The generic answer is about 100 hours of preparation time. Obviously there are cases when it goes much faster, but also cases where it takes longer. The determining factors of preparation speed are: Math background (do you remember the basics) Ability to think and read in English Speed reading in English Sense of logic Ability to intensely concentrate Endurance Amount of study time available Intellectual interest applied to GMAT Accuracy under time pressure Quality of study materials Time management

Get the Official Guide to GMAT and solve practice problems to get familiar with the material. Take a simulation test (for free on MBA.com, GMAT prep software download). Take the 10-hour crash course that we offer to fill in knowledge gaps. Use our app to do mini-sessions when taking out books or computer isn't practical. The course includes software package with 15 mock exams. Take as many as possible to get the timing right. Once the mock test results are consistent and within ca. 10% of your desired score , take the GMAT.

Changes announced to GMAT format: In 2024 the format of the GMAT was adapted.. The new structure is below. Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions, 45 minutes (no data sufficiency) Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions, 45 minutes (no sentence correction) Data Insights: 20 questions, 45 minutes (mix of IR and data sufficiency) The biggest changes were: The removal of geometry from the math section. A moderate shorting of the test time The removal of the more grammatical "Sentence Correction" The addition of a new section (Data Insights), which is based on the former "Integrated Reasoning" section. The "Focus" part of the name has now been dropped and the test is callled GMAT again. Overall: the GMAT retains its original character and the changes are largely cosmetic. For example, the scoring mechanism still uses the data from questions before the change.

Yes, we are well aware that there are top programs that do not require GMAT. We have relationships to admissions staff and insider knowledge on how to get around GMAT. We have assisted many students get admitted to their dream schools-- without GMAT. There are also schools that use their own proprietatry tests, for example IE, ESADE, and Frankfurt. We actively train candidates for these tests as well.

We offer instruction for GRE, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, LSAT, and others. We also prepare candidates for psychometric tests for tech and consulting interviews. Some schools (ESADE, IE, St Gallen, Frankfurt School) offer their own tests. We can prepare these tests as well. The point is that standard testing is becoming more widespead and the methods we have developed can be fine-tuned to other forms of testing, which we have successfully proven.

There is a perception that GMAT is harder than GRE. This depends on your starting point and educational background. If you are a native English speaker, and you did your first degree in a non-technical area, GRE statitcally will be a bit easier. Here are a few guidelines: Choose the GMAT if: you are quantitatively trained and comfortable with numbers targeting elite finance or consulting comfortable with fast-paced tasks want maximum business-school compliance. Choose the GRE if: your verbal skills are stronger you want broader graduate-school flexibility, you are nervous about the math section You don't mind learning vocab lists (ca. 500 words) The tests are more similar than different, so you can always change if you are curious. We often start with one and switch to the other if we realize your learning style is more conducive.

Yes. The top-ranked US school will not waive GMAT, but there are some very good European ones that have non-GMAT options (MBA: EA, St Gallen, Columbia). The general pattern is the more renown the school, the higher the GMAT average. The alternative to GMAT is GRE. For native speakers who are a weaker in math, this is a good option. I wrote a blog about this topic. The math is a bit easier, but the verbal will challenge anyone, especially the non-native. For Master’s applicants, I have a list of non-GMAT options available on request with some very attractive options.

The schools will tell you About 20-30%-- but it's the first hurdle. Without a good score, it's doubtful that your application will be read. The other factors are: your CV and accomplishments at work, your academic background, your personal story, your recommendations, leadership experience. Of these criteria, the essay is the most important. Here you state your case and explain the role of the MBA and cast your professional vision.

Women have an advantage. Business schools are at about a 70/30 male female ration right now and they are desperately trying to close the gap. We have successfully won scholarships for many of our female applicants, some of whom thought they would never be accepted. See “success stories” for some examples. Any other claim to diversity, including diversity of thought, is a helpful differentiator. For Master's degrees, the same holds for Finance and STEM subjects. For Management and Marketing, less so.