Embarking on the path to land a spot in an elite business school is an exciting yet demanding endeavor, especially for those whose professional background is in the family business. Successfully positioning your candidacy and work experience is vital for making a compelling case to admission committees. Today, we’re sharing strategic advice on how MBA applicants with a family business background can stand out and secure a coveted seat in a top program.

Are you a non-traditional MBA aspirant and curious about your chances of getting into a top business school? We’d love to chat! Contact us to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant.

Your experience in a family business is more than a job—it’s a narrative that sets you apart. Begin your application by communicating the story behind your role. Share the challenges, triumphs, and the lessons learned. Admissions committees value authenticity, and your genuine passion for your family business can be an appealing differentiator.

Paint a clear picture of your vision for the company’s future, and leave no doubt as to how an MBA will help you make an impact on the business after graduation. That way, the admissions committee understands why business school is the logical next step.

Focus Areas

In the competitive MBA landscape, showcasing impact is crucial. Play up instances where you’ve contributed to growth and innovation in your family business. Quantify achievements where possible, emphasizing revenue growth, cost savings, or successful strategic initiatives. This underscores your business acumen and indicates your ability to drive meaningful results.

Without a doubt, working in a family business presents unique challenges. Rather than avoiding them, position these challenges as valuable learning opportunities. Discuss how you navigated uncertainties, resolved conflicts, and adapted to industry changes. Admissions committees appreciate resilience and problem-solving skills, and your experience in a family business can demonstrate your ability to thrive in dynamic environments.

Also, keep in mind that many top B-schools have extensive resources for MBA applicants with a family business background. Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, for example, has pioneered family enterprise education with its John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises.

“The vast majority of businesses around the world are family businesses, and they drive significant innovation and growth in our global economy,” says Francesca Cornelli, dean of the Kellogg School.

Family businesses demand a delicate balance of collaboration and leadership. Mention instances where you’ve led cross-functional teams or improved communication within the family business. Highlighting your ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics positions you as a candidate with strong leadership potential—an appealing trait for elite MBA programs.

Recommendation Letters for MBA Applicants with a Family Business Background

Choosing the right people for recommendations is crucial—and sometimes tricky for MBA applicants with a family business background. Pick recommenders who can speak to your professional capabilities and personal attributes. If there’s a non-family member in a leadership position within the family business, consider getting their recommendation. That can add an outside perspective and establish your ability to work effectively with diverse individuals.

Alternatively, a recommendation from a client or business partner can validate your professional skills and impact on business relationships. This type of recommendation emphasizes your ability to build and maintain external connections, which is valuable in a business school setting. Consider having a mix of recommenders to provide a comprehensive view of your skills and character.

Listen to B-Schooled Podcast #127: How to Pick the Right Recommenders

In some cases, admissions committees may raise questions about the breadth of your experience within a family business. Proactively address these concerns by calling attention to the range of your responsibilities. Share how you’ve contributed to different facets of the company, from operations to strategic planning. Exhibiting a well-rounded skill set eases any concerns about a limited scope of experience.

Finally, remember that top MBA programs look for candidates committed to continuous learning. Emphasize any steps you’ve taken to enhance your skills and knowledge. This could include pursuing relevant certifications, attending industry conferences, or enrolling in executive education programs. Noting your commitment to staying on top of industry trends bolsters your proactive approach to personal and professional development.

Own Your Family Business Cred

As you launch your transformative journey towards an elite MBA, know that your family business experience is a unique asset. Create a compelling narrative that celebrates your achievements and the valuable skills you’ve gained along the way. By strategically positioning your family business experience, you enhance your candidacy and provide a distinctive perspective to the diverse community of an elite business school.

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Do you have a non-traditional background? Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our All-In Partnership to essay editing to hourly help reviewing your MBA resume. Contact us today for a free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant. Meanwhile, here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team.

The post MBA Applicants with a Family Business Background appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.

The post MBA Applicants with a Family Business Background first appeared on GMAT Club.

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Tepper School of Business of Carnegie Mellon University seeks candidates who will enrich its tight-knit community and are interested in a highly analytical course structure.

From Tepper Website: The vision of CMU Tepper is to create value for business and society by providing intellectual leadership, advancing the science and practice of management, and developing ethical leaders to be the agents of change in a world driven by technology and innovation.

Application Deadlines

All deadlines are 11:59 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)

Note for international applicants: Round 3 is the final round that you can apply for the full-time program.

Essays

There is one required essay (maximum 500 words) for all Tepper MBA applicants (except college seniors). There is no change in the essay question. Like last year, Tepper asks applicants about their experience in an inclusive environment. Additionally, applicants will submit a video about their post-MBA goals. The applicants can also write an optional essay to provide additional information about their candidacy.

The Tepper community is dynamic and unique, with students who strive to be collaborative, supportive, and inclusive. Please provide an example of when you experienced or created an inclusive environment and how you will use that experience to help members of the community reach their full potential.

Business schools value diversity, equity, and inclusion in MBA admissions. Therefore, more and more schools, such as Darden, Haas, and Wharton, to name a few, are asking for diversity essays to ensure a great educational experience for students from diverse religions, demographics, ethnicities, cultures, or sexual orientations. To brainstorm ideas for this essay, reflect on times when you worked with people from different cultures, geographies, races, and skill sets in your personal (at school/ college) or professional life. Then, ask yourself these questions: Did you encourage and respect people who are different from you? Did you take conscious steps to promote inclusion? If yes, how did you do it?

Perhaps you helped a person from a different sexual orientation or cultural background feel welcome and accepted into the team. Or maybe you grew up in a multicultural environment that made you culturally adaptable and open-minded, naturally enabling you to promote DEI at work.

This question has two parts:

1. Your experience/ story where you promoted DEI

2. Your potential contribution in this area to the Tepper community

To organize your ideas, provide context about your perspective on DEI. Then, narrate an experience about how you have supported diversity and inclusion at the workplace or in your personal life. Since the essay prompt doesn't specify the type of experience, feel free to choose a personal or professional experience or community involvement.

As always, we recommend using the STAR method to organize your story's details. STAR stands for Situation/ Task/ Action/ Result.

Situation: Provide context to your experience. What was the situation? Was there a crisis, a conflict, a challenge, or a problem?

Task: If so, what was the requirement? What was expected of you?

Action: What steps did you take? What challenges did you face, and how did you deal with them?

Result/ Outcome: What was the outcome of your experience? How did it impact someone's life? How is the experience meaningful to you?

In the second part of the essay, please explain how you plan to leverage that experience to help members of the Tepper community reach their full potential. Think of different ways to promote inclusivity as a Tepper student and alumnus. Again, a thorough knowledge of Tepper's resources is crucial to composing an authentic response to your potential contribution to Tepper's small, tight-knit, and supportive community. You can organize your details by allotting 50-60% of the essay to the background and diversity story and 40-50% of the essay to how you see yourself contributing to the community.

Video Essay: Goals

We know this is an important component of your decision to attend business school. We take it seriously as well. Please describe your post-MBA career goals.

It would be helpful to consider the following information in your response:

• You have up to 2 minutes to respond to this question.
• Please be as specific as possible. If you have not yet identified specific companies, that is okay. Just tell us what interests you for your next role or company. What about the industry, company, or functional role appeals to you?
• If you have any criteria you are using to evaluate career opportunities, please share those as well. We may have great opportunities to add to your list.
• How does this post-MBA career goal relate to your long-term career plan?

In this portion of your MBA application, you will record a video for the Ad Com to discuss your post-MBA goals. To prepare, it is essential to create a script and practice speaking confidently in front of the camera. Here's how to go about it:

Step 1: Define Your Post-MBA Goals: Start by identifying the position you aspire to hold immediately after completing your MBA. Be specific about your role, function, and industry, and pinpoint 1-2 organizations/ companies you aim to work for.

Step 2: Articulate Your Goal and its Significance: Then, articulate your goal and explain why this goal is exciting and vital to you and how it aligns with your professional and personal values. Please note that your post-MBA plan should show a logical progression from your professional experience, current skill set, and the skills and knowledge you expect to gain through Tepper MBA. Also, your post-MBA goals should be ambitious and realistic, propelling you to your long-term aspirations.

Please go through the following blog to learn about the mistakes you should avoid in your goals essay:
Avoid these 13 Common Mistakes in Goals Essay

Practice is key to delivering an effective video essay. Since this is a recorded presentation, investing time in rehearsing and speaking confidently in front of the camera can make a significant difference in the quality of your essay.

For valuable tips on preparing video essays, you can refer to our blog post:
Helpful Tips to Ace Video Essays

Optional Essay

Use this essay to convey important information you may not have been able to convey. This may include unexplained resume gaps, context for recommender selection, etc. However, do not feel obligated to complete the optional essay.

If you are a reapplicant, use the optional essay to explain how your candidacy has strengthened since your last application.

An optional essay is an opportunity to give the Ad Com relevant information you may not have found a place in any other parts of your application. In addition, the optional essay is a great place to address extenuating circumstances, meaning you should explain any weaknesses in your profile. For example, if you have a lower-than-average GMAT score, grades below a C on your transcript, academic probation, or a significant employment or education gap, you can explain it in this essay. Also, if you cannot obtain your recommendation letter from your current supervisor, please explain that in the optional statement.

To provide context for a weakness in your profile, make sure your reason is genuine to convince the Ad Com that your low grades or employment gap occurred due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control. Your response should be positive, straightforward, and fact-focused and not sound like you are making excuses for your weakness. Your weakness may also bring out a positive aspect of your personality. For example, if you are discussing your employment gap, you may explain that you did something productive during that period, such as traveling, volunteering, or handling a family medical emergency.

In case you do not have any weakness in your profile, but there's a significant aspect of your profile that you haven't had the chance to highlight in other parts of the application, seize this opportunity to share that vital information. For example, if you have done considerable community work, have a compelling leadership story, or have an entrepreneurial experience you did not get a chance to showcase anywhere else, you can elaborate on it in your optional essay. Since Tepper asks for only one required essay, we highly recommend submitting an optional essay.

To explore the reasons why you might consider writing an optional essay, please refer to our blog post:
12 Reasons You Should Write an Optional Essay

Tepper does not ask for a separate re-applicant essay, so if you are a re-applicant, you will also use this essay to explain how your candidacy has improved since your last application.

Please read our blog on 11 helpful tips to craft a reapplication strategy:
11 Helpful Tips to Craft a Reapplication Strategy

Free Resources

Overarching Essay Tips

MER Students Share Their Success Stories

Case Studies

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 12 years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. A master storyteller, Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized Master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 10,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide. Poonam is recognized as one of the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club (143 reviews).

Do you have questions about your application for the 2023-24 application cycle? E-mail Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com or sign up here for a free consultation.

This blog was first published in myessayreview.

The post CMU Tepper MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines: 2023- 2024 first appeared on GMAT Club.

Want a preview of the question types and types of difficulty you'll face on the GMAT? Thanks to modern tech platforms such as GMAT Club, preparation has never been more accessible – we've got you covered with our free GMAT practice questions that cater to various higher-order thinking skills.

This article is your gateway to exploring a range of sample GMAT questions from various sections of the GMAT exam, including Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency, Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Integrated Reasoning.

What are GMAT Practice Questions?

Quantitative Section:

The Quantitative section is all about math challenges. GMAT Math questions check how well you solve problems and handle numbers. This part includes two types of questions: Problem Solving (PS) and Data Sufficiency (DS). You'll take on challenges like solving equations, working with probabilities, solving word problems, and handling algebraic questions. You can check different types of quantitative GMAT practice questions below.

Data Sufficiency (DS):

Unique to the GMAT, Data Sufficiency questions challenge you to determine the sufficiency of provided data in answering a particular question. The data sufficiency problem consists of a question and two statements, labeled (1) and (2), in which certain data are given. You have to decide whether the data given in the statements are sufficient for answering the question. Using the data given in the statements, plus your knowledge of mathematics and everyday facts (such as the number of days in July or the meaning of the word counterclockwise), you must indicate whether—

A. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
B. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
C. BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
D. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
E. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional data specific to the problem are needed.

Check out these three GMAT Data Sufficiency sample questions and see how you do.

If r and s are the roots of the equation , where and are constants, is ?

(1)
(2)

A. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
B. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
C. BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
D. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
E. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional data specific to the problem are needed.

Is |x - y| > |x| - |y|?

(1) y < x
(2) xy < 0

A. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
B. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
C. BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
D. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
E. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional data specific to the problem are needed.

What is the probability that a student randomly selected from a class of 60 students will be a male who has brown hair?

(1) One-half of the students have brown hair.
(2) One-third of the students are males.

A. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
B. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
C. BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
D. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
E. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional data specific to the problem are needed.

Looking for thousands of Free Data Sufficiency GMAT sample questions? Head over to our DS Forum. There, you can access a wide range of questions from various sources, covering all difficulty levels. It's an invaluable resource for GMAT preparation!

Problem Solving (PS):

In Problem Solving, you'll employ classical mathematical techniques to solve presented problems. These questions test concepts from arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, among others. Each problem is followed by five potential answer choices, with only one being correct.

Here are three PS sample questions for you to try.

In a class of 50 students, 20 play Hockey, 15 play Cricket and 11 play Football. 7 play both Hockey and Cricket, 4 play Cricket and Football and 5 play Hockey and football. If 18 students do not play any of these given sports, how many students play exactly two of these sports?

A. 12
B. 10
C. 11
D. 15
E. 14

A student's average (arithmetic mean) test score on 4 tests is 78. What must be the student's score on a 5th test for the student's average score on the 5 tests to be 80?

(A) 80
(B) 82
(C) 84
(D) 86
(E) 88

For any positive integer n, the sum of the first n positive integers equals n(n+1)/2. What is the sum of all the even integers between 99 and 301?

A. 10,100
B. 20,200
C. 22,650
D. 40,200
E. 45,150

Looking for thousands of Free Problem Solving GMAT sample questions? Browse our PS Forum. Here, you'll find a vast collection of questions from different sources, spanning all difficulty levels. It's an essential hub for GMAT preparation!

Verbal Section

Sentence Correction (SC):

Sentence Correction questions test your grasp of standard written English. A sentence or part of it will be underlined, and you'll need to select the best version of the underlined portion from the provided options, ensuring correct grammar, clarity, and diction.

Practice with these three SC sample questions to check your grammar.

Heavy commitment by an executive to a course of action, especially if it has worked well in the past, makes it likely to miss signs of incipient trouble or misinterpret them when they do appear.

A. Heavy commitment by an executive to a course of action, especially if it has worked well in the past, makes it likely to miss signs of incipient trouble or misinterpret them when they do appear.
B. An executive who is heavily committed to a course of action, especially one that worked well in the past, makes missing signs of incipient trouble or misinterpreting ones likely when they do appear.
C. An executive who is heavily committed to a course of action is likely to miss or misinterpret signs of incipient trouble when they do appear, especially if it has worked well in the past.
D. Executives' being heavily committed to a course of action, especially if it has worked well in the past, makes them likely to miss signs of incipient trouble or misinterpreting them when they do appear.
E. Being heavily committed to a course of action, especially one that has worked well in the past, is likely to make an executive miss signs of incipient trouble or misinterpret them when they do appear.

In no other historical sighting did Halley's comet cause such a worldwide sensation as did its return in 1910-1911.

(A) did its return in 1910-1911
(B) had its 1910-1911 return
(C) in its return of 1910-1911
(D) its return of 1910-1911 did
(E) its return in 1910-1911

Combining enormous physical strength with higher intelligence, the Neanderthals appear as equipped for facing any obstacle the environment could put in their path, but their relatively sudden disappearance during the paleolithic era indicates that an inability to adapt to some environmental change led to their extinction.

(A) appear as equipped for facing any obstacle the environment could put in their path,
(B) appear to have been equipped to face any obstacle the environment could put in their path,
(C) appear as equipped to face any obstacle the environment could put in their paths,
(D) appeared as equipped to face any obstacle the environment could put in their paths,
(E) appeared to have been equipped for facing any obstacle the environment could put in their path,

Looking for thousands of Free Sentence Correction GMAT sample questions? Browse our SC Forum. Here, you'll find a vast collection of questions from different sources, spanning all difficulty levels. It's an essential hub for GMAT preparation!

Critical Reasoning (CR):

Try these three CR sample questions and test your reasoning.

The average hourly wage of television assemblers in Vernland has long been significantly lower than that in neighboring Borodia. Since Borodia dropped all tariffs on Vernlandian televisions three years ago, the number of televisions sold annually in Borodia has not changed. However, recent statistics show a drop in the number of television assemblers in Borodia. Therefore, updated trade statistics will probably indicate that the number of televisions Borodia imports annually from Vernland has increased.

Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?(A) The number of television assemblers in Vernland has increased by at least as much as the number of television assemblers in Borodia has decreased.

(B) Televisions assembled in Vernland have features that televisions assembled in Borodia do not have.
(C) The average number of hours it takes a Borodian television assembler to assemble a television has not decreased significantly during the past three years.
(D) The number of televisions assembled annually in Vernland has increased significantly during the past three years.
(E) The difference between the hourly wage of television assemblers in Vernland and the hourly wage of television assemblers in Borodia is likely to decrease in the next few years.

Guidebook writer: I have visited hotels throughout the country and have noticed that in those built before 1930 the quality of the original carpentry work is generally superior to that in hotels built afterward. Clearly carpenters working on hotels before 1930 typically worked with more skill, care, and effort than carpenters who have worked on hotels built subsequently.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the guidebook writer’s argument?

(A) The quality of original carpentry in hotels is generally far superior to the quality of original carpentry in other structures, such as houses and stores.(B) Hotels built since 1930 can generally accommodate more guests than those built before 1930.
(C) The materials available to carpenters working before 1930 were not significantly different in quality from the materials available to carpenters working after 1930.
(D) The better the quality of original carpentry in a building, the less likely that building is to fall into disuse and be demolished.
(E) The average length of apprenticeship for carpenters has declined significantly since 1930.

Last year all refuse collected by Shelbyville city services was incinerated. This incineration generated a large quantity of residual ash. In order to reduce the amount of residual ash Shelbyville generates this year to half of last year's total, the city has revamped its collection program. This year city services will separate for recycling enough refuse to reduce the number of truckloads of refuse to be incinerated to half of last year's number.

Which of the following is required for the revamped collection program to achieve its aim?

(A) This year, no materials that city services could separate for recycling will be incinerated.(B) Separating recyclable materials from materials to be incinerated will cost Shelbyville less than half what it cost last year to dispose of the residual ash.
(C) Refuse collected by city services will contain a larger proportion of recyclable materials this year than it did last year.
(D) The refuse incinerated this year will generate no more residual ash per truckload incinerated than did the refuse incinerated last year.
(E) The total quantity of refuse collected by Shelbyville city service's this year will be no greater than that collected last year.

In search of thousands of Free Critical Reasoning GMAT sample questions? Dive into our CR Forum. Within, you can access a plethora of questions from diverse sources, suitable for all GMAT difficulty levels. Make it your go-to resource for GMAT prep!

Reading Comprehension (RC):

In Reading Comprehension, your comprehension skills are tested through passages, followed by questions about main ideas, details, inferences, or the author's tone and intent.

Here are three RC questions for you to explore and understand.

Many people believe that because wages are lower in developing countries than in developed countries, competition from developing countries in goods traded internationally will soon eliminate large numbers of jobs in developed countries. Currently, developed countries' advanced technology results in higher productivity, which accounts for their higher wages. Advanced technology is being transferred ever more speedily across borders, but even with the latest technology, productivity and wages in developing countries will remain lower than in developed countries for many years because developed countries have better infrastructure and better-educated workers. When productivity in a developing country does catch up, experience suggests that wages there will rise. Some individual firms in developing countries have raised their productivity but kept their wages (which are influenced by average productivity in the country's economy) low. However, in a developing country's economy as a whole, productivity improvements in goods traded internationally are likely to cause an increase in wages. Furthermore, if wages are not allowed to rise, the value of the country's currency will appreciate, which (from the developed countries' point of view) is the equivalent of increased wages in the developing country. And although in the past a few countries have deliberately kept their currencies undervalued, that is now much harder to do in a world where capital moves more freely.

The passage suggests that which of the following would best explain why, in a developing country, some firms that have raised their productivity continue to pay low wages?

(A) Wages are influenced by the extent to which productivity increases are based on the latest technology.
(B) Wages are influenced by the extent to which labor unions have organized the country's workers.
(C) Wages are not determined by productivity improvements in goods traded internationally.
(D) The average productivity of the workers in the country has not risen.
(E) The education level of the workers in the country determines wages.

The primary purpose of the passage is to

(A) identify the origin of a common misconception
(B) discuss the implications of a generally accepted principle
(C) present information relevant in evaluating a commonly held belief
(D) defend a controversial assertion against a variety of counterarguments
(E) explain under what circumstances a well-known phenomenon occurs

The passage suggests that if the movement of capital in the world were restricted, which of the following would be likely?

(A) Advanced technology could move more quickly from developed countries to developing countries.
(B) Developed countries could compete more effectively for jobs with developing countries.
(C) A country's average wages could increase without significantly increasing the sophistication of its technology or the value of its currency.
(D) A country's productivity could increase without significantly increasing the value of its currency.
(E) Workers could obtain higher wages by increasing their productivity.

On the hunt for thousands of Free Reading Comprehension GMAT sample questions? Check out our RC Forum. There, you'll discover a broad range of questions from various test prep companies, designed for all GMAT aspirants. An indispensable resource for your GMAT journey!

Integrated Reasoning (IR) Section

This section is tailored to gauge your capacity to interpret and analyze information presented in diverse formats. The IR section appraises your ability to synthesize data from varied sources and formats, such as graphics, tables, or passages. It encapsulates the modern-day demands of interpreting multi-source data and includes multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis.

Work through this IR sample question to test your skills.

Francois and Pierre each owe Claudine money. Today, Francois will make a payment equal to 50% of the amount he owes Claudine, and Pierre will make a payment equal to 10% of the amount he owes Claudine. Together, the two payments will be equal to 40% of the combined amount that Francois and Pierre owe Claudine.

Select for Francois and Pierre amounts that Francois and Pierre could owe Claudine that are jointly consistent with the given information. Make only two selections, one in each column.

Click to check the answer:

Correct answer:

For detailed solutions and further discussion on this sample questions for GMAT, visit Francois and Pierre.

Seeking thousands of Free Integrated Reasoning GMAT sample questions? Venture over to our IR Forum. You'll encounter a comprehensive set of questions, similar to official questions, from multiple sources, tailored for all difficulty levels. Your ultimate toolkit for GMAT preparation!

Free Practice Question Links: Elevate Your Preparation

To make things easier, here's a roundup of all the links mentioned above, conveniently gathered in one place. Access the resources you need to enhance your GMAT readiness and boost your confidence on exam day:

1. Sharpen your skills with Free Problem Solving Practice Questions.
2. Master Data Sufficiency with Free Practice Questions.
3. Refine Sentence Correction Abilities with Free Questions.
4. Enhance Critical Reasoning Skills with Free Questions.
5. Boost Reading Comprehension Proficiency with Free Questions.
6. Decode Complex Data with Free Integrated Reasoning Questions.
7. Prefer an simulation reminiscent of the actual test day? Test yourself with our Quiz Mode, which mirrors the official test experience.
8. Looking for a comprehensive evaluation that emulates the real exam in the test center? Explore our range of Full-length GMAT Practice Exams and Diagnostic Tests.

In Conclusion: Your Path to GMAT Success

The GMAT journey requires meticulous preparation, especially if you're targeting top MBA programs. Our resources empower you with the skills needed not only to conquer the exam's challenges but also for success in business school. Whether Quantitative, Verbal, or Integrated Reasoning, our curated GMAT example questions provide the edge you need.

Get Started Today and Elevate Your GMAT Readiness!

The post Free Sample GMAT Practice Questions first appeared on GMAT Club.

Whether you already work in PE or VC and want to accelerate your career in the industry or have dreams of breaking into these coveted fields, you may be wondering which top MBA programs are most likely to enable these goals. As such, we’ve leveraged client feedback as well as dug into the employment data, curricular and extracurricular offerings of the top business schools and arrived at our ranking of the best MBA programs for private equity and venture capital.

Our Ranking of the Best MBA Programs for Private Equity and Venture Capital

#1 – Stanford Graduate School of Business

By a significant margin, the GSB sends the most graduates into post-MBA PE and VC jobs – 26% of its latest class. It offers a number of relevant electives like ‘Private Equity – An Overview of the Industry’ as well as hands on opportunities to invest in startups through the GSB Impact Fund. It has an active PE Club and VC Club, helping students build their networks in these industries and collaborate on career search activities.

#2 – Harvard Business School

HBS sent 22% of its latest graduating class to jobs in either PE or VC. Like the GSB, it offers a variety of relevant electives such as the overview course, ‘Private Equity and Venture Capital’. HBS has a relatively new Impact Investment Fund and an accompanying field course that allows students to practice assessing investments and presenting ideas to alums in the PE and VC industries. The VC&PE Club hosts a prominent conference each year, drawing well-known speakers and panelists.

#3 – Chicago Booth

While you may expect Wharton to round out the top 3 best MBA programs for private equity and venture capital, we would argue that Booth has the edge. In addition to sending 12% of graduates to these fields, it boasts a highly flexible curriculum that allows students to maximize the number of industry-relevant courses they take. Most notably, through the Polsky Center, students have direct access to prominent Investors-In-Residence, the option to partake in various case challenges to simulate investment decisions, and even an opportunity to intern in the industry with funding from the PE/VC lab.  

#4 – Wharton

Wharton’s PE and VC placement statistics support its reputation as a strong finance school, with 17% of the latest class heading to jobs in these industries. It offers a solid array of PE/VC focused courses and a Private Equity & Venture Capital Club that is one of the most active organizations on campus. Wharton’s expansive alumni base, including many in these coveted industries, offers strong networking opportunities for those looking to recruit for PE and VC.

#5 – Columbia Business School

CBS sends a solid 8% of graduates to post-MBA private equity and venture capital jobs and its NYC location can’t be beat for access to private equity firms, in particular. For those targeting the west coast, the Venture Capital Club hosts an annual West Coast Trek, providing access to networking opportunities with top firms located there. What truly sets CBS apart in terms of its PE/VC prowess are its Columbia Venture Fellows program, an application-only program that provides VC-relevant academic and experiential learning opportunities, and its Private Equity Program, the central point of contact at the business school for all things private equity-related.

#6 – Kellogg School of Management

Like Columbia, Kellogg sends 8% of graduates to PE and VC careers. It offers a ‘pathway’ (similar to a major) specifically devoted to private equity and venture capital, a rarity amongst peer schools, as well as the option to spend a quarter in San Francisco immersed in the VC landscape while taking relevant Kellogg courses.

#7 – MIT Sloan

Sloan reports that 9% of its most recent graduating class found jobs in private equity in venture capital. It offers the option to earn a ‘finance certificate’, which includes an Action Learning Course that can include real world experience with an external private equity or venture capital firm. Sloan has an active Venture Capital and Private Equity Club that hosts regular educational and networking events.  

#8 – Yale School of Management

Yale sent 4% of its most recent class to the private equity and venture capital industries. It offers a private equity focus area and boasts an impressive array of industry-relevant courses.  Last year was Yale SOM’s 20^th annual Private Equity & Venture Capital Symposium, indicating the longevity of its focus on these sectors.

#9 – University of Texas McCombs

It may surprise you to learn that UT McCombs sends more graduates to PE and VC – 3% – than some of its more highly ranked peers (not that rankings are the end-all be-all, they most certainly are not!). However, with its proximity to the startup hotbed of Austin and robust offerings through the HMTF Center for Private Equity, these career paths are certainly a focus for McCombs. The program also boasts a selective two-semester Venture Fellows Program that allows students to intern with local PE and VC firms alongside their industry-focused curriculum.

#10 – UVA Darden

While Darden doesn’t specify the number of graduates entering PE and VC post-MBA, it does report that 25% of its latest class took jobs in the finance industry, which is greater than similarly ranked peer schools who did not make our top 10 best MBA programs for private equity and venture capital.  Through its Venture Capital Initiative, Darden offers a speaker series, focused course offering, and VC investment competition. Its annual Darden Private Equity Conference boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, many of them actively involved alums of the school.

If you’d like bespoke coaching to help you narrow down your list of target MBA programs and craft applications that stand out from the pack, click here to request an initial consultation.

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Are you considering pursuing an MBA but feel uncertain because you come from a non-traditional background? You’re not alone. Prospective students often worry their unique career paths don’t align with the typical MBA profile. But we’re here to tell you that being a non-traditional MBA applicant comes with many virtues and strengths. In fact, it might be just the ticket to stand out in the competitive world of business school admissions.

Are you a non-traditional MBA aspirant and curious about your chances of getting into a top business school? We’d love to chat! Contact us to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant.

After all, business schools value diversity in many forms, from nationality to professional experiences, educational backgrounds, and personal journeys. When you come from a non-traditional background, you offer a different viewpoint that can inspire innovative thinking. Reflect on your accomplishments, skills, and experiences that set you apart. Non-traditional backgrounds often bring uncommon strengths, so identify and highlight them.

The Non-Traditional MBA Applicant Has a Unique Toolkit

Imagine discussing a case study in entrepreneurship. In that situation, “traditional” students might focus on established business models. Meanwhile, your background as an artist, engineer, or social worker could lead you to propose creative and unconventional solutions others might overlook. This diversity in thought can enrich the learning experience for everyone.

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that resilience and adaptability are vital traits. They are also ones that non-traditional MBA applicants often have in spades. After all, you’ve already navigated unconventional paths in your career or education. This likely means you’ve encountered and overcome many challenges. Such experiences have honed your ability to adapt to new environments, learn fast, and persevere.

The ability to adapt to new subjects, teaching styles, and networking opportunities you’ll find at B-school is invaluable. Your non-traditional background has equipped you with the skills to tackle the rigors of an MBA program head-on. Every background brings special abilities to the table. These transferable skills are a tremendous asset in a business context.

Listen to B-Schooled Podcast #137: Doubting Yourself? This Could Be a Good Thing

For instance, a background in the arts can help you excel in marketing and branding as you understand the importance of storytelling and visual appeal. Engineers often shine in operations and supply chain management due to their precision and analytical prowess. Your non-traditional skills can give you a competitive edge in your chosen post-MBA field.

On the UCLA Anderson MBA Insider’s Blog, Cassandra Ronquillo (’24) perfectly encapsulates why it’s cool to be unconventional. “One of my biggest insecurities turned out to be my biggest differentiator in my business school apps and in my internship interviews,” she explains.

“While I thought my job was the least ‘cool’ because it wasn’t as recognizable or as common as those coming to business school, it provided me with ample opportunities to share what I did and highlight the impact I made. It also provided me with meaningful and memorable conversations with students, admissions folks, recruiters, and tech interviewers,” Ronquillo adds.

“Sorry traditional candidates, but non-traditional candidates are coming in hot with our memorable differentiators!”

Own Your Story

Admissions committees love a compelling story. In our experience, non-traditional applicants often have fascinating narratives to share. Whether you’ve pursued a passion project, volunteered in remote areas, or started a small business, your journey off the beaten path can impress the admissions team. Those experiences can lead to memorable application essays and interviews that set you apart from other candidates.

Choosing an MBA after a non-traditional path demonstrates your passion and commitment to your goals. You’ve made a conscious decision to pivot in your career or seek more education. That choice shows determination and a willingness to invest in your future.

Plus, your unconventional background suggests that you aren’t seeking an MBA just because it’s the next logical step. Rather, you genuinely believe in the transformative power of business education and see how it will enhance your capabilities and broaden your horizons.

Client Case Study: How the GRE® General Test Can Complement an Unconventional Applicant

Without a doubt, the non-traditional MBA applicant should embrace their unique background and experience. They bring diversity, skills, storytelling power, and passion to the MBA classroom. So, don’t let your non-traditional background hold you back. Instead, use it to propel you forward on your journey into the business world. Your path may be unconventional, but it’s also what makes you a remarkable candidate for an MBA program.

So, believe in yourself, showcase your strengths, and approach the application process with determination and authenticity. Success may be closer than you think.

***

Do you have a non-traditional background? Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our All-In Partnership to essay editing to hourly help reviewing your MBA resume. Contact us today for a free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant. Meanwhile, here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team.

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In order to claim a spot at your dream school, it’s critical that you find a way to let the admissions committee know what your classmates will learn from you and how you’ll be an asset to their program. However, since most schools don’t come right out and ask you to address what you’ll bring to the school’s community, you need to find a way to convey that information throughout your materials.

In this encore episode, we cover ways to communicate the knowledge, experience, soft skills, and interests you’ll contribute to class discussions and be able to bond over with your fellow students.

Listen to B-Schooled episode #179 here or on any of the podcast apps listed below.

B-Schooled is available on most major podcast apps, including:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Stitcher
TuneIn

Please be sure to subscribe to B-Schooled so that you don’t miss a thing. Also, if there’s something you’d like for us to cover in a future episode, please email podcast@stacyblackman.com. We’d love to hear from you!

The post B-Schooled Podcast Episode #179: What Do You Bring to an MBA Program? appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.

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Are you feeling stuck in your career, watching opportunities pass you by? Do you think your salary isn’t reflecting your hard work and dedication? If so, you’re not alone. SBC often meets clients at a career crossroads who want to break through barriers to reach their full potential. The MBA degree is a game-changer that can propel your career to new heights. It can also help you secure the position and salary you deserve. Learn seven different ways you can unlock your career potential with an MBA.

What are your chances of getting into a top business school? Contact us to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant.

1. Enhanced Skillset and Knowledge

One of the primary benefits of earning an MBA is gaining valuable skills in areas such as leadership, finance, marketing, strategy, and operations. These skills make you a more attractive candidate for higher positions.

Think about it—when you can handle complex financial analyses, create and execute strategic plans, and lead teams effectively, you become an indispensable asset to your organization. Employers value the knowledge and problem-solving abilities that MBA graduates bring to the table.

2. Networking Opportunities

Networking is a powerful tool for career advancement. One of the biggest advantages of pursuing an MBA is the chance to build a robust professional network. Your fellow MBA students, professors, and alums will become valuable connections that open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations.

When you’re part of an MBA program, you’re not only gaining knowledge. You’re also entering a community of like-minded individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This network can help you access hidden job markets, connect with influential industry leaders, and receive guidance from mentors who have been in your shoes.

Listen to B-Schooled Podcast #70: Why Now for Your MBA?

3. Increased Credibility

Let’s face it—having an MBA on your resume boosts your credibility. Employers view MBA grads as people with a strong work ethic and committed to self-improvement. This credibility can be a game-changer when vying for a promotion or negotiating your salary.

When you’re up for a new role or discussing compensation, having an MBA can give you a competitive edge. It signals to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your position and contribute to the company’s growth.

4. Leadership Development

Leadership is more than a title; it’s a set of skills and qualities that enable you to inspire and guide others towards achieving common goals. MBA programs emphasize leadership development, teaching you how to lead by example, communicate effectively, and make strategic decisions.

Employers value individuals who can lead teams and drive organizational success. As you develop your leadership capabilities during your MBA journey, you become an attractive candidate for positions of greater responsibility. Leadership roles usually come with higher salaries, reflecting your increased impact on your organization’s bottom line.

5. Access to Exclusive Job Opportunities

Top-tier business schools have strong connections with leading companies and organizations. Such connections provide an immediate boost to your career potential with an MBA and can translate into exclusive job opportunities unavailable to non-MBA candidates. Recruiters seek these MBA grads because they know they’re getting people with a proven commitment to their professional development.

MBA programs have dedicated career services teams that assist students with job placement and offer resources such as job fairs, company visits, and interview coaching. These services can significantly improve your chances of landing positions that match your qualifications and salary expectations.

6. Global Perspective

A global perspective is a significant asset in today’s interconnected world. Many MBA programs often offer international exposure through study abroad opportunities, global consulting projects, and interactions with a diverse cohort of students. This global perspective can be a key differentiator in your career journey.

Now more than ever, employers want to hire professionals who can navigate the complexities of international markets and cultures. An MBA with international experience can help you land positions with a global scope, often accompanied by competitive salary packages.

7. Salary Negotiation Skills

Securing the position you deserve also hinges on your ability to negotiate a fair salary. MBA programs often include courses or workshops on negotiation techniques, empowering you to advocate for yourself during salary negotiations.

With the right negotiation skills, you can confidently communicate your value to prospective employers and ensure that your compensation aligns with your qualifications and industry standards. This skill alone can make a huge difference in your earnings throughout your career.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary in 2022 for master’s degree holders is $81,848. Yet, the median base salary for HBS graduates is $175,000. Earning an MBA doesn’t guarantee a specific salary, but it can increase your earning potential. Source: Harvard Business School

In the end, pursuing an MBA is a transformative journey that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to get the position and salary you deserve. Your career potential with an MBA is limitless; the degree opens doors to new opportunities, expands your network, and prepares you for leadership roles in your chosen field. While it requires a significant investment of time and resources, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial costs.

Remember, your career is a journey, not a destination. An MBA can be the compass that guides you toward your desired goal, helping you unlock your full potential and achieve the success you’ve always envisioned.

***

Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our All-In Partnership to hourly help reviewing your MBA resume. Contact us today for a free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant. Meanwhile, here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team.

The post 7 Ways You’ll Unlock Your Career Potential with an MBA appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.

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When it comes to pursuing an MBA, standing out from the crowd is a crucial. As business schools seek diverse and dynamic cohorts, candidates are asked to showcase their distinctive qualities and potential contributions to the community. Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto takes this a step further by introducing the “Spike Factor” question. In this article, we explain how to tackle this unique essay question and align your spike with Rotman’s values to set yourself up for success as an MBA student and beyond.

Understanding the ‘Spike Factor:’

The Spike Factor is a term coined by the Rotman School of Management to describe something extraordinary or unique about an applicant. It’s the aspect of your background, upbringing, experience, or personality that sets you apart from other applicants and makes you a valuable addition to the Rotman community. So, how do you identify your own spike factor?

1. Self-Reflection:

Start by looking inward. Reflect on your upbringing, life experiences, personal journey, and professional accomplishments. What sets you apart? It could be an exceptional skill, a transformative experience or a passionate hobby that defines you. Don’t limit yourself to traditional notions of success. Your spike doesn’t have to be a world-changing invention; it can be a personal story that demonstrates resilience, adaptability, or creativity.

2. Alignment with Rotman Values:

Rotman values qualities such as diversity, leadership, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Consider how your spike factor aligns with these values. For instance, if your unique experience involves leading a diverse team through a challenging project, you can emphasize your leadership and commitment to fostering diversity.

3. Show, Don’t Tell:

Don’t just describe your spike factor; show how it has influenced your actions and decisions. Use specific examples that highlight the impact of your uniqueness. Instead of stating, “I have a passion for sustainability,” share a story of how you initiated a successful sustainability project in your previous role and its impact or outcomes.

4. Community Contribution:

Demonstrate how your spike factor will contribute to the Rotman community. Will it enrich classroom discussions, inspire your peers, contribute to a student club or enhance the learning environment? Highlight the potential ripple effects of your uniqueness within the school.

5. Beyond the MBA:

While the question focuses on your MBA experience, remember that Rotman is interested in your long-term potential. Explain how your spike factor will continue to be an asset in your post-MBA career and/or community involvement. Will it open doors, drive innovation or help you make a lasting impact in your profession or volunteer work?

Sample Approach:

Let’s illustrate these principles with a hypothetical example. Suppose your spike factor is a background in competitive ballroom dancing. Here’s how you might tackle the question:

“My spike factor is my background in competitive ballroom dancing (then you can give some background on your dancing to make it more illustrative, for example, how long you’ve been dancing, the cities around the world where you’ve competed and any competitions you may have won). This pursuit may seem unrelated to business at first glance. However, I believe it aligns perfectly with Rotman’s values of diversity, leadership, and innovation.

In ballroom dancing, I learned the art of leading and following, a skill that is invaluable in collaborative work environments. My experience performing in front of large audiences all around the world has honed my communication and presentation skills, as well as my confidence, which I believe will contribute to vibrant classroom discussions at Rotman. Teaching ballroom from year-to-year to various age groups, as well as at old age homes, has not only given me joy and the tremendous feeling you get when you give back and see people’s smiling faces, but has also honed my leadership skills. I will use this skillset at Rotman in my working groups, leading the <X club – perhaps related to your post MBA goal>, and during my non-profit boards and charities fellowship through the Rotman Onboard Fellowship Program.

Beyond the classroom, my spike factor has the potential to make a lasting impact. As someone who grew up in an underprivileged family, it’s been important for me to give back to those in similar situations. From my five years of volunteering with Save the Children as <x>, I envision organizing (and performing in!) an annual ‘Rotman Dance for Diversity’ event in collaboration with Rotman’s Performing Arts Club. I envision this as an event that celebrates Rotman’s multicultural community and raises funds for underprivileged students within the city of Toronto. This event will not only promote diversity but also showcase Rotman’s commitment to innovative and inclusive initiatives.

In my future career as a business leader in <x>, I see my ballroom dancing background as a unique asset. Rehearsing about 15 hours per week, enduring several injuries and training a new substitute dance partner at the last minute before a performance has taught me discipline, perseverance and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances — qualities essential in today’s dynamic business world. I plan to leverage this background to foster creativity, teamwork and adaptability within my future organizations.

My spike factor is not just about dancing; it’s about a mindset of diversity, leadership and innovation that I am eager to bring to the Rotman community and carry forward into a successful career.”

Rotman also asks that you upload one to three of your ‘spikiest’ pictures. Although it’s optional, I strongly suggest you include some, as images will help create a more personal, memorable and longer-lasting impression with the admissions committee. So, in this case, as an example, you could upload a photo of you dancing, one of you competing somewhere around the world, as well as one while you are volunteering at Save the Children.

Final Thoughts:

Think of an idea that would stand out from the crowd and make you memorable. If you are stumped, speak to friends and family members, who might mention something you hadn’t thought of or didn’t think was unique.

Approach this essay with authenticity, clarity and a forward-thinking perspective. By effectively addressing this question, you’ll not only enhance your chances of gaining admission but also set the stage for a transformative MBA experience and a successful career that resonates with the values of Rotman School of Management.

The post Unleash Your Uniqueness: How to Tackle the Rotman MBA Application’s “Spike Factor” Question appeared first on Fortuna.

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Are you neck-deep in the MBA application process?  Then you’re probably in the throes of GMAT prep, crafting impeccable essays, and assembling your recommendation letters. But have you considered the value of a campus visit in this whirlwind journey? Stepping onto the hallowed grounds of your dream business school can provide invaluable insights and demonstrate your commitment. Unfortunately, it’s not a golden ticket to admission. Let’s explore how a campus visit can enhance your MBA application even though it’s not a requirement to get in.

What are your chances of getting into a top business school? Contact us to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant.

The Campus Visit: The Power of First Impressions

Imagine this: You’re applying to multiple MBA programs, most of which are top-tier institutions that receive thousands of applications yearly. What can set you apart in a sea of talented candidates? The answer lies in the power of first impressions.

A campus visit allows you to familiarize yourself with the school’s environment, culture, and ethos. When you walk through the campus gates, you’re not just a faceless name on an application—it’s an opportunity to become a flesh-and-blood person with a sincere interest in their program. Admissions committees value students who fit into their school’s culture and can contribute positively to the community. A visit lets you show that you’re not just after the prestige of the school but also genuinely interested in being a part of it.

“When applying to business schools last year, it seemed like most of the schools were very similar. However, after I attended Fuqua’s Pride Weekend, a mock class visit, and an admissions information session, I noticed how Fuqua and its students had unique values that aligned with my own.” Trevor Tuplin, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2024

Networking Opportunities

One of the most significant advantages of a campus visit is the chance to network. Business schools thrive on connections; you can interact with current students, professors, and alumni during your visit. These interactions can provide valuable insights about the program and help you understand if it’s the right fit for you.

Remember, your future classmates could be prospective business partners or mentors. Building relationships during your visit might open doors to collaborative opportunities down the line. Plus, mentioning these connections in your application essays or interviews can demonstrate your proactive approach and genuine interest in the school.

Personalizing Your Application

When you visit a campus, you gain a unique perspective that you can use to personalize your application. You can mention specific details about the campus, the professors you met, or the classes you observed in your essays or interviews. This shows that you’ve gone the extra mile and can create a compelling narrative that aligns with the school’s values and your aspirations.

For example, you might write, “During my visit to XYZ Business School, I was deeply impressed by the close-knit community and the collaborative atmosphere. My conversation with Professor Smith about his research in sustainable business practices resonated with my own interest in sustainability, and I can see myself thriving in this environment.”

Demonstrating Commitment

Applying to an MBA program is a significant investment of time, effort, and money. A campus visit is a tangible way to demonstrate your commitment to a particular school. It shows that you’ve taken the time to explore the campus, meet with faculty, and engage with the community. Admissions committees appreciate applicants who are genuinely interested in their program, as it often translates to a higher likelihood of accepting an offer if extended.

Partner with Stacy Blackman’s best-in-class GMAT and GRE experts and increase your score significantly. Check out our test prep services here. Request a free game plan chat with SBC’s lead test prep coach by emailing testprep@stacyblackman.com.

But… It’s Not a Requirement

While a campus visit can undoubtedly bolster your application, it’s crucial to emphasize that it’s not a mandatory step. Many applicants secure spots at their dream MBA programs without ever setting foot on campus. Admissions committees understand that visiting every school on your list might be financially and logistically challenging, especially if you apply to multiple programs.

Moreover, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools still offer virtual tours and online information sessions, making it easier for applicants to get a sense of the campus from afar. So, if visiting in person isn’t feasible, don’t worry. You can still show interest through virtual engagement, research, and thoughtful essays.

In the end, a campus visit can enhance your MBA application by providing you with a deeper understanding of the school, opportunities to network, and the chance to personalize your application. It’s a powerful way to make a memorable impression on the admissions committee and showcase your commitment to the institution.

However, it’s essential to strike a balance. If visiting every campus on your list is impractical, don’t despair. Make the most of virtual resources and online engagement opportunities the schools provide. Remember that your application as a whole, including your essays, test scores, recommendations, and interview performance, carries significant weight in the admissions process.

Ultimately, an MBA program is looking for more than just a face in the crowd; they want candidates who will enrich their community and excel in their program. Whether you visit in person or virtually, your genuine passion, dedication, and qualifications will determine your MBA application success. So, visit if you can, but rest assured that it’s not the only path to your dream MBA program.

***

Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our All-In Partnership to hourly help reviewing your MBA resume. Contact us today for a free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant. Meanwhile, here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team.

The post How a Campus Visit Can Strengthen Your MBA Application appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.

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A new version of the Graduate Record Examination (better known as the GRE) launches Sept. 22, 2023, with the new Focus Edition of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) arriving on November 7. 

The good news is, both new versions are condensed for a shorter testing experience. “I think the test administrators are shortening the format to make the test less intimidating, in the hope that this will encourage more people to consider applying to business school,” says my fellow Fortuna cofounder and director Caroline Diarte Edwards. 

But that means every question matters more in your overall score. For the GMAT in particular, test takers must be on top of their game, focusing mentally like a marathon runner preparing for race day, according to Stuart Park of Simply Brilliant test prep. “It’s going to be more important for people to be sharp on test day, ready to give that top performance. In the past, with a larger set of questions, if you miss one, there was more tolerance.”

As with anything changing this significantly, there remains some questions about the new test formats, timing, scoring, and which tests schools will accept. Fortuna coaches are keeping on top of these changes and have a rundown of what it all means for you. 

While the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) designed the GMAT specifically to assess skills that are fundamental to business management and has been considered the gold standard for MBA admissions, today more than 90 percent of US and European schools will accept both tests. The release of the new GRE is imminent, so we’ll discuss that one first.

A Two-Hour GRE

The test becomes on Sept. 22, 2023, for test dates thereafter, and the old version will no longer be available. Did we say it’s shorter? We meant a lot shorter, clocking in at under two hours compared to about four hours for the previous version. 

Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the GRE, says the changes are designed to balance two things — “maintaining rigor and validity, while improving the test-taker experience.” Other major changes:

• With the test now clocking in at one hour, 58 minutes, the 10-minute break was eliminated.
• The unscored section has been removed.
• The “Analyze an Argument” portion in the analytical writing section is eliminated.
• The number of questions in the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections are reduced.
• Scores are delivered faster, in eight to ten days. 

At present, no test prep books or materials are yet available for the new GRE. Because it’s simply shortened and the material is expected to be the same, the need is not as great, although it would be useful to know how many questions are in each section, for example. ETS will likely release more information when the new test is available.

The GMAT Focus Edition

This “next gen” version of the GMAT is designed to be “flexible, efficient, and offer greater insights,” according to GMAC. Registration opened in late August for test dates starting Nov. 7, 2023. The “classic” test is expected to be retired sometime between January and March 2024. 

Wharton has announced they will not accept the Focus Edition until Jan. 31, 2024, after Round 2 applications. Presumably Wharton is trying to ensure that they are evaluating candidates on a consistent set of scores from the same test. Harvard also is not accepting Focus Edition scores for the current admissions season, except for its 2+2 deferred admissions program. All other top-ranked business schools are on track to accept the new edition.

The Focus Edition has three sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and the new Data Insights.

Here is what’s new and what has been eliminated. 

• There is no essay. The analytical writing section is eliminated, because both students and schools found it assessed the same skills as other application components, like essays.
• The sentence completion and grammar assessment has also been eliminated.
• Questions from the former Integrated Reasoning section have been blended into the Data Insights section. 
• The quantitative section is reduced from 31 questions to 21.  The section focuses on problem-solving, and geometry is no longer covered, like the Executive Assessment (EA) exam.
• The data insights section includes 20 problems covering data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis. 
• The verbal section includes 23 problems focused on reading comprehension and critical reasoning. 

Data Insights

The new Data Insights section incorporates questions from the previous integrated reasoning section, as well as data sufficiency questions. Data sufficiency has been pared down and de-emphasized; pure math questions in this section have been replaced with word problems. 

However, as GMAT has gotten rid of geometry, sentence completion, and the essay, integrated reasoning questions are now more significant, Park said. “In the past, in the test prep business hardly anyone cared about integrated reasoning because that’s not what the schools are focused on. 

“Now this topic is going to be super important and one of the most challenging aspects of the exam from a time standpoint. Integrated reasoning tends to be a high-pressure topic. People are going to need to really put a big effort into preparing for that, to master these question types and get really fast at answering them.” 

A More Flexible Format

Some of the most significant changes to the GMAT are in the test-taking process.  Now you can take sections of the exam in any order you want, completing your strongest areas first to ensure your best score. 

For the first time, the GMAT will now allow you to bookmark questions for review and go back to change up to three answers per section.  Diarte Edwards says this addition may be designed to help balance the pressures of a condensed test. 

“The potential disadvantage of a shorter test is that each response counts for more, so a silly mistake can have more influence. GMAC is perhaps looking to address this concern by offering the new benefit of being able to go back and change up to three responses,” she says. “But it’s a time pressured test – how much time will candidates have in practice to review their responses? I’m not sure how well this will work.” 

Scoring and Reporting

GMAT initially indicated that the Focus Edition would report just a single, combined score for the exam rather than each section. This left b-schools wondering how they would assess quantitative scores without that specific score. Now it appears that GMAT will continue to report results for each section. 

In an August 24 Zoom session with Fortuna coaches to review test changes, Park shared details on how GMAC has adjusted scoring curves. Total scores will now be “wildly different” than from the soon-to-sunset test, notes Fortuna expert coach Rachel Erikson Hee. Someone who scored 700 on the old test will receive a 665 on the new test, according to a comparison table GMAC released to help schools make sense of the scores,

“A 700 will now be a great score; there’s not going to be 730s. or 750s or 760s anymore,” says Erikson Hee.  On the other end of the spectrum, a candidate with a score of 605 will be perfectly capable of handling business school curriculum. 

This huge realignment in scores will significantly shift schools’ admissions profiles for the next few years until the change is thoroughly incorporated into statistics. In the meantime, some candidates who don’t have great scores may be able to slip in while the dust settles, and schools figure out what the scores mean.

Scores will be available to test takers faster —within three to five days — and now you can select which schools to send your scores to after you know how you performed, not before. GMAC is also promising an “improved Official Score Report with detailed performance insights,” but no specifics on that report have been released.

The uncertainty around the new tests and scores can be unnerving, but there’s no cause for alarm. Remember that academics are only one element of the admissions criteria. “Schools do not assess your GMAT or GRE in isolation; they practice holistic admissions,” says Diarte Edwards. “Your test score is one data point alongside your undergraduate track record. And it’s still very much about your overall profile. This hasn’t changed and we don’t foresee it changing.” 

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The post What to Expect from the New GMAT and GRE first appeared on GMAT Club.