Register for the GMAT: Purchase GMAT Official Prep: Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: Key Takeaways: Language proficiency is more than a checkbox: It’s a signal of your ability to actively participate in a global, collaborative MBA environment. The GMAT and English tests are complementary, assessing different but equally critical skills: reasoning vs. real-world communication. AI is transforming assessment, enabling faster test development, improved security, and more realistic interaction-based evaluations. Global mobility trends are shifting, with more candidates choosing Europe and other regions, increasing the need for strong communication across cultures. Business school success depends heavily on communication, not just academic ability—especially in discussion-driven environments. Your application doesn’t need to be “extraordinary” to be compelling—authenticity and clarity matter more than trying to stand out artificially. Preparation builds confidence for day one, ensuring you can fully engage from the start rather than playing catch-up. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:27 Elie's Journey to Duolingo 04:20 The Duolingo English Test Explained 07:12 The Structure and Security of the Test 12:02 Innovative Features of the Duolingo English Test 14:19 The Growing Popularity of the Duolingo English Test 17:30 Complementing MBA Applications with Language Proficiency 22:38 Trends in Global Mobility for MBA Candidates 25:05 The Future of Language Testing and AI Innovations 29:22 Advice for MBA Applicants and Test Takers /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/40868715

Going Beyond Tips & Tricks with Brian Prestia, Reason Test Prep 04/01/2026

Going Beyond Tips & Tricks with Brian Prestia, Reason Test Prep “It’s not about the rules and formulas—it’s about the decisions you make in how you approach a question.” Most GMAT candidates start their prep the wrong way: by diving straight into content, formulas, and practice questions. But what if that approach is actually holding you back? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Brian Prestia, founder of , to break down what the GMAT is really testing—and why success has far more to do with how you think than what you know. Together, they explore the difference between memorization and reasoning, why “tips and tricks” can be misleading, and how top scorers approach questions with strategy, precision, and creativity. From quant to verbal to data insights, Brian shares how to rethink your prep, avoid common traps, and build the kind of problem-solving skills that drive real score gains. If you’ve ever felt stuck despite studying hard, this episode will change how you approach the GMAT—and maybe how you think about problem-solving altogether. About Brian: Brian Prestia is the owner of and is an elite test-prep veteran with more than 20 years of experience preparing people for the GMAT and other standardized tests. He has scored in the 100th percentile of the GMAT and has tutored nearly 1,000 students from all corners of the globe. Brian has a passion for teaching and especially for getting students to think more critically, problem solve more creatively, and, most importantly, enjoy the lifelong process of learning. Helpful links: Reason Test Prep: Register for the GMAT: Purchase GMAT Official Prep: Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: Key Takeaways: The GMAT is a reasoning test—not a content test: Most candidates over-focus on formulas and rules, but the exam is designed to assess decision-making, logic, and problem-solving ability. “Tips and tricks” thinking misses the point: Treating the GMAT like a game you can hack leads to shallow understanding. Real improvement comes from developing adaptable thinking skills. Strategy should come before content: Top performers learn how to approach problems first, then layer in content—not the other way around. There is always a definitively correct answer: Even in verbal, answers aren’t subjective. If something feels ambiguous, it’s a signal to refine your reasoning—not guess. Precision matters more than you think: Success—especially in verbal—comes down to noticing small differences in language and meaning. Data Insights is really a time management test: The challenge isn’t just solving problems—it’s identifying what matters quickly and ignoring noise. Deliberate practice beats volume: Doing hundreds of questions isn’t enough. Improvement comes from deeply analyzing how and why you solved (or missed) each one. You don’t always need full math to get the answer: Smart estimation, logic, and elimination can often outperform brute-force calculation. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to GMAT Strategies 04:09 Brian Prestia's Journey and Reason Test Prep 07:36 Defining Critical Reasoning and Problem Solving 10:05 Misconceptions About Test Preparation 15:38 The Role of Math in GMAT Success 18:30 Approaching Different Sections of the GMAT 22:48 Understanding Argument Strengthening and Weakening 24:14 Precision in Language and Its Importance 26:03 Time Management in Data Insights 32:01 Strategies for Data Sufficiency 37:54 Reorienting Your GMAT Preparation Mindset /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/40696355

EA Prep Week 10: Test Complete! The End of an EA-ra 03/20/2026

EA Prep Week 10: Test Complete! The End of an EA-ra "The score isn't the end. It's just the starting point." After ten weeks, GMAC Zach has finally taken his EA exam! In this candid debrief episode of Inside the GMAT, Zach sits down with instructor Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep to break down his real testing experience—from last-minute rescheduling to test-day distractions and everything in between. Zach walks through how he handled each section, what threw him off (including a chaotic testing environment and a few “wait, is this a typo?” moments), and where his strategy held up—or didn’t. Together, they unpack the psychology of test-day performance, including how stress impacts timing, decision-making, and even basic comprehension. More importantly, this episode shifts from performance to perspective. Stacey explains how to properly debrief an exam, when to guess and move on, and why most candidates improve on a second attempt. The conversation reinforces a key message: your first test isn’t just a score—it’s data. For anyone preparing for the GMAT or EA, this episode is a masterclass in what actually happens on test day—and how to use it to your advantage moving forward. 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 GMAT: Purchase GMAT Official Prep: GMAC Official Starter Kit (FREE): Manhattan Prep Official Starter Kit (FREE): Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: Key Takeaways: Your first test is data, not a verdict: Whether you’re happy with your score or not, the real value is understanding what to improve next. Test-day stress changes everything: Timing, focus, and even reading comprehension can break down under pressure—even if practice went smoothly. Distractions are part of the test: You can’t control your environment, but you can train for it—practice in imperfect settings to build resilience. Don’t let one question sink your section: If you don’t fully understand the question or know where to find the answer, guess and move on. Perfectionism is the enemy of performance: Spending too long chasing one answer often costs you more points elsewhere. Your brain under stress is not always reliable: “Typos” and confusion are often misinterpretations caused by pressure—not actual errors. Second attempts tend to improve: Familiarity with the test environment and format often leads to higher scores. Balanced scores matter: Consistency across sections (e.g., 11/11/11) is often stronger than uneven performance. Start early to give yourself options: Early prep reduces pressure and gives you flexibility to retake if needed. Chapters 00:00 Exam Rescheduling and Preparation 02:54 Test Center Experience and Initial Reactions 05:59 Debriefing the Exam Performance 08:44 Challenges During the Integrated Reasoning Section 11:47 Verbal Section Insights and Reflections 15:35 Navigating Difficult Questions 20:46 Quantitative Section Insights 22:25 Setting Score Expectations 24:14 Reflections on Preparation and Future Steps /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/40557695

The Case for Reasoning Skills in the Age of AI with GMAT Buddy's Ayham Shakra 03/19/2026

The Case for Reasoning Skills in the Age of AI with GMAT Buddy's Ayham Shakra "Lose the urgency. Accept the learning process.” In a world where AI can generate answers instantly, what actually sets great decision-makers apart? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with GMAT tutor and founder of , Ayham Shakra, to unpack the real skill behind success—not memorization, but reasoning. Ayham explains why the GMAT isn’t a math or English test, but a training ground for structured thinking: the ability to filter noise, identify patterns, and make decisions under pressure. Together, they explore why so many test-takers struggle, how foundational skills shape high-level problem solving, and why progress on the GMAT is anything but linear. The conversation also tackles a bigger question: in an AI-driven world, are reasoning skills more important than ever? Ayham makes the case that they are—not just for test day, but for business school, your career, and life itself. About Ayham: Ayham has spent more than a decade helping aspiring MBA candidates prepare for and excel on the GMAT. He specializes in breaking down the preparation journey into focused, manageable sprints—designing personalized study plans that target weaknesses while amplifying strengths. Through extensive work with non-native English speakers and candidates from non-math backgrounds, Ayham has developed distinctive teaching methods that go beyond content mastery to strengthen core reasoning skills. His approach empowers students not just to improve their scores, but to think more clearly, efficiently, and confidently under pressure. Helpful links: GMAT Buddy: Register for the GMAT: Purchase GMAT Official Prep: Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: Key Takeaways The GMAT measures how you think—not what you know: It’s about processing information, identifying patterns, and making decisions efficiently—not advanced math or perfect English. AI makes judgment more valuable, not less: When answers are everywhere, the real skill is knowing which ones are actually correct or useful. Foundation before finesse: High-level “aha” problem solving only works if basic skills (math, reading, logic) are automatic and intuitive. Progress is non-linear: Improvement comes in waves, not steady gains—patience is part of the process. Reasoning is a trainable skill: It’s built through repetition, reflection, and learning to ask the right questions—not memorizing shortcuts. Timed conditions reveal true skill: Efficiency under pressure—not just correctness—is what separates top performers. The “aha moment” is the real learning unit: Each moment of clarity builds a repeatable mental framework for solving future problems. Don’t compare your journey: Everyone starts from a different baseline—focus on your own growth trajectory. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 06:08 The Impact of AI on Learning and Reasoning 11:09 How to Teach Reasoning Skills 22:40 Building a Strong Foundation for GMAT Success 26:24 The Role of Timed Conditions in Testing 29:31 Real-World Applications of GMAT Skills 33:42 Pursuing Aha Moments in Learning /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/40540885

How to Eliminate Careless Mistakes on the GMAT 03/04/2026

How to Eliminate Careless Mistakes on the GMAT “You should actually get a little bit excited when you make a careless mistake—because you’re about to get better.” Everyone makes careless mistakes on the GMAT—even well-prepared test takers. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Manhattan Prep instructor Stacey Koprince to break down why these mistakes happen and what you can actually do to prevent them. Stacey explains the critical difference between a true knowledge gap and a careless mistake—and why the latter is often the easiest type of mistake to fix. Instead of beating yourself up when you spot one, she argues you should see it as an opportunity to improve your score. The conversation explores the hidden causes behind careless errors, including stress, mental fatigue, time pressure, and small weaknesses in your knowledge foundation. Zach and Stacey also discuss practical strategies for identifying patterns in your mistakes and building new habits that interrupt them before they happen again. Listeners will learn how to use a review log (AKA error log) to track mistakes, how to diagnose the real reason an error occurred, and how to design simple “micro-checks” during problem solving that can prevent costly slip-ups. They also tackle an uncomfortable truth about adaptive exams like the GMAT: sometimes the smartest strategy is getting questions wrong quickly so you can protect your accuracy on questions you can get right. If you’ve ever finished a problem, looked at the correct answer, and thought “I knew that—how did I miss it?”, this episode will give you a framework for turning those frustrating moments into real score gains. 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 GMAT: Purchase GMAT Official Prep: GMAC Official Starter Kit (FREE): Manhattan Prep Official Starter Kit (FREE): Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: Key Takeaways: Careless mistakes aren’t random—they usually follow personal patterns you can identify and fix. The process to fix them: identify the mistake → understand why it happened → build a new habit to prevent it. Small habits (like writing key information on scratch paper) can dramatically reduce errors. Keeping a review log helps reveal patterns across practice sessions. On adaptive exams, time management matters: sometimes it's smarter to guess quickly and protect accuracy elsewhere. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Careless Mistakes 05:04 Identifying Patterns in Mistakes 11:12 Types of Careless Mistakes 16:50 The Importance of a Review Log 24:02 Introduction to Effective Study Habits 27:53 Balancing Speed and Accuracy in Test Taking 34:46 Understanding and Managing Time During Tests 42:32 Finding the Right Balance in Test Taking /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/40310755

EA Prep Week 9: Exam Day Tips and Listener Q&A with Stacey Koprince, Manhattan Prep 02/27/2026

EA Prep Week 9: Exam Day Tips and Listener Q&A with Stacey Koprince, Manhattan Prep “The biggest score killer isn’t one wrong answer. It’s inconsistent pacing.” Zach sits down once again with test prep expert Stacey Koprince—this time with a big milestone to share: his EA exam appointment is officially booked (date undisclosed, of course). From there, the conversation becomes a practical, stress-reducing roadmap for what to do after a practice test dip and before the real thing. Stacey helps Zach break down his recent practice exam results into three clear categories—strengths you can’t coast on, fixable mistakes worth reviewing, and true “kryptonite” topics that are better strategically skipped. Along the way, they dig into why careless mistakes happen, how to review smarter (not longer), and how to make confident time-management decisions on test day—especially within the EA’s panel-based format. The second half of the episode is focused on answering listern questions: how early is too early (or too late) to start studying, how many hours per week actually make sense, how EA prep compares to GMAT prep, and whether private tutoring is really worth the cost in the age of AI and free content. Stacey also calls out some of the worst test prep advice she sees—spoiler: grinding thousands of questions without proper review is at the top of the list. If you’re approaching test day, debating between the EA and GMAT, or just want calmer, more strategic guidance on how to prepare like a pro, this episode is packed with reassurance, humor, and hard-earned insight. 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: Purchase EA Official Prep: GMAC Free EA Prep: Manhattan Prep EA Resources: Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: Key Takeaways: Not all wrong answers mean the same thing. Separate true content gaps, careless mistakes, and “kryptonite” topics—each requires a different response. You can’t coast on your strengths. Overconfidence in strong areas is one of the most common sources of avoidable score drops. Letting go is a strategy, not a failure. Knowing in advance which question types you’ll skip or guess on preserves time, confidence, and overall performance. Timing decisions matter more than individual questions. When to move on from a question can have an outsized impact on your score. Practice tests are for diagnosis, not judgment. A score dip on a practice exam is normal—and often a sign you’re learning the right lessons at the right time. Learning happens between problems, not during them. Review, reflection, and targeted drills drive improvement—not sheer volume. The final days are about readiness, not grinding. Light review, strategy reminders, and mental freshness beat last-minute cramming every time. Test-day routines should reduce decisions, not add them. Plan logistics, warm-ups, food, clothing, and timing in advance so your brain is reserved for the exam. Free prep can work—until it doesn’t. If your score is improving, keep going. If it stalls, higher-quality (and often paid) resources may be worth it. The EA and GMAT demand different prep philosophies. EA prep is typically shorter and threshold-based; GMAT prep often requires more time due to how scores are used in admissions and rankings. Chapters: 00:00 Zach Shares His Exam Booking and Location Choice 01:30 Study Strategies and Practice Test Review 06:08 Test Day Preparation and Environment Setup 13:51 Final Tips for the Day Before and Day Of the Exam 19:50 Managing Test Anxiety and Strategic Question Skipping 24:58 Your Questions: Resources, Study Buddies, and When to Seek Help /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/40252010

The Data Insights Deep Dive with Sergey Kouk of Admit Master 02/25/2026

The Data Insights Deep Dive with Sergey Kouk of Admit Master “This section isn’t just about getting into business school — it’s about being ready once you’re there.” Host GMAC Zach welcomes back GMAT expert Sergey Kouk from for a deep dive into one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of the exam: the Data Insights section. Together, Zach and Sergey demystify what Data Insights really tests, why it matters for business school and recruiting, and how test-takers should approach it strategically rather than emotionally. Sergey explains how the section builds on the former Integrated Reasoning questions, why Data Sufficiency now plays a central role, and how success depends far more on logic, structure, and decision-making than on heavy math. The conversation walks through each Data Insights question type—Data Sufficiency, Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis, Two-Part Analysis, and Multi-Source Reasoning—highlighting common pitfalls, practical tactics, and efficient workflows for each. Sergey emphasizes proactive thinking: identifying what information is needed before diving into the data, staying methodical under time pressure, and avoiding the temptation to brute-force calculations. Listeners also learn how to manage time effectively, when (and when not) to use the calculator, and why guessing strategically and moving on can be smarter than getting stuck. Throughout the episode, Sergey draws clear parallels between Data Insights questions and real business scenarios, reinforcing why this section is so relevant for MBA readiness and post-MBA careers. The episode wraps with actionable advice on reducing stress, using the review function wisely, and preparing for business school—not just the test. Whether you’re intimidated by Data Insights or looking to refine your approach, this conversation offers clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for mastering the section. About Our Guest: Sergey Kouk is a rocket scientist turned GMAT instructor, who achieved a score of 750 on the GMAT after just 2 weeks of studying. He credits his success to the amazing teachers and mentors, who taught him advanced reasoning skills early in his career. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Admit Master, a test preparation and admissions consulting company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Sergey holds 3 university degrees, including an MBA. When he is not teaching prep classes, he spends time snowboarding or sailing a boat with his family. Sergey brings to this podcast over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT to thousands of business school candidates, as well as insights from other experienced GMAT instructors and MBA Admissions Consultants at Admit Master, to help you get a great GMAT score and gain admission to your dream business school. Contact Admit Master: Register for the GMAT: Key Takeaways: Data Insights isn’t new—it’s reframed. Most of the section comes from Integrated Reasoning, with Data Sufficiency moved in and expanded beyond pure math. Think like a manager, not a test-taker. Your job isn’t to solve everything—it’s to determine what information is needed to make a decision. Be proactive before reading the data. Clarify what the question is asking and what you need before diving into statements, graphs, or tables. Analyze statements independently in Data Sufficiency. Never carry information from one statement into the other unless the answer choices explicitly require combining them. Don’t overanalyze the data. Data Insights questions intentionally include more information than you need—focus on structure first, details second. Use the calculator selectively. It can help with relative comparisons, but overuse often wastes time and isn’t necessary for most questions. Invest time upfront to save time later. A quick “inventory” of graphs, tables, or tabs helps you answer multiple questions more efficiently. Multi-Source Reasoning is intimidating—but valuable. The upfront reading pays off since multiple questions can stem from the same data set. Time management beats perfection. If you’re stuck, make an educated guess, flag the question, and move on—getting it wrong quickly is better than getting it wrong slowly. Data Insights mirrors business school and real work. Synthesizing data, prioritizing relevance, and making decisions under time pressure are exactly the skills MBA programs care about. Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Data Insights in GMAT 03:33 Data Sufficiency: Key Concepts and Strategies 24:34 Calculator Strategy 25:58 Time Management Going into the Next Four Question Types 29:32 Efficient Data Analysis Strategies 33:22 Specific Tactics for Graphics Interpretation 34:55 Table Analysis 36:33 Mastering Table Analysis Techniques 42:22 Approaching Two-Part Analysis Questions 48:44 Understanding Multi-Source Reasoning 53:39 Time Management Tips for GMAT Success /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/40227030

EA Prep Week 8: What Goes Up...Might Come Down Ft. Stacey Koprince, Manhattan Prep 02/20/2026

EA Prep Week 8: What Goes Up...Might Come Down Ft. Stacey Koprince, Manhattan Prep “This is why you take practice exams. So that you know what you DON'T want to do on test day.” Practice tests don’t always move in a straight line—and this week, GMAC Zach finds that out firsthand. After hitting a personal high on his previous EA exam practice exam with a 155, his latest score dips slightly, sparking an honest conversation about score fluctuations, confidence traps, and what really causes plateaus during EA prep. Joined, as always, by Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep, they unpack why the third practice exam is such a common stumbling point, how overconfidence can quietly lead to careless mistakes (yes, even in your strongest section), and why focusing only on weaknesses can cause your strengths to atrophy. They also dig into practical strategy: how to review practice exams effectively, how to organize quant scratch work, and how to decide when you’re truly ready to take your final practice test—or the real thing. The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on motivation, deadlines, and whether booking the official exam before you feel “ready” can actually be the push you need. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by a score dip or unsure about your next step in EA or GMAT prep, this one will feel very familiar—and very reassuring. 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: Purchase EA Official Prep: GMAC Free EA Prep: Manhattan Prep EA Resources: Key Takeaways: Score dips are normal—especially around your third practice exam. As content knowledge increases, timing issues, overconfidence, and stubbornness can creep in. Focusing only on weaknesses can hurt your strengths. Mixed review matters, or previously solid skills can quietly slip. Careless mistakes often come from confidence, not confusion. Rushing through “easy” questions can cost just as many points as knowledge gaps. Practice exam review matters more than the score itself. Time spent, question-level decisions, and patterns of error are where the real insights live. Write everything down on quant. Clean, organized scratch work isn’t about neatness—it’s about thinking clearly under pressure. Grammar prep shouldn’t break what already works. Use rules strategically to retrain your ear where it falls for traps, not everywhere. Your last practice exam is precious—but not sacred. For some test-takers, the real exam can function as a high-stakes “dry run” with better data. Deadlines can be powerful motivators—if you know yourself. Booking the test can help procrastinators push through, as long as flexibility remains. Don’t tell anyone your test date. Fewer external expectations = fewer distractions on test day. Chapters: 00:00 Practice Exam Insights 07:04 Verbal Section Challenges 10:01 Quantitative Strategies 12:45 Considerations for Test Day 18:19 Setting Deadlines and Accountability /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/40174795

AU is All-In on AI: In Conversation with Kogod's Dean David Marchick 02/18/2026

AU is All-In on AI: In Conversation with Kogod's Dean David Marchick “AI is going to be as profound as fire or electricity. Even if that’s one-millionth true, we have to take it seriously.” In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with , to explore how business education is being reshaped by AI, career pivots, and the skills that truly matter over a lifetime. Marchick reflects on his unconventional career path and how those experiences shape his student-first approach to leadership. He explains why “psychic income,” not just financial return, drives his work in higher education, and why helping students experiment, fail, and grow outside the classroom is just as important as mastering core business fundamentals. A major focus of the conversation is Kogod’s rapid and award-winning integration of artificial intelligence into every aspect of the business school—from curriculum and faculty research to operations and student learning. Marchick shares how Kogod moved quickly to embed AI literacy across disciplines, partnered with tools like Perplexity, and created a culture where experimentation with emerging technology is encouraged rather than feared. The discussion also tackles broader questions facing prospective students: how AI is changing leadership, why business degrees still matter in a non-linear career world, and how graduate education can empower creatives, career switchers, and non-traditional students to reinvent themselves. Marchick closes with advice for ambitious young professionals weighing business school, urging them to find the overlap between what they love, what they’re good at, and where they’re willing to keep learning—and relearning—over time. About David Marchick: David Marchick serves as Dean of the Kogod School of Business at American University. In this role, he leads the school’s work to support more than 2,000 students and offer more than two dozen undergraduate and graduate degree and certification programs. He previously was an Adjunct Professor at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth University.  Since Marchick took on the role of Dean in August 2022, the Kogod School of Business has unveiled major initiatives in sustainability, AI and entrepreneurship; raised more than the previous 10 years combined; attracted its largest-ever first-year undergraduate class; and almost doubled the number of endowed chairs for the school. Under Marchick's leadership, Kogod faculty and staff developed and implemented what Poets & Quants called "the most consequential AI transformation in business education." Helpful links: The Kogod School of Business: AU's Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence: Register for the GMAT: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 02:29 The Evolution of Business Education 05:35 AI's Impact on Business Schools 08:30 The Importance of Communication Skills 11:35 The Changing Landscape of Graduate Education 14:10 Integrating AI into the Curriculum 17:20 Real-World Applications of AI in Education 20:22 Preparing for the Future of Work 23:15 Advice for Aspiring Business Students 26:11 Future Initiatives at Kogod School of Business /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/40137600

Eating Your GMAT Vegetables with MyGuru's Stefan Maisnier 12/31/2025

Eating Your GMAT Vegetables with MyGuru's Stefan Maisnier “The only person you’re really competing with is who you were yesterday.” Preparing for the GMAT isn’t supposed to be easy—and that’s the point. In the last episode of 2025, GMAC Zach sits down with Stefan Maisnier, longtime GMAT instructor and parter at , to unpack why GMAT prep feels so challenging, what skills the exam is actually measuring, and how the mindset you develop while studying can pay dividends far beyond test day. Stefan famously describes GMAT prep as “eating your vegetables”—not always enjoyable, but undeniably good for you. Together, Zach and Stefan explore why productive discomfort leads to real growth, how to reframe negative beliefs about math and reading, and why the GMAT remains a powerful tool for self-improvement in an age of shortcuts and AI. If you’re feeling stuck, intimidated, or tempted to avoid the GMAT altogether, this conversation will help you rethink the value of the challenge. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why the GMAT is designed to feel difficult—and why that’s intentional What the exam actually measures (and why it matters for business school and leadership) How GMAT prep builds skills that carry into MBA coursework and professional life Why “I’m not a math person” or “I’m not a reader” is usually a learned belief—not a fact How adaptive testing changes the test-taking experience Why improvement over time can be more compelling than a single high score Realistic timelines and expectations for GMAT prep How to shift from a “this is painful” mindset to a “this is valuable” mindset About MyGuru: For 15 years, MyGuru has provided an unparalleled edge to students worldwide by empowering a team of uniquely qualified subject matter experts to use their individual expertise and experience to provide dynamic real-time instruction rather than boring one-size-fits-all curricula to every client. They have delivered customized in-person and virtual tutoring to individuals at the middle school, high school, college, graduate, and professional levels as well as enterprise tutoring solutions for institutions such as Northwestern Mutual and Northeastern Illinois University. Helpful links: MyGuru Website: MyGuru on YouTube: Register for the GMAT: Sign up for GMAC Advancery to Find Best-Fit B-Schools Schools: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to GMAT and Mindset for Success 01:35 Understanding the GMAT's Purpose and Value 04:11 The Importance of Challenging Yourself 06:39 Engaging with the GMAT: Strategies for Success 10:35 Overcoming Misconceptions About Math and Reading 14:15 The Adaptive Nature of the GMAT Exam 18:20 The Role of Improvement Over Perfection 19:54 How to Schedule Your Prep Timeline 23:07 Mindset and Overcoming Obstacles 25:15 The Importance of Self-Improvement 30:11 Navigating Test Preparation 34:12 Embracing the Learning Journey /episode/index/show/insidethegmat/id/39568225

Inside the GMAT

TOPICS