Over the last fifteen years, business schools worldwide have observed a significant escalation in the average GMAT scores of their admitted students. In the United States alone, the average score has climbed steadily, reaching 658 in recent years—an increase of nearly 50 points compared to just five years ago. Moreover, the proportion of candidates scoring 700 or above has nearly doubled during the same period. At prestigious institutions, this average climbs even higher, with the class of 2024 boasting mean scores exceeding 730. This upward trajectory clearly signals that the…

Cracking the GMAT requires more than casual preparation—it demands strategy, structure, and sustained effort. As competition grows steeper and admissions become more selective, candidates need to arm themselves with the best tools available. In 2023, the market is overflowing with GMAT prep resources, from traditional classroom formats to dynamic, self-paced online platforms. But which courses actually deliver on their promises? The purpose of this article is to explore the best GMAT prep courses currently available. We’ll evaluate their structure, content, teaching methodology, pricing, and results. Whether you’re aiming for an…

The GMAT Focus Edition is redefining how business school applicants prepare for the most significant exam of their academic careers. This modernized version of the Graduate Management Admission Test introduces a leaner structure with updated content domains, compelling test-takers to recalibrate how they assess and interpret their results. A key part of this journey involves understanding how the GMAT score calculator works—its components, its significance, and how it empowers strategic planning. The GMAT score calculator is not just a convenient tool; it is an indispensable asset in the arsenal of…

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…

As Round 2 deadlines edge closer, MBA hopefuls may find themselves revisiting an uncomfortable question: should you retake the GMAT? For many, the test is more than a score; it’s a signal to the admissions committee about your preparedness, resilience, and quantitative capability. Even so, the decision to sit for the GMAT again is not always straightforward. It hinges on the interplay between your current score, your broader application narrative, and how you stack up against the competition. Whether you’re dissatisfied with a score that underwhelms or unsure whether a…

As you begin your journey toward a Wharton MBA, understanding the pivotal role of the GMAT exam in the admissions process is crucial. The GMAT is far more than just a standardized test. It serves as a demonstration of your academic readiness and your potential to thrive in one of the world’s most competitive business programs. Wharton’s rigorous curriculum demands applicants who possess not only intellectual capability but also resilience and strategic thinking skills, all of which the GMAT aims to measure. Wharton is known for attracting exceptionally talented candidates…