The GMAT testing calendar is essentially a schedule of dates when the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is available for candidates to register and take the exam. This calendar is published by the official GMAT administrators and serves as a planning tool for aspiring business school candidates. It lists the available dates and testing windows over the year, and sometimes extends into future years for long-term planning. The GMAT exam is a globally recognized standardized test used by thousands of business schools worldwide as a part of their admissions process….

Before you can determine your ideal GMAT score, it is essential to fully understand how the test is scored. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) evaluates candidates across several sections, and each of these contributes to the overall score in different ways. The total score, which ranges from 200 to 800, is often the focal point for business schools, but it is derived only from two of the four sections: the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections. The Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment sections are scored separately and do not…

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by business schools around the world as a key part of their admissions process. Understanding how the GMAT is scored is crucial for anyone aiming to apply to MBA programs or other graduate management courses. The GMAT scoring system is both nuanced and comprehensive, reflecting the test-taker’s abilities across different skill areas. In this first part of the series, we will delve into the core components of the GMAT scoring system, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of…

The Graduate Management Admission Test, commonly known as the GMAT, is a standardized exam used by business schools around the world to evaluate applicants seeking admission to graduate-level management and business programs such as MBA degrees. The exam assesses a variety of skills that are considered essential for success in business school and beyond, including analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning. The GMAT is recognized globally and is often a required component of the application process for many top business schools. It serves as a common benchmark…

Inference questions in the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section of the MCAT are an essential and somewhat challenging component. These questions account for 16 percent of the total questions, meaning that roughly one out of every six or seven questions will ask you to make an inference based on the passage. While this may seem like a small portion of the test, mastery over inference questions can significantly improve your overall score in the CARS section. Understanding how to approach these questions is critical for performing well on…

As you prepare for the MCAT, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content you need to master. From biology to physics, psychology to biochemistry, the exam covers an immense breadth of material, each subject requiring a deep understanding and the ability to apply knowledge in novel ways. This is why the concept of studying with others—particularly in a well-organized study group—can be a game changer for many students. One of the primary reasons to consider joining or forming an MCAT study group is the collaborative learning…

Every year, countless students decide to pursue the path of becoming a doctor. From the moment they declare themselves as pre-med, they enter a world that demands relentless commitment, intense study, and often, personal sacrifice. Amid the flood of expectations and competition, it’s easy to feel like you’re perpetually behind. You might worry about not having enough shadowing hours, about scoring lower than expected on your latest organic chemistry exam, or about classmates who seem impossibly more accomplished. These fears are valid, and they’re shared by almost every pre-med student…

For students pursuing a future in medicine, academic excellence and extracurricular involvement are often seen as the cornerstones of a successful application to medical school. High GPAs, competitive MCAT scores, and a robust record of volunteer work all matter. However, many applicants overlook or underestimate a crucial component of the medical school admissions process—clinical shadowing. Clinical shadowing stands out not just as another box to check but as a unique experience that links theoretical knowledge to the day-to-day practice of medicine. It offers clarity, context, and confirmation to those who…

The medical school interview marks a critical turning point in your journey toward becoming a physician. While your academic record and MCAT score may have opened the door, the interview determines whether or not you walk through it. Receiving an interview invitation indicates that the admissions committee believes you are a strong candidate on paper. The next step is to show them that you are also a fit in person. The way you speak, the confidence you show, and the insight you offer into your motivations and character are all…

Understanding the Psychological Origins of MCAT Fear The MCAT is often viewed not merely as a test, but as a defining moment in the life of a pre-medical student. This perception fuels intense emotions that range from nervous anticipation to full-blown anxiety. Before strategies for overcoming MCAT fear can be put into practice, it is essential to explore the psychological underpinnings of why this fear exists in the first place. At the heart of MCAT fear lies the fear of failure. For many students, this exam is seen as the…

Biochemistry plays a vital role in the MCAT exam, representing roughly 25% of the questions across two different science sections. While biology holds the largest portion of science questions, biochemistry is the next most important, making it essential for students preparing for the exam to have a strong grasp of this subject. However, the scope of biochemistry on the MCAT is limited compared to the full extent of the field. The exam focuses primarily on content covered in a typical one-semester introductory university biochemistry course. This limited scope means that…

The MCAT tests a wide range of skills, including your understanding of natural sciences and your critical thinking abilities. Math plays a significant role in many questions, especially in chemistry, physics, and biology sections. However, one unique challenge is that calculators are not allowed during the exam. This restriction makes it essential to develop strong mental math skills and learn strategic shortcuts to solve problems efficiently. Efficiency in math not only saves valuable time but also reduces the cognitive load, allowing you to focus more on applying concepts rather than…

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a rigorous exam that evaluates not only your knowledge of science but also your critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to work efficiently under pressure. Alongside your knowledge and preparation, the tools you use on test day can significantly affect your performance. One such tool provided to all MCAT test-takers is the erasable noteboard. For many students, this noteboard may initially feel unfamiliar or inconvenient, but learning how to use it effectively can improve your exam experience and even your score. What Is…

Critical Reasoning (CR) questions—sometimes called “paragraph argument” questions—are a specialized type of GRE Reading Comprehension question that tests your ability to think critically across various scenarios. These questions challenge your skills in critical analysis, logical reasoning, and careful attention to detail. Many GRE test-takers consider Critical Reasoning questions the most difficult in the Verbal section. To master GRE CR questions, you need to become proficient at analyzing arguments and navigating answer choices designed to mislead or confuse. What Are GRE Critical Reasoning Questions? GRE Critical Reasoning questions evaluate your ability…

Mastering the Transition from Practice to Performance on the GRE Understanding the Gap Between Practice and Test-Day Scores Many GRE aspirants face a frustrating and confusing reality: their practice test scores consistently fall in the 320+ range, but on test day, the actual score drops significantly. This drop is often not due to a lack of skill or knowledge. Instead, it stems from a breakdown in translating preparation into performance under pressure. The good news is that most of these issues are preventable. The GRE is not just a test…