More Common GMAT Study Mistakes

In the last few articles we discussed some common mistakes that people make when studying for their GMAT exams. Today we will cover the issues around timing and challenging yourself, which will be the last two in this series. Since the GMAT is a timed exam it is crucial to have a strategy when it comes to how you allocate the time you are given. With 75 minutes for either 37 quantitative questions or 41 verbal questions it means that you will need to come up with a strategy to increase your edge for success. Focusing too much on getting the right answer will hinder your ability to complete the exam in the allotted time. Although it is important to get the answer right, you need to remember to get it right in the right amount of time! Previously we spoke about the dangers of taking way too many practice tests but this is where they are of tremendous benefit. When taking practice tests always make sure you time them and set a predetermined amount of minutes to complete a specific group of problems. Timing your practice tests will show you how well you complete problems that take longer and which ones you can breeze through. Reviewing these results will give you a workable plan on how best to balance each question. It is the perfect opportunity to come up with a plan on how best to tackle the questions you are given. The key…

How and What to Study for Your GMAT Exams

Most people experience a fairly high level of stress as they begin the process of getting ready to take their GMAT exams. Knowing what to expect on exam day and understanding the specific things one should study will help to alleviate much of that stress. Approaching the exam in a more relaxed state of mind will certainly help you in performing to the best of your abilities. In a previous article we discussed what one can expect once you arrive and register to take the exam. This article will talk about the kinds of things that you should be studying and will also help you determine the amount of time that you will want to devote to it.

GMAT exams are made up of three distinct sections; those being the Quantitative section, the Analytical Writing Assessment and the Verbal section. The multiple choice questions generally begin with a medium level of difficulty and depending on your answers adjusts subsequent questions to either a higher or lower level of difficulty.  Through this method of testing, a more accurate level of individual ability can be determined. It is important to be certain of each response since the result of every answer will determine the next one which means you can not go back and change anything you have already input. Taking the test does not require a high level of computer literacy and if you have taken any practice GMAT exams on…

Preparing For Your GMAT Exams

The anticipation of taking and doing well on your upcoming GMAT exams often cause many MBA students a great deal of stress. This is especially true for those that have been away from school for a while and may be uncertain about their math or other academic skills. Making sure you are well prepared by studying and understanding what is expected of you will go a long way in relieving one’s level of anxiety. There are plenty of free GMAT test preparation programs available online and is an excellent way of bringing to light any areas that may require a little extra attention. It is highly recommended that all MBA applicants allow at least four weeks for preparation and study before the exam date. Knowing exactly what to expect once you arrive at the test centre and the rules that govern GMAT exams will help you feel more comfortable and relaxed on the big day! It is important to note that a GMAT is a standardized test and the procedures and rules are the same for all test takers with absolutely no exceptions. Although this may seem to be a rigid approach, it is exactly what makes the test fair ensuring that everyone is treated the same. Before the exam date, make certain you know where it is and get there at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

Following are some of

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Characteristics of a Typical MBA Student

So, you’ve been thinking about getting your MBA degree and wonder if you have the “right stuff” to get through the rigors of the typical MBA program. There are of course certain personal traits that will help you get through and a number of characteristics that you can expect to gain and/or develop in the process of your studies. First and foremost, it is important that you have a clear idea why you want an MBA degree and the things you hope to achieve by having one. There is little doubt that a substantial pay increase, moving up the corporate ladder and the prestige that comes with the degree are the obvious gains. Just make sure you understand your own motivation and that you have the determination and self-discipline to achieve your goals. In order for business schools to provide the best learning experience for all students, the faculty must select a student body that is diverse and that can bring a wide variety of cultures, nationalities and backgrounds to the table. They also look for students that present a wide range of professional goals and personal interests.

Proven Leadership Skills

Business schools understand that true leadership skills can be realized in a number of different ways. Whether someone has shown a strong involvement within their community, achieved exceptional personal accomplishments (often in the face of diversity),  engaged in several extracurricular college activities or attained academic or business achievements; these all show important…

Unique Skills Separate MBA Graduates From The Rest

Just as a resume that displays an MBA degree creates a strong first impression with prospective employers, unique and specific skill sets enable MBA graduates to make a positive first impression in the work place. While the technical knowledge acquired by MBA students is highly marketable so are the skills gained through the rigorous process of studying for your MBA degree. First and foremost, achieving your degree shows future employers that you possess a high performance standard and have the ability to balance a demanding work/life scenario. Competition in the corporate world is steadily increasing and employers are looking for professionals who can help them keep their competitive edge both locally and globally. The qualities that employers demand are the very ones that MBA graduates have attained both through their academic achievements as well as through practical work experience. Some of the qualities that one has developed through the process of study include:

• Communication – the ability to actively listen and to present arguments and views clearly both in verbal and written form
• Dedication/Commitment – commitment to a specific goal in doing what is necessary to achieve a desired outcome. This is demonstrated by leaving your career (either full or part-time) in order to pursue a higher education with the goal of improving your qualifications. In the case of part-time students this also shows the ability to balance a demanding work/study lifestyle
• Analysis – Being able to zone in on

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What Will An MBA Online Do For Me?

To begin with, an MBA degree is globally recognized in the world of business, especially if your degree is from a top business school. A Masters in Business Administration is also mandatory in most large, medium and even some smaller companies for any executive positions. For professionals who are serious about opportunities in career advancement as well as the ability to earn top salaries, an MBA is certainly the business degree that will help you attain your goals.

We all know how important first impressions are and since your resume is exactly that, it is vital that it speaks loudly about your abilities and your education. Most companies that are hiring for top management and executive positions receive hundreds of applications for a single opening. Being able to include your MBA Online degree on any application is probably the quickest way to survive that all important first “cut” in applicants. Anyone reviewing potential candidates knows innately that those with an MBA degree have a superior understanding in such areas as management, finance and operations along with a host of other real world business skills. Graduates with an MBA who have specialized in specific areas will also have a decided advantage as opposed to those who simply have a general MBA. Of course the higher your degree, the more lucrative the opportunities you will have.

It is also important to understand that whatever MBA program you decide on,…

MBA Program Options Continue to Evolve

There was a time when pursuing an MBA degree meant leaving the workforce for two or more years while at the same time, having to come up with a substantial amount of money to finance the costs involved in attending business school. However times have changed and continue to do so giving prospective students a growing array of MBA program options. Business schools and universities nation wide are constantly coming up with innovative ways of making their MBA programs more flexible and more affordable. This trend is opening the doors to a wide variety of students who would otherwise not be able to achieve this prestigious degree. In fact about half of all MBA students now enroll in weekend or evening part-time programs and many are also opting for smaller programs, a distance learning MBA or executive MBA programs.

Although these changes are viewed by most as positive ones, having such a large number of options can make choosing the right program a challenging road to navigate. It is important to first assess your budget, lifestyle and the career goals you intend to achieve by earning your MBA degree. Your academic history and past work experience will also be important factors to consider when conducting research into which Online MBA program is best suited to your needs and goals. Admission qualifications will also differ from school to school as will teaching methods and certain business schools will be widely recognized for…

Matching the Right Business School to Your Career

Aside from the actual application process, choosing the right Business School is probably the most difficult thing you will do. Not only do you need to research all your possible options, you must also decide on the criteria that are most important to you once you have earned your MBA degree.

Some of the non-academic factors you should consider are:

• Location – how important is the region you will be studying in? Are you adamant about studying in an American University and in a particular region?
• ROI (Return on Investment) – Will the amount of money you spend on your MBA degree have to correspond to the gains in salary you expect your degree to earn you in your career?
• Admissions Process – Are you looking only to schools that have extremely high admissions criteria?
• Alumni Feedback – How important is the satisfaction of alumni with the degree and the business school they graduated from?
• GMATs – Are business schools that demand high GMAT scores an important consideration?
• Program Size – Will you only want to consider business schools with small class sizes or perhaps the opposite?

Once you have looked at the non-academic criteria that are important to you its time to think about the practical side of exactly how and what you will be learning and if a particular school is conducive to your personality and study preferences. Some business schools like Harvard or Darden for example…

Eligibility Requirements for International MBA Students

Previously we spoke about some of the costs associated with being an international MBA student studying in North America. Today’s article will cover some of the eligibility requirements that foreign students must meet prior to being accepted into most US MBA programs.

The majority of American business schools require students to hold a four-year undergraduate degree which would be equivalent to four years of study upon completion of high school. It is important to note that most three-year degrees will not meet MBA Online eligibility requirements. For students that possess degrees such as a BSc, BCom, or BA, it is highly recommended that you also achieve a Post Graduate degree such as a Mcom, MSc, MA, etc, to increase your chances when applying to American business schools. In most cases this can be accomplished in a one-year university program. It is crucial that whatever Post Graduate degree you enter into is one that is recognized by American universities. Although most part-time university diploma programs including an ICWA or CA professional program do not typically meet eligibility requirements, several business schools will accept CA qualification from India in place of a fourth year degree. Since all universities have their own specific standards, it is imperative that you check the requirements of each business school that you are considering. There are cases where American universities may consider a three-year degree for some MBA programs but competition is stiff and preference is usually given to…

North American MBA Programs for International Students

Graduate students and professionals from all over the world travel to North America each year to enroll in top business schools to earn an internationally recognized MBA degree. They come to fulfill their dreams of an education that is world renowned and for the opportunities that such a degree will give them. There are of course many factors that must be considered before one can apply as an international MBA student.

The key issues that one must carefully examine are:

• Tuition costs
• Living expenses
• Eligibility

The application procedure which includes:

• Academic Records
• Standardized Tests
• Work experience
• Letters of Recommendation
• Application Essays
• Interviews
• Part-time employment regulations

Other:

• Rent – $400/month
• Groceries – $150 – $200/month
• Phone – $100/month
• Utilities – $100 – $150/month
• Miscellaneous  $200 – 300/month

In this article, we will be looking at tuition costs and living expenses as they relate to international MBA students in North America but primarily in the USA. Firstly it’s important to understand that there are basically two types of business schools, one being private institutions which are independent and public schools that are state supported. Tuition costs for international students are calculated according to nonresident fee structures with state schools generally less expensive that private or independent schools. Although these costs can vary significantly – more expensive does not necessarily mean a higher quality education. Tuition fees for private business schools can run anywhere from about $15,000…