taking the GMAT in chicago
Posted on
21
Jan 2021

Taking the GMAT Exam in Chicago

Table of Contents:

  1. Who administers the GMAT test?
  2. What does the test center look like?
  3. Where are the test centers located?
  4. Test center holidays
  5. Top MBA programs in the area
  6. Tips
  7. Test Day FAQs

About ¾ of the way through your extensive GMAT prep you should begin to start planning your test day, including scheduling the test, preparing your trip to the test center, and even pre-visiting the test center so that you know exactly where it is. This guide is here to offer you all the required information related to taking the GMAT exam in Chicago. 

Who administers the GMAT test?

Pearson Professional Centers – administers the GMAT and EA exam on behalf of the GMAC. To find out more about the Pearson Professional test centers visit https://www.pearson.com/us/.

What does the test center look like?

A Pearson Professional Center will include individual testing areas for each test taker with a separation screen between each test-taker. 

Where are the Test Centers in Chicago?

These are the test centers in Chicago where test-takers had the best experience:

Pearson Professional Centers-Chicago Financial District


200 West Adams Street
Suite 1105
Chicago, Illinois 60606
United States

By car:

map 1 to GMAT test center in ChigagoFrom city center (2min)
Head north on S Federal St toward W Jackson Blvd
Turn right onto W Jackson Blvd
Turn left at the 1st cross street onto S Dearborn St
Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W Adams St
Destination will be on the right

Test-takers’ review:

This test center was rated 4.0 by Google reviewers.

Pearson Professional Centers-Rosemont IL

9550 West Higgins Road
Second Floor Suite 225
Rosemont, Illinois 60018
United States

By car:

gmat test center 2 in chicago

From city center (22min)
Continue to IL-110 W/Eisenhower Expy
Follow I-90 W to IL-72 W/W Higgins Rd. Take exit 79B fr Follow IL-72 W/W Higgins Rd to your destination in Rosemont
on I-90 W

Test-takers’ review:

This test center was rated 5.0 by Google reviewers. The center was described as very organized, professional and secure.

Test center holidays

The most popular times for GMAT preparation and test-taking are during the holiday seasons. Be mindful of dates that you will not be able to take the GMAT or EA at any of the test centers mentioned above. Pearson test centers are closed during the following dates:

  • 1 Jan – New Year’s Day 
  • 2 Apr – Good Friday   
  • 5 Apr – Easter Monday 
  • 3 May – May Day 
  • 31 May – Late May Bank Holiday   
  • 30 Aug – August Bank Holiday
  • 25 Dec – Christmas Day
  • 26 Dec – Boxing Day 
  • 27 Dec – Christmas Holiday
  • 28 Dec – Boxing Day Holiday  

Top MBA programs in the area

  1. The University of Chicago Booth School of Business 
  • MBA program information for Chicago booth
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gmat exam guide in Lodon
Posted on
01
Dec 2020

Taking the GMAT in London

Table of Contents:

  1. Who administers the GMAT test?
  2. What does the test center look like?
  3. Where are the test centers located?
  4. Test center holidays
  5. Top MBA programs in the area
  6. Tips
  7. Test Day FAQs

About ¾ of the way through your extensive GMAT prep you should begin to start planning your test day, including scheduling the test, preparing your trip to the test center, and even pre-visiting the test center so that you know exactly where it is. This guide is here to offer you all the required information related to taking the GMAT in London. 

Who Administers The GMAT in London: 

Pearson Professional Centers – administers the GMAT and EA exam on behalf of the GMAC. To find out more about the Pearson Professional test centres visit: https://www.pearson.com/uk/.

What Does The Test Center Look Like?

A Pearson Professional Center will include individual testing areas for each test taker with a separation screen between each taker. Here is an example of the testing center at Holborn:

 GMAT exam test center in london

Where are the Test Centers in London?

These are the test centers in London where test-takers had the best experience in:

Pearson Professional Centres-London Holborn (central)

190 High Holborn

London

WC1V 7BH

By Car:

Directions from Central London (9 minutes):

  • Head north toward Trafalgar Square/A4
  • Exit the roundabout onto Trafalgar Square/A4/A400
  • Continue to follow A4/A400
  • Turn right onto Duncannon St/A4
  • Continue to follow A4
  • Keep left to continue on Kingsway/A4200
  • Turn left onto High Holborn/A40
  • Destination will be on the left
By Public Transit (14 minutes):gmat exam test center and holborn
  • Walk to Victoria Station and get on the underground in the direction to Victoria
  • Travel 1 stop to Green Park
  • Walk 1 minute to Green Park Underground Station and get on the underground in the direction of Piccadilly
  • Travel 4 stops exiting at Holborn
  • Walk 3 minutes west to Pearson Professional Centres-London Holborn (central)

Test-takers’ review:

This centre is ranked 4.5 by Google reviewers. The building has good facilities and the staff are friendly and helpful. There are lockers to store your belongings.

Pearson Professional Centres-UK Docklands 

3 Quebec Wharf

14 Thomas Road

Docklands, London

E14 7AF

By Car:GMAT exam center at docklands

Directions from Central London (22 minutes):

  • Take A3212, A302, Westminster Bridge Rd, Borough Rd/A3202 and Long Ln/A2198 to Bermondsey St/A2205
  • Follow Bermondsey St/A2205 to Holyrood St 
By Train (14 minutes):
  • Walk to London Charging Cross
  • Get on the Southeastern in the directo of Dover Priority and travel two stops to London Bridge.
  • Walk for 7 minutes south east to Pearson Professional Centres-UK Docklands

Test-takers’ review:

This centre is rated a 3.8 by Google reviewers – It is a bit challenging to locate due to its understated signage. The employees are helpful but not overly friendly. Everything is explained clearly. There are free bicycle racks and lockers for you to store your belongings securely. 

Alternative Options Outside the City: If you would like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for your exam or if test centers within the city do not have any openings, a Pearson Professional Center in Watford is a good option as it is still accessible by train and only between 25-60 minutes away depending on your transportation option. 

Pearson Professional Centres-UK Watford

1st Floor, Cassiobury House

11-19 Station RD

Watford

WD17 1AP

By Car:

Directions from Central London (55 minutes):

  • Get on M1 in Brent Cross from A4201, Outer Cir, Avenue Road and A41
  • Follow M1 to Stephenson Way/A4008 in Hertfordshire. Take exit 5 from M1
  • Continue on Stephenson Way/A4008. Drive to Station Rd in Watford
By Train (24 minutes):
  • Walk to Kings Cross Station in Euston
  • Catch the west Midlands Train and travel for three stops getting off at the Watford Junction (Train leaves every 2, minutes)
  • Walk 3 minutes East to the Pearson Professional Centres-UK Watford

Test-takers’ review:

This test centre has a 3.3 ranking on Google review – The staff can be helpful and friendly as well as unhelpful and rude. It depends on who you find on the day you test. The temperature in this facility is not well maintained and therefore on some days it can get quite hot in the testing room. 

Test Centre Holidays: 

The most popular times for GMAT preparation and test taking are during the holiday seasons. Be mindful of dates that you will not be able to take the GMAT or EA at any of the test centers mentioned above.

Pearson test centres are closed during the following dates:

  • 1 Jan – New Year’s Day 
  • 2 Apr – Good Friday   
  • 5 Apr – Easter Monday 
  • 3 May – May Day 
  • 31 May – Late May Bank Holiday   
  • 30 Aug – August Bank Holiday
  • 25 Dec – Christmas Day
  • 26 Dec – Boxing Day 
  • 27 Dec – Christmas Holiday
  • 28 Dec – Boxing Day Holiday           
Top MBA Programs In London
  • MBA program information for Chicago booth
Read more
GMAT in new york
Posted on
17
Nov 2020

Taking the GMAT Exam in New York

Table of Contents:

  1. Who administers the GMAT test?
  2. What does the test center look like?
  3. Where are the test centers located?
  4. Test center holidays
  5. Top MBA programs in the area
  6. Tips
  7. Test Day FAQs

About ¾ of the way through your extensive GMAT prep you should begin to start planning your test day, including scheduling the test, preparing your trip to the test center, and even pre-visiting the test center so that you know exactly where it is. This guide is here to offer you all the required information related to taking the GMAT in New York. 

Who administers the GMAT test?

Pearson Professional Centers – administers the GMAT and EA exam on behalf of the GMAC. To find out more about the Pearson Professional test centers visit https://www.pearson.com/us/. 

What does the test center look like?

A Pearson Professional Center will include individual testing areas for each test taker with a separation screen between each test-taker.

Where are the test centers in New York?

These are the top 3 locations where test-takers generally had the best experience:

Pearson Professional Centers- NY (Herald Square)

31 West 34th Street

Suite 1001

New York, New York 10001

United States

Phone: 212-967-0471

By car:
From Central Manhattan (19 minutes):
    • Head northeast on 

  • East Dr toward E 90th St
  • Keep right to continue on Malcolm X Blvd
  • Turn right onto Central Park N
  • Central Park N turns right and becomes Duke Ellington Circle
  • Turn right onto 5th Ave
  • Turn right after Reinlieb Laurence (on the right)
  •  Destination will be on the left

By train:

  • Should take around 22 minutes

Test-takers’ review:

This test center was rated 4.3 by Google reviewers. Testing stations are clean and comfortable and the staff was friendly and professional. They also mentioned that the room temperature was colder than usual, so make sure to bring a sweater or jacket.

Pearson Professional Centers-Forest Hills NY

118-35 Queens Boulevard

Suite 1260, 12th Floor

Forest Hills Tower

Forest Hills, New York 11375

United States

Phone: 718-263-3801

By car:

From Queens Center (7 minutes):

  • Get on I-495 E
  • Continue on I-495 E. Take I-678 S/Van Wyck Expy to Union Tpke. Take exit 7 from I-678 S/Van Wyck Expy
  • Follow Union Tpke to New York 25 Service/Queens Blvd

Test-takers’ reviews:

This test center was rated 4.3 by Google reviewers. They generally had a great test-taking experience. The staff was polite and professional and the waiting rooms were comfortable. It was also mentioned that the testing-rooms were a bit hot.

Pearson Professional Centers-Yonkers NY

73 Market Street

Suite 374

Ridge Hill

Yonkers, New York 10710

United States

Phone: 914-423-8437

By car:

From Yonkers (12 minutes):

  • Head northeast toward S Broadway
  • Get on Cross County Pkwy
  • Continue on Cross County Pkwy. Take I-87 N to Ridge Hill Boulevard. Take exit 6A from I-87 N
  • Continue on Ridge Hill Boulevard. Drive to Market Street

Test-takers’ reviews:

This test center was rated 4.5 by Google reviewers. The reviewers mentioned that the staff was helpful and polite as well as courteous. The environment was neat, clean, and professional and the building had easy access to the highway.

Test Center Holidays:

The most popular times for GMAT preparation and test-taking are during the holiday seasons. Be mindful of dates that you will not be able to take the GMAT or EA at any of the test centers mentioned above. Pearson test centers are closed during the following dates:

  • 1 Jan – New Year’s Day 
  • 2 Apr – Good Friday   
  • 5 Apr – Easter Monday 
  • 3 May – May Day 
  • 31 May – Late May Bank Holiday   
  • 30 Aug – August Bank Holiday
  • 25 Dec – Christmas Day
  • 26 Dec – Boxing Day 
  • 27 Dec – Christmas Holiday
  • 28 Dec – Boxing Day Holiday 

Top MBA programs in New York

Read more
MBA Admissions consulting
Posted on
05
Nov 2020

MBA Admissions Consulting: Which Exam is Right For You

by ApexGMAT

Contributors: Fatma Xhafa & Svetozara Saykova

November 5, 2020

 

Are you ready to get a Master’s degree and take the business world by a storm? The first thing to consider is which admissions exam to prepare for. There are a handful of tests that MBA programs use to assess applicants. The GMAT, GRE, EA, INSEAD, and  ieGAT are the most common. Generally, these exams are more alike than not, but each exam presents unique challenges. APEX consultants can help you decide which is right for you.

 

Table of contents

  • The GMAT
  • The GRE
  • The Executive Assessment
  • The INSEAD Assessment
  • The ieGAT Assessment

GMAT

The Graduate Management Admissions Test, commonly known as the GMAT, is an assessment administered by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC). It is used for admission to MBA programs around the globe. 

The GMAT consists of 4 sections—Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment, Verbal, and Quantitative. Each section examines a particular set of essential business skills. The GMAT tests a variety of skills due to its computer adaptive nature, which is also what makes it so challenging.  

 

GMAT Sections Types of Questions Duration
Analytical Writing Assessment
  • short essay
 30 minutes
Integrated Reasoning
  • multi-source reasoning
  • table analysis
  • graphics interpretation
  • two-part analysis
 30 minutes
Verbal
  • sentence correction
  • reading comprehension
  • critical reasoning
 65 minutes 
Quantitative
  • problem solving
  • data sufficiency 
 61 minutes

 

The total price for sitting the GMAT is $250 (as of October 2020 €230 , £203). This includes sending the official scores to five MBA programs of your choice. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the GMAT is also offered online until December 2020. 

A 700+ GMAT score can open doors to some of the world’s most elite MBA programs, so don’t hesitate! Apex’s dedicated tutors can help get you there; time zone differences, busy schedules, and distance are nonissues for our team. Schedule a call at your convenience to discuss prep options and jumpstart your journey to success. 

GRE 

The Graduate Record Examination, or the GRE for short, is facilitated by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Thousands of MBA, MS/MA and Ph.D programs accept the GRE.

There are two types of GRE—the General Exam and the Subject Test. The General Exam is designed to examine analytical writing, quantitative ability, and verbal reasoning skills, and the Subject Test evaluates the candidate’s knowledge in a particular field of study. The subject exams include Mathematics, English Literature, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Physics and Psychology. The Subject Test is required for most specialized Master’s programs.

The General Exam consists of three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. The GRE has a pattern in terms of section order: the Analytical Writing section will always be the first, and can either be followed by the Verbal, Quantitative, or unscored sections in any order. 

You may be wondering what those unscored sections test for. Unscored sections only appear on the computer-based exam and vary in content. There is no set number or time allocation for unscored sections. 

Each other section, however, has a set number of problems and time limit.

GRE Sections  Computer-based GRE Paper-based GRE
Analytical Writing 1 section – 2 tasks

60 minutes

 2 section – 2 tasks

60 minutes
Verbal Section  2 sections – 40 questions

60 minutes

 2 section – 50 questions

70 minutes
Quantitative Section  2 sections – 40 questions 

70 minutes

 2 section – 50 questions

80 minutes
Unscored varies N/A
Research  varies N/A

 

The fee for the GRE General test varies by country between $205-$255 (as of October 2020 €175-218, £159-197). The GRE Subject Test costs $150 (as of October 2020 €128, £116). 

Apex’s team of experienced consultants provides personalized GRE preparation, following the most comprehensive and intensive curriculum available. Schedule a consultation to discuss your prep needs with one of our mentors. 

Executive Assessment

The Executive Assessment is designed to evaluate business school readiness based on a candidate’s experience. Many MBA programs accept this exam as an alternative to the GMAT. It’s also offered by the Graduate Management Admissions Council. 

Whereas the GMAT is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), the EA is a ‘multi-stage’ computer adaptive. This means that question sets are selected depending on answers to previous question sets.

The EA is designed for Executive MBA programs. As such, it’s designed for busy professionals and executives who might not have a lot of time to prepare. There are several advantages to taking the EA if you fit into this category. 

The exam consists of 3 sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal, and Quantitative. Each section has a 30-minute time limit, so the entire EA exam takes no more than 1.5 hours. Scores range from 100-200. All sections are weighted equally, which makes it easier to determine the total.

 

EA Sections  Questions Types of Questions
Integrated Reasoning 12
  • Multi-Source Reasoning
  • Graphics Interpretation
  • Two-Part Analysis
  • Table Analysis
Verbal  14
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Reasoning
  • Sentence Correction
Quantitative  14
  • Data Sufficiency
  • Problem Solving

In addition to being only 90 minutes long, the EA is widely available in test centers. It’s possible to reschedule free of charge up to 48 hours before the appointment, and the results are available within 24 hours. Registration costs $350 (as of October 2020 €298, £268). Candidates can take the exam no more than twice.

For business programs that accept the EA, visit our featured list of EMBA programs.

Since the Executive Assessment is designed to be less time consuming than the GMAT, preparing for it also is less time consuming. Apex provides the most comprehensive EA prep on the market. Candidates can earn top scores through private tutoring, or in our EA class, which offers 10 hours of EA prep over the course of one weekend and 2 additional hours of one-on-one instruction. Find out more by scheduling a complimentary call with one of our instructors. 

INSEAD Assessment

INSEAD (Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires) is an Executive MBA program. This program exclusively uses the INSEAD Assessment to evaluate candidates. 

The INSEAD’s structure is slightly different from the GMAT’s and as a result, the preparation is, too. It does not require an excessive amount of preparation time for math, geometry, or verbal questions. However, candidates must prepare for the exam’s format, in addition to refreshing verbal and quantitative skills.

INSEAD Sections  Number of Questions/ Time per section
Data Analysis 15 questions

30 minutes
Data Interpretation 15 questions

30 minutes
Communication Analysis 15 questions

30 minutes
Critical Thinking 15 questions

30 minutes
Case Presentation 30 minutes preparation,

15 minutes presentation

 

The exam can be taken once a month at any INSEAD campus in France, Singapore, or Abu Dhabi. Application must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of the exam date. Once applicants pass the pre-screening stage, they can confirm the test location and payment method. The exam costs €185 (as of October of 2020 $218, £167).

At Apex, we offer expert tutoring for the INSEAD Assessment. Our experienced instructors have extensive knowledge in everything from data analysis and interpretation to communication, critical thinking and case studies. We offer clients the flexibility to learn the ins and outs of the INSEAD in a relaxed environment.

ieGAT – IE Global Admissions Test

The ieGAT  is exclusive to the IE International University, which includes the IE business school in Spain. The ieGAT differs from the exams above in a number of ways. For starters, applicants can only take it once, so it’s highly important to be well prepared–you won’t get another shot.

In order to sit for the ieGAT, at least 25% of a candidate’s MBA application must be completed. The exam takes 80 minutes and includes 60 questions. Questions are tailored to the program that the applicant is interested in. The ieGAT is a pass/fail exam, and it’s the only test necessary for admission to IE University. 

The IE administers the Global Admissions Test in English and Spanish. The test’s language must match the language in which an applicant’s MBA program will be taught. 

ieGAT Sections 
Numerical and Verbal Reasoning
Logical – Abstract Reasoning

 

At Apex, we offer one-on-one ieGAT instruction. We provide our clients with personalized attention, flexibility, and an overall productive and enjoyable experience to ensure results. Our experts guide candidates through a multitude of solution paths in the Numerical and Verbal section, as well as the Abstract Reasoning section.

Determining which exam will help you achieve your goals might not be as simple as it seems, but talking to an experienced MBA consultant will get you started on the right path. Schedule a call with one of our consultants to discuss your aspirations, needs, and preparation options. 

Admissions Consulting 

Apex GMAT offers one-on-one tutoring for each of the exams described above. Next, it’s important to start thinking about applying to MBA programs. If you’re taking an exclusive exam, such as the ieGAT or INSEAD, you already know where you’ll be applying. Otherwise, Apex’s elite team can help you develop the skills you’ll need to land a spot in your dream program. Take the first step towards your future by scheduling a call with one of our top MBA admissions consulting experts today. 

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Featured Video Play Icon
Posted on
25
Sep 2020

GMAT & MBA Updates – Sept 2020

Hi everybody!

Welcome back to the Apex GMAT channel. My name is Natalie and today I’m going to be speaking to you about the latest MBA admissions and GMAT updates.

Should You Submit A GMAT Score With Your MBA Application?

So today I want to start out by speaking about the fact that due to the coronavirus pandemic some MBA programs have waived their GMAT requirements from the application process, including some top schools such as the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. Now this may seem exciting and make the process a little less daunting but I wouldn’t pack away my GMAT prep materials just yet. Remember that the GMAT speaks to your critical reasoning and creative problem solving skills, which are vital to success in any MBA program so applying without this score means that you are limiting the amount of information that admissions officers see. And therefore not fully representing your skills in your application.

Not to mention the fact that other applicants will have their GMAT score in their applications having taken it from before the pandemic in test centers or during the recent months with the online version of the GMAT. Additionally, if you have a weaker part of your application such as a lower GPA then having a high GMAT score can help offset this and make you more competitive. So as you are thinking about your application and your GMAT scores place within that application it’s best to keep these points in mind.

Should You Take The Online GMAT Exam? – Online GMAT Updates

Now you might be thinking – the online GMAT exam?? Do I really want to take it? And when it first came out there were some concerns. Granted there still are but the GMAC has been working to improve and adapt the exam. Just recently announcing that candidates are able to take the test twice instead of just the previous one time. This will provide extra flexibility for candidates to improve their GMAT score in the second sitting if the first sitting was not representative. Additionally, some extra changes to the whiteboard options improves test taker experience.

So that’s all that I have for you today. I hope that it was really helpful. Please leave any questions or comments below and I’d be happy to respond to them. Also if you want to speak about your GMAT prep or MBA applications please feel free to reach out to us on our website and we’d be happy to give you some advice.

Have a great GMAT prep day.

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does the gmat matter after graduation
Posted on
15
Sep 2020

Does the GMAT Matter After Graduation?

High GMAT scores are a requirement for acceptance to thousands of different graduate programs, from top tier MBAS to EBMAs to PhD programs in business management. More than a quarter-million students take the exam every year. 

Admissions officers see GMAT scores as one of the most reliable predictors for future success. A high score signifies not only an applicant’s technical and quantitative proficiency, but also his or her ability to perform at a professional level. 

But do GMAT scores matter after graduation? The short answer is yes. Here’s why.

What exactly does the GMAT test for?

To understand why elite business schools and fortune 500 companies take GMAT scores so seriously, we need to ask another question first:

What exactly does the GMAT test for?

At first glance, the GMAT seems like a fairly standard exam; it tests for command over basic algebra, arithmetic, geometry, grammar, and multi-source data analysis. However, on a deeper level, the exam evaluates an applicant’s critical thinking skills and creativity–two essential traits in the modern, highly competitive business world. 

Why is a good GMAT score so important?

The GMAT isn’t about rote memorization. Every GMAT question has multiple paths to a solution. However, some paths are significantly shorter than others. The GMAT doesn’t test how much applicants know; rather, a successful applicant demonstrates what they can do with that knowledge in a narrow time frame. To do well on the GMAT, applicants must demonstrate a strong ability to analyze and contextualize information with speed and efficiency. 

GMAT performance has become one of the most decisive factors for business school admissions committees because the score isn’t just a score. It’s a representation of the candidate’s traits and abilities. A high score reflects focus, diligence, hard work, intellectual aptitude, and time management skills. A high score signifies not only a candidate’s technical and quantitative proficiency, but also his or her ability to perform at a professional level. 

Is taking the GMAT a must?

While every top tier business school requires GMAT scores, not every company does. A 2018 Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) survey showed that only 6% of surveyed companies use GMAT scores in their employee selection process. Of the remaining companies, 21% stated that while a high GMAT score can help a job candidate, the GMAT doesn’t typically play a significant role in the selection process. The remaining 72% said they don’t consider GMAT scores at all.

However, the 6% that do use GMAT scores to vet job candidates are the cream-of-the-crop in the business world. All major banking, investment, and consulting firms, including Accenture and Goldman Sachs, require high GMAT scores for all positions–even internships. 

Most of these firms specialize in quantitative-intensive labor. As a result, the quantitative section tends to carry more weight. For example, if a candidate has an overall score of 680, but a quantitative score of 51, he or she has a good chance of getting an interview at a major firm.

However, there are diminishing returns. Many recruiters believe that a candidate’s efficiency doesn’t increase proportionately to the score. Let’s say candidate A has a 3.2 GPA, candidate B has a 3.5 GPA, and candidate C has a 3.8 GPA. The difference between candidates A and B is the same as the difference between candidates B and C. However, the value candidate B adds to the company compared to candidate A is a lot greater than the value candidate C adds compared to candidate B. This applies to GMAT scores, too. 

How to get a high GMAT score

The advanced skills that business schools and employers look for aren’t solely the result of inborn traits. With a positive attitude, drive, and high quality tutoring, these skills can be learned. Effective GMAT prep trains test takers in the crucial areas that promote logical thinking and mental acuity, and the work habits, determination, and rigor acquired throughout the preparation process lasts for a lifetime. 

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Featured Video Play Icon
Posted on
12
Mar 2020

MBA Conditional Offers

Today we’re going to talk about getting conditional offers from MBA programs. A lot of times we get calls from prospective clients in a bit of a panic saying oh my god this institution Harvard, LBS, whoever, gave me a few weeks and they said I can get into the program but I need this score.

How often does this happen?

This is much more common than you might think, especially if you haven’t been through the application process before. Schools are incredibly defensive when it comes to maintaining their GMAT average, their GPA average and their face to the world.

But a piece of feedback like this is actually a huge positive. When a school tells you that, what they’re telling you is that you’re a really prime candidate. They like you, they want you and either they need the higher score in order to maintain their sort of credentials. Which seems a little silly but that’s how things work. Or because they’re not confident that you’re going to have the skills to succeed in their program.

The Admissions Secret

A key sort of secret of admissions is that when you get into the program, that’s the hardest part. Programs are designed for you to succeed from, they don’t want attrition. Whether we’re talking MBA program or medical school or college. When they let you in, they let you in with the idea that you’re going to thrive and graduate and represent them well in your future endeavors.

Yeah, he’s a Harvard man! That sort of attitude is what is driving the admissions process. So, once you’re in, it’s as if you’ve graduated. This is a huge, huge incentive to bring this score up and should make you feel really good about everything that you’ve presented. So whether or not the school is worried about your abilities, what they want is validation of their choice.

Typically they say this only when you’re within shouting distance as they say for this score. If they want you to get a 700 they’re going to tell you that if you have a 680 or 670. If you have a 550 they’re not going to have been bothered saying so and typically these schools or these programs especially want to cement your quantitative skills.

The Profile of Conditionally Accepted Applicant

A lot of times the profile of someone who receives a conditional admission is that they have a pretty good GMAT score. Except it’s weighted on one side or the other. Typically strong verbal and the quant somewhere in the 40th, 50th, 60th percentile. They want to be assured that the quant heavy subject matter, finance, accounting, statistics isn’t going to leave you in the dust as soon as you land at the program.

What can you do?

So what can be done in this case? The good news is that many times these scoring changes need to be incremental. But also that if your profile warrants a conditional admission it means that there’s a lot of room to grow. This is an opportunity not just to grow your ability to perform on the GMAT but to grow a whole set of skills that will allow you to thrive in the MBA program and thrive in your career beyond. Especially if you’re really type-A, this represents a great opportunity to pre-load a skill set that’s going to give you a lot of positives on the back end.

It’s Like Adding a New Skill

You should look at it as needing to learn how to kayak or fly a plane or something else in addition to everything else you bring to the table. You’re adding this skill that until now you probably haven’t had. You’ve probably been sort of limping along and getting the score you’ve gotten through some hard work. But also through relying on tried-and-true methods that you’ve received coming through academia, middle school, elementary school, college but mostly when you were younger.

We’re instilled with these ideas about how to parse a sentence or how multiply fractions. And we use them until they break down. On the GMAT, because it’s an adaptive exam they will push us to the point where our skills no longer serve us well. This is usually somewhere in the 50th, 60th percentile.

So the goal here when you’ve got a conditional acceptance isn’t simply to push it ten more points and work what you know a little harder. Instead, really tear down a lot of what you know and get a more contextual more holistic understanding of the math or of the English language. This will allow you to be much more critical and much more creative when you visit these new concepts in your MBA program.

Reach Out for Assistance

In conclusion, if you get a conditional acceptance don’t worry, don’t panic, give us acall. We’ll talk to you about your options and normally this is a very treatable thing. That is the academic programs know when they give you a conditional acceptance that it’s a very surmountable obstacle and we can help you on your way there.

If you liked this video watch: Overcoming Scoring Plateaus.

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