For decades, the Graduate Management Admission Test has been a crucial step for aspiring MBA candidates around the world. This exam evaluates essential skills such as critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving — all necessary for success in rigorous business school programs. However, as the business landscape evolves and new assessment methods emerge, the organization behind the GMAT recognized the need to modernize the test and make it more relevant, efficient, and user-friendly. This led to the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition in early 2023, marking one of the…

The Graduate Management Admission Test, commonly known as the GMAT, is a widely accepted standardized exam for admission into MBA programs and other graduate business degrees. However, many programs allow applicants to request a waiver of the GMAT requirement under certain conditions. This waiver can save applicants from the time and expense of preparing for and taking the test. Writing a successful GMAT waiver request letter is a critical step in this process. The letter allows you to present your unique qualifications and reasons why you should be exempted from…

When beginning the journey toward an MBA, one of the first and most common questions applicants ask is whether they need to take the GMAT or another standardized test like the GRE. This question has become increasingly complex as more business schools have shifted to test-optional or test-flexible admissions policies. However, the answer depends heavily on the specific MBA programs you target and your overall application strategy. This article explores the evolving role of standardized tests in MBA admissions, the reasons behind these changes, and how you can decide whether…

The landscape of business school admissions is constantly evolving, and with it, the tools that prospective MBA students use to demonstrate their readiness. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) recently announced a significant update to their flagship exam—the GMAT Focus Edition. This new iteration of the GMAT is designed to better assess the skills that business schools consider critical for success in modern MBA programs. For MBA hopefuls, understanding what the GMAT Focus Edition entails and why it was created is essential to navigating the admissions process successfully. The Traditional…

If you have taken the SAT and are now preparing for the GMAT, you might be curious if your SAT score can give you an indication of how well you will perform on the GMAT. Many students want to find a quick shortcut or conversion method between the two scores. However, understanding the fundamental differences and similarities between the SAT and GMAT is essential before attempting to predict one score based on the other. In this article, we will examine the core purpose, format, and scoring of both exams. We…

Applying to MBA programs often involves preparing for and submitting standardized test scores like the GMAT or GRE. These exams have long served as a common benchmark for business schools to assess applicants’ academic readiness and potential for success. However, in recent years, more MBA programs—especially beyond the very top-tier—have begun offering GMAT waivers. This means applicants can request exemption from submitting a GMAT or GRE score altogether. But what exactly is a GMAT waiver, why do some schools offer them, and what does it mean for your MBA application…

The world of graduate admissions testing is undergoing a significant transformation with the arrival of the new GRE Focus Edition and the GMAT Focus Edition. Both tests have been redesigned to create a shorter, more efficient experience for test takers while maintaining the rigor and validity that business schools and graduate programs expect. The GRE update launched on September 22, 2023, and the GMAT Focus Edition is set to arrive on November 7, 2023. These changes come as a response to evolving educational needs and the desire to reduce test…

Deciding whether to take the GMAT or the GRE is one of the most important choices for anyone preparing to apply to graduate school. Both exams serve as gatekeepers for many graduate programs worldwide, particularly in business, management, and other fields. This article explores the fundamental aspects of both tests, their formats, scoring, and typical candidates, providing you with a clear understanding to help you make an informed decision. What Is the GMAT? The Graduate Management Admission Test, commonly known as the GMAT, is a standardized exam primarily designed for…

The Graduate Management Admission Test, widely known as the GMAT, has long served as a crucial benchmark for business school admissions worldwide. Its role in assessing the readiness and aptitude of prospective MBA candidates is well established. Recently, a significant update emerged with the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition. This new version represents a shift not only in the structure of the exam but also in how scores are calculated and interpreted. Understanding these changes is essential for test-takers and admissions committees alike, as it shapes the landscape of…

As MBA application deadlines for Round 2 rapidly approach, many prospective students find themselves grappling with whether they should take the GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) or seek a waiver. This decision often hinges on timing, preparation, and the evolving policies of top business schools. If you have yet to secure your ideal test score—or have not even had the chance to sit for the exam—you might be wondering: is it possible to apply without submitting a standardized test score? The short answer is that it depends. More MBA…