GMAT

The GMAT Focus Edition was not developed in a vacuum. It is the result of years of feedback, data analysis, and strategic forecasting by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the organization responsible for administering the exam. As graduate management education evolved, so too did the needs of both business schools and applicants. Increasingly, admissions committees began emphasizing skills like data literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking over more traditional language mechanics or esoteric math content. The original GMAT, although widely respected, was seen by some as increasingly misaligned with the…

HEC Paris holds a distinguished position in the world of global business education. With its rigorous curriculum, deep connections to the European business ecosystem, and a diverse student body, it is a top destination for ambitious professionals looking to elevate their careers. For many candidates, one of the most common and pressing questions is about the GMAT score: what does it take to be competitive, and how does that number fit into the larger admissions process? In this section, we begin by understanding the place of the GMAT in the…

When considering an MBA, many applicants look for a program that not only delivers world-class education but also offers a global network, diverse perspectives, and career mobility. INSEAD stands out as one of the few institutions that offer all of this within a compact one-year format. Often referred to as “The Business School for the World,” INSEAD attracts thousands of applicants from across continents who are drawn by its international footprint, rigorous curriculum, and unparalleled diversity. With campuses in France, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and a new hub in San Francisco,…

The GMAT is more than just a test of quantitative skills and verbal reasoning. It is a test of strategy, pattern recognition, and mental discipline. Every test-taker, regardless of their starting point, must find a way to track progress, reinforce learning, and sharpen weak areas. Among the many strategies available, the creation and use of an error log stands out as one of the simplest, most powerful, and most underutilized. In this section, we will explore what an error log is, the psychology behind its effectiveness, and how it lays…

It’s easy to assume that admissions to top MBA programs function like a numbers game. You score a 770 or 780 on the GMAT or GRE and that golden ticket to HBS, Stanford GSB, or Wharton is yours. But each year, hundreds of applicants with scores in that upper range are quietly rejected, while others with lower scores are welcomed into the incoming class. That contradiction might seem confusing on the surface, but it actually reflects something deeper and more nuanced about what MBA programs are really seeking: a community…

Gaining admission to a globally recognized MBA program such as the one offered by London Business School demands more than just a well-written resume and strong professional background. Among the various application requirements, the GMAT or GRE score stands out as a crucial metric for the admissions committee. While LBS emphasizes a holistic review process, your performance on these standardized tests can have a major influence on your candidacy. To properly approach the LBS application, it’s essential to understand what the GMAT and GRE measure, why they matter to LBS,…

Over the last decade, business school admissions have undergone a series of gradual changes, but few transformations have been as visible and consequential as those made recently to the GMAT and GRE exams. The revised versions—officially rolled out in late 2023—have not only changed the format and length of the tests but have also redefined what these exams are intended to measure and how they reflect the evolving priorities of graduate programs and test takers alike. The new GMAT Focus Edition and the shortened GRE are both direct responses to…

For decades, the GMAT and GRE stood as dominant gateways to graduate programs, especially MBA degrees. They were lengthy, high-stakes exams requiring extensive preparation, often dictating the trajectory of an applicant’s future. But by late 2023, both the GMAT and GRE underwent transformative revisions. The GMAT Focus Edition was launched to replace the traditional GMAT, and a new, shorter GRE format emerged. These weren’t minor updates. They were fundamental shifts in how each organization envisioned the future of standardized testing. To fully grasp the significance of these changes, it’s essential…

The Columbia Business School MBA program is globally recognized for its rigorous academic standards, real-world orientation, and unique access to one of the most vibrant business hubs in the world: New York City. For students looking to study abroad, the CBS MBA offers a distinctive opportunity to immerse themselves in both academic growth and a deeply connected business ecosystem. This section lays the foundation for understanding what makes the CBS MBA program a compelling choice, particularly for those aiming to develop a globally minded, analytically strong, and professionally agile career….

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a standardized exam that plays a crucial role in the admissions process for graduate business programs across the globe. Administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT is designed to assess a candidate’s analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills. Business schools use GMAT scores as a significant component in evaluating a candidate’s readiness for the academic challenges of MBA programs. The test lasts three hours and thirty minutes and includes four distinct sections that collectively aim…