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      • *MORE SCHOOL-SPECIFIC GUIDES HERE*
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Resources for GMAT prep

While GMAT (or GRE) preparation is not EssaySnark’s primary expertise — we are EssaySnark not GMATSnark, after all — we obviously want to help you be successful in this important part of your application as well.

There are a wide range of test prep providers that you can research. However, just like with the market for admissions consultants, we don’t offer opinions on GMAT companies — there’s some good, some bad, and some ugly. You’ll need to do your own research. One tip though: When you ask your friends which test prep company is good, try to figure out if your friend’s personality and study style are similar to yours. If your girlfriend who landed a 3.8 in chemistry at Princeton says Company X is good, well, that might not be so relevant if you are an art history major!

The other advice we can offer is that if you’re trying for a top MBA program, you should probably take the GMAT rather than the GRE. We go into the reasons why in a variety of posts on the blahg; here’s a slightly more recent one from 2017.

Here’s some additional GMAT-related articles:

  • The reasons why Michigan Ross’s “waitlist everybody” Rd 1 decision is so cruel.
  • ($) Just In Time MBA App Prep: What if you JUST decided to apply to bschool? Like, NOW?
  • ($) The submit-then-retest strategy for your GMAT or GRE
  • ($) When a 740 GMAT isn’t really a 740 GMAT
  • Some schools are being hard-asses about standardized testing and test scores (and a rant)
  • Should bschools go test-optional?
  • ($) What GRE score is considered competitive this year?
  • Now would be a good time for…
  • Test-flexible policies? Be aware of the differences and know what’s required.
  • Now MIT Sloan changes the game: Test-optional MBA admissions
  • ($) Test extensions: Should you submit your app before you take the GMAT or GRE? And which round?
  • ($) Coronavirus: The importance of GMAT/GRE this year, plus advice on crafting a list of MBA targets
  • ($) How the schools are adapting to coronavirus and what it means for you: Standardized testing and Round 3 apps
  • ($) Who / what situations are greenlit for an MBA app in Round 3?
  • ($) To Round 3 or not to Round 3?


We’ve also published a few articles on other sites:

  • 3 Truths about the GMAT on BusinessBecause (May 2013)
  • How GMAT Prep Sets You Up for Success in Your MBA Essays on the Magoosh GMAT blog (April 2013) (which is not to say you can’t nail the test just fine with self-study!)

And some recommendations from BSers who’ve gone before:

  • qshdz recommended the McKinsey Problem-Solving Test to study for Integrated Reasoning
  • bschool2013 recommended GMATHacks , a free site with study tips

If you have free resources that have worked for you, please pass them along!

If you go through a Comprehensive Brave Supplicant MBA Profile Review, you will get specific input from EssaySnark on your GMAT or GRE score and how you are positioned against the schools you have selected.

 

Next step >> Selecting schools

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UPCOMING MBA APP DEADLINES

  • INSEAD Jan '22 intake Rd 1
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From a BSer January 2020:
"love the guide books!"


CLASS OF 2023 MBA APPLICATION STRATEGY GUIDES

     
    The 2020 Berkeley-Haas MBA Application Guide - updated for the Class of 2023 application!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Berkeley Haas - refreshed and updated, with brainstorming exercises and structured maps to help you focus your stories!
   
    The 2020-2021 NYU Stern MBA Application Guide that covers the main essay, the EQ Endorsement and Pick Six!
SnarkStrategies Guide for NYU - discusses your requirements for the Class of 2023 essays!
   
    The 2020-2021 Columbia MBA Application Guide
SnarkStrategies Guide for Columbia Business School for 2020-2021 applications
   
    The 2020 Harvard MBA Application Guide - completely overhauled and updated for the coronavirus era!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Harvard Business School!
   
    The 2020-2021 Duke Essay Guide - covers the 25 Random Things essay and all the rest too!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Duke Fuqua - up to date for the current season!
   
    The 2020-2021 MIT Essay Guide covers the org chart, the contacts for two references, and additional tips for the cover letter and 'introduce yourself' video -- and everything else you need to know!
SnarkStrategies Guide for MIT Sloan MBA - totally revised for the Class of 2023!
   
    The 2020-2021 Tuck Essay Guide has been refreshed with latest insights and advice for your essays about "investing generously" and "why Tuck"!
SnarkStrategies Guide for the Dartmouth Tuck MBA - completely overhauled for 2020, to help you demonstrate how you are nice, aware, etc stuff!
   
    The Yale SOM MBA Application Guide for Class of 2023 candidates!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Yale SOM - updated for 2020-2021
   
    The 2020-2021 Chicago Booth MBA Application Guide - ready to go to support your Class of 2023 essay strategy!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Chicago Booth for this year's MBA app!
   
    The 2020 Wharton MBA Application Guide - even more advice on how to get to a win with those essays!
SnarkStrategies Guide for The Wharton School - with new tips for 2020!
   
    The 2020 Kellogg Essay Guide - with a full methodology to identify your 'lasting impact' and your 'values' -- plus tips on 2020 world events and applicability to your essays!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Kellogg MBA - updated and revised for the new realities of 2020!    
      The 2020 Stanford MBA Application Guide - for "what matters most" in your MBA application!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Stanford GSB for the Class of 2023
   
    The 2020-2021 UCLA Anderson MBA Application Guide - updated for Class of 2023 on "impact"!
SnarkStrategies Guide for 
UCLA
   
   

Brave Supplicants' latest reviews on The 'Snark


Feb 11, 2021
by hopeful on MBA Interview Prep: Custom Practice Questions
Helpful

Just wanted to say thank you for these questions! A lot of them were really tailored to my profile, ... Read more

Apr 10, 2020
by George on EssaySnark
Great Starting Point

I thought getting over the GRE/GMAT hurdle was fairly straightforward--disciplined study then test execution... Read more

Apr 10, 2020
by George on Single Shot Express MBA Essay Review
Worth Every Penny

I used the Single Shot Express to decimate essay #1 at my first-choice school. Paired with the school... Read more






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What were we snarking about at this time in past years?

  • 2020: What did the Fed do with interest rates today, and why?
  • 2020: ($) "Will applying in Round 3 weaken my application next season?"
  • 2017: Success Story! Research and the right school targets bring results!
  • 2016: What ethics is not
  • 2016: ($) Why telling the truth in your apps is important.
  • 2015: Quiz Leaderboard
  • 2015: ($) Do bschools have quotas in admissions?
  • 2014: Extracurriculars and military applicants
  • 2012: "School X, or School Y with $$$?" (Part 1.5)
  • 2011: More reasons why a Round 3 application is not a good idea
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