Author: Erika John

Erika graduated from the University of Washington and got a 99th-percentile score on the GMAT. With years of experience teaching standardized test prep and directing a private tutoring academy, Erika is passionate about giving students the tools they need to succeed in cracking the GMAT and GRE.

Earn 20 Easy Points With these Last-Minute GMAT Test Day Tips [Video]

Author Erika JohnPosted on Categories GMAT Prep

If your GMAT test day is coming up, you’re hopefully wrapping up your prep, taking your last practice exam, and resisting the urge to do any night-before cramming (trust me, it doesn’t work). But what about the test day itself? How can you make sure that you’re ready when you walk in the testing center so none of your hard work goes to waste? Is there anything else you can do to improve your score, even as late as the morning before the test?

In “GMAT Test Day Tips — Earn 20 Easy Points Last-Minute”, we walk through some last minute GMAT tips that will help you make the most of the morning before the test.

The first set of GMAT test day tips focus on waking up before the test. Getting out of bed isn’t enough to be alert for your test. We walk through specific steps you can take on your GMAT test day to wake up your body and your brain to ensure you’re doing your best work. For example, doing a practice test the morning of the GMAT will wear you out before you reach the testing center, but going into the test cold is a sure-fire way to work slowly and make mistakes. This video will tell you exactly how much practice to do on GMAT test day to get your brain in gear.

The second set of last minute GMAT tips revolve around reducing your GMAT test anxiety. Staying calm during the test is important, but being calm before you go into the testing center is even more critical. We explore actionable strategies you can use to reduce your stress the morning before the test and start your GMAT test day strong. For instance, everyone knows that a good night’s sleep before a big test is important, but sacrificing an hour of sleep to wake up early can actually be beneficial — watch the video to learn why!

Remember: while these last minute GMAT tips can easily earn you extra points, there’s no substitute for preparing adequately for the content on the test and for the testing experience. However, if you’ve put in the effort in your GMAT prep, these GMAT test day tips will ensure that nothing but the test questions are standing between you and your goal score!

To stay updated on our latest GMAT videos, you can subscribe to our new PrepScholar GMAT YouTube channel — we’ll have three new free videos every month.

Happy studies, and good luck on your GMAT test day!

Quick and Easy GMAT Scratch Paper Technique [Video]

Author Erika JohnPosted on Categories GMAT Logistics, GMAT Prep

One of the most commonly overlooked aspects of GMAT strategy is using your GMAT scratch pad. Using your GMAT scratch paper to keep track of and work through information is a large part of your testing experience, so learning how to use it effectively is critical to your success on the exam. In “GMAT Scratch Paper Technique”, we discuss a quick strategy for making the most of your GMAT scratch paper.

First, we discuss why the GMAT scratch pad provided by your testing center is different than any scratch paper you’ve used before: GMAT scratch paper comes in a spiral-bound pad of 5 sheets; the pages are yellow, laminated, and covered in a grid pattern; you write on it with a marker than you can’t erase; and you can only get more paper if you request a new pad from your proctor.

However, this strange set up can be a blessing in disguise. We reveal the technique that will help you make the most of your GMAT scratch paper: using the grid to your advantage. We spend the remainder of the video digging into various applications of this GMAT strategy — from straightforward uses of the GMAT scratch paper grid, such as the creation of diagrams, to less obvious uses that lead to the reduction of simple mistakes and improved time management.

Watch the video to learn more!

To stay updated on our latest GMAT videos, you can subscribe to our new PrepScholar GMAT YouTube channel — we’ll have three new free videos every month.

Happy GMAT studies!

How to Beat Overlapping Sets GMAT Problems [Video]

Author Erika JohnPosted on Categories GMAT Quantitative

Overlapping sets make for particularly hard GMAT math questions. While they technically fall into the category of arithmetic — a type of math most people feel comfortable with — the complexity and presentation of overlapping sets problems throw many test takers for a loop.

So how can test takers make sense of all of the complicated information in these questions? And how can we get overlapping sets GMAT problems right every time? In the new video “How to Beat Overlapping Sets GMAT Problems”, we discuss the number one strategy to conquer these deceptively difficult GMAT questions.

We start off by defining overlapping sets GMAT problems so you can recognize them on test day: they are word problems that deal with one large group that is being evaluated for multiple traits. This in essence breaks our larger group into many smaller groups with different combinations of traits.

We then delve onto our key strategy for overlapping sets GMAT problems: making a diagram. This allows us to

  1. organize information from the problem.
  2. clarify relationships between our smaller groups.
  3. build equations we can then use to solve.

On overlapping sets GMAT problems where our larger group is being evaluated for two traits, we use a specific type of diagram called a “double matrix”, which we explain how to create on your scratch paper. We also use a real overlapping sets GMAT question to illustrate how to set up our double matrix diagram and then use it to solve. Finally, we talk about how to set up a diagram for the really hard GMAT math questions in which our overlapping sets involve evaluating for three or more traits.

Watch the video to see how it’s done!

To stay updated on our latest GMAT videos, you can subscribe to our new PrepScholar GMAT YouTube channel — we’ll have three new free videos every month.

Happy GMAT studies!

Online Lesson: Introduction to GMAT Data Sufficiency [Video]

Author Erika JohnPosted on Categories GMAT Quantitative

Many students think that Data Sufficiency is one of the hardest question types on the GMAT. Data Sufficiency is unlike anything they’ve ever seen before, either on tests or in their undergraduate math classes. In “Online Lesson: Introduction to GMAT Data Sufficiency”, we cover the basics of GMAT Data Sufficiency to familiarize you with your new favorite GMAT question type and give you strategies you can apply on test day.

Since this Introduction to GMAT video is relatively long, we’ve broken it down into bite-sized sections focused on key Data Sufficiency topics:

In Overview of GMAT Quant, we discuss the makeup of the GMAT Quantitative section, answering the question “How many Data Sufficiency questions are there on the GMAT?” In Structure of Data Sufficiency questions, we review the three components of a Data Sufficiency problem (the question stem, the statements, and the answer choices) and discuss Data Sufficiency GMAT tips related to this structure. We then delve into the answer choices with What is Sufficiency?”by discussing what the “sufficiency” in GMAT Data Sufficiency means and looking at the two different kinds of sufficiency we see in Data Sufficiency questions.

Once we’ve covered the foundations of GMAT Data Sufficiency, we take a detour for What’s the Point of Data Sufficiency? to discuss how Data Sufficiency problems test skills critical to success in business school and careers. We then discuss How to Approach Data Sufficiency Questions at a broad level, walking chronologically through the steps test takers can apply on every Data Sufficiency problem and providing additional GMAT Data Sufficiency tips. Finally, we walk through more specific Data Sufficiency GMAT Strategy in Data Sufficiency Strategies, covering four of the most useful strategies for GMAT Data Sufficiency.

Watch the video to learn more!

To stay updated on our latest GMAT videos, you can subscribe to our new PrepScholar GMAT YouTube channel — we’ll have three new free videos every month.

Happy GMAT Data Sufficiency studies!

Learn the Difference Between GMAT and GRE [Video]

Author Erika JohnPosted on Categories Business School, GMAT General Info, GMAT Prep

If you’re considering business school, you’ve likely asked, “Should I take the GRE or GMAT?” But what is the difference between GMAT and GRE? Why take one over the other?

In “The Difference between GMAT and GRE”, we discuss the key factors that distinguish the two tests and lay out the three steps you can use to decide which test is right for you.

The differences between the two tests range from broad to specific. At the broad level, different graduate programs require different exams. Similarly, if you’re choosing GMAT or GRE for MBA program admissions, specific schools may require or prefer different exams. So one difference between GMAT and GRE is that certain tests are better suited for different academic paths.

Another difference between GRE and GMAT is that the tests use different computer adaptive algorithms that impact the test taking experience. Depending on your ability to manage your time and your testing anxiety, you may perform better on one test than the other.

At the question level, the two exams test many similar concepts across the Verbal and Quantitative sections. However, a critical difference between GRE and GMAT is that each test features some unique concepts. Along the same lines, not all of the concepts on both exams are tested at the same level of difficulty. This difference between GMAT and GRE means that you may receive a higher score on either test depending on your skill level in a couple different areas.

Watch the video to figure out which test is right for you!

If after analyzing the difference between GMAT and GRE using the steps in this video, you’re still unsure about “Should I take the GRE or GMAT?”, take a practice exam for each test to determine which one you score higher on — this will help you determine which is easier, GMAT or GRE. Taking both the GMAT and the GRE is also an option, but you’ll usually come out with a higher score if you study really well for one test than if you study a little bit for both.

To stay updated on our latest GMAT videos, you can subscribe to our new PrepScholar GMAT YouTube channel — we’ll have three new free videos every month.

Happy studies!

Ask a Wharton MBA: Admissions and GMAT FAQ [Video]

Author Erika JohnPosted on Categories Business School, GMAT Prep

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The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is well-known as one of the top business schools in the United States. But why do real MBA candidates choose Wharton? What exactly does it take to get in? And how important is the GMAT in the admissions process?

In “Ask a Wharton MBA: Admissions and GMAT FAQ”, we sit down with Laura Leszcynski, a Wharton MBA and Director of GMAT here at PrepScholar. She answers our questions about Wharton MBA admissions and responds to some GMAT FAQ, including:

  1. Why Wharton?
  2. How important was your GMAT score as part of your Wharton MBA admissions application?
  3. How did you study for the GMAT?
  4. Did you do anything to study for the GMAT that you wouldn’t recommend to students currently preparing for the test?
  5. How long does it take to study for the GMAT? How early should students take the GMAT?
  6. What is your biggest piece of advice for students beginning the Wharton MBA admissions process or applying to another business school?

Watch the video to hear her answers!

If you like the “Ask a ______ MBA: Admissions and GMAT FAQ” focus of this video, please let us know by liking or commenting on the video — if enough people are interested, we’ll turn it into a series where we interview MBAs from other top business schools!

To stay updated on our latest GMAT videos, you can subscribe to our new PrepScholar GMAT YouTube channel — we’ll have three new free videos every month.

Happy studies!

Master GMAT Critical Reasoning: Time-Saving Strategy [Video]

Author Erika JohnPosted on Categories GMAT Verbal

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GMAT Critical Reasoning questions come in a variety of different flavors — strengthen, weaken, evaluate, complete, etc. However, the vast majority of Critical Reasoning GMAT questions center around one thing: identifying the conclusion of the argument. Because of this, the conclusion is the most important part of the passage.

In this video, we’ll go over a strategy for mastering GMAT Critical Reasoning questions that will help you hone in on the most important parts of Critical Reasoning passages for faster and more effective reading.

First, we’ll learn that keyword skimming is one of the best GMAT Critical Reasoning tips. We’ll discuss the two types of keywords that are used to signal conclusions on Critical Reasoning GMAT passages: cause and effect keywords (“since”, “because”, “therefore”, “so”, “as a consequence”, etc.) and more traditional conclusion keywords (“clearly”, “conclusion”, etc.).

Then, we’ll walk through the strategy for approaching GMAT Critical Reasoning passages:

1. Skim for a cause and effect or conclusion keyword
2. Read the sentence it’s in (that’s our conclusion)
3. Read the rest of the argument as necessary based on the question

We’ll look at how this strategy can be applied across a few real Critical Reasoning GMAT questions, pointing out how different passages have different structures.

Finally, we’ll look at some of the other applications of keyword skimming on the GMAT, in both GMAT Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension passages.

Watch the video to learn more!

To stay updated on our latest GMAT videos, you can subscribe to our new PrepScholar GMAT YouTube channel — we’ll have three new free videos every month.

Happy GMAT Critical Reasoning studies!

How to Find Hidden Errors in GMAT Sentence Correction [Video]

Author Erika JohnPosted on Categories GMAT Verbal

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GMAT Sentence Correction questions involve sentences that are long, heavily punctuated, and very confusing. Test makers create these convoluted sentences on purpose to make it harder for students to find and identify sentence errors.

In this video, we’ll go over the number one trick for Sentence Correction GMAT questions that will help you catch these hidden grammar errors in sentence structure, agreement, tense, parallelism, idioms, and more.

First, we’ll learn that the trick to cracking these difficult GMAT Sentence Correction questions is to simplify the sentence by cutting extra, descriptive information out of the sentence. Then, I’ll explain the two steps to cutting out extra information:

  1. getting rid of pieces of the sentence that are set off by commas.
  2. getting rid of adjective and adverb phrases.

To illustrate these two steps, we’ll walk through how to apply them in context of a real, 700-level GMAT Sentence Correction question taken from the GMATPrep Software released by GMAC. Finally, we’ll use our new, simplified sentence to identify critical grammar errors and solve the problem.

Watch the video to learn more!

 

 

To stay updated on our latest GMAT videos, you can subscribe to our new PrepScholar GMAT YouTube channel — we’ll have three new free videos every month.

Happy GMAT Sentence Correction studies!

Learn the 9 Most Important Tips for a 700+ GMAT Score [Video]

Author Erika JohnPosted on Categories GMAT Prep

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A lot of GMAT test takers aim for a 700+ GMAT score. A good GMAT score can open doors to top schools, yield standout applications, and provide opportunities for merit scholarships.

However, according to data from the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), the makers of the GMAT, only 12% of GMAT test takers score a 700 or above. So how can you get a high GMAT score?

In our first ever PrepScholar GMAT video, we walk through the top nine tips for how to get a 700+ on the GMAT. We’ll cover both general GMAT strategy and more specific GMAT tips and tricks for a 700+ GMAT score. For instance, Tip #6 explains

  1. why some test takers score worse on their exam than on their practice tests
  2. how you can avoid doing the same by preparing for test day, not just test content. 

We’ll also go into detail about the best way to study for GMAT concepts and the best way to prepare for GMAT-specific features. Additionally, I’ll explain what makes the best GMAT study materials for a 700+ GMAT score. Watch the video to learn more!

 

 

We’ll be making three new videos each month to help you prepare for the GMAT. Like the blog, the videos are FREE and intended to help supplement your GMAT prep. You can subscribe to our new PrepScholar GMAT YouTube channel to stay updated on our latest video resources! We’ll also post here on the blog for each new video.

Happy studies, and good luck cracking 700!

The 5 Hardest GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions

Author Erika JohnPosted on Categories GMAT QuantitativeTags , , , ,

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For many GMAT test takers, Data Sufficiency questions are the most difficult questions on the GMAT. But what do the hardest GMAT Data Sufficiency questions look like? What skills and concepts do they test? What do they have in common? What Data Sufficiency strategies can we use to get these challenging GMAT Quantitative questions right?

In this article, I’ll go over the five hardest GMAT Data Sufficiency questions, what you’ll need to know to solve them, how to approach them on test day, and what we can learn from hard GMAT Quant questions about mastering Data Sufficiency.

Continue reading “The 5 Hardest GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions”