GMAC recently announced research results that established a direct correlation between test scores and both the number of hours of test preparation and the number of weeks of prep. - - Really? - - Most of us have lives outside GMAT prep - work, family, sometimes another graduate degree in process. So how about some ways to expand test prep beyond the 1, 2 or 3 hours per day you've already allocated to working with the Course Book and online materials? Since GMAT tests a variety of real world business skills, here are 10 opportunities for sharpening those skills in the real world...
1. Get the check and do the math - there are no calculators or spreadsheets on Test Day. Tune up your arithmetic skills every time you dine out. Total the check in your head, then calculate a tip at 11%, 15% and 20%.
2. Read everything critically - ask yourself why the author used a specific word or introduced an idea. What is the structure of the piece? Identify topic, scope and purpose.
3. Keep your Pocket Reference with you at all times - and review it at every opportunity
4. When someone is pitching you, listen for conclusion, evidence and assumptions.
5. Try the Kaplan Method for Issue Essays when writing your next proposal.
6. Proofread your kids' homework, spouse's reports - initially you can refer to chapters 8 - 17 in the Kaplan GMAT Pocket Reference
7. Get plenty of sleep - recent research shows that much learning takes place only when the brain sets up new neuronal connections DURING SLEEP.
8. Exercise regularly - get those endorphins flowing - you'll have less stress and more energy - critical success factors on Test Day.
9. Check yourself: are you answering the question that was actually asked?
10. Is there a back door to the answer? Thinking outside the box, how can you use what you know to find a quicker alternative route to the correct solution?
I can't wait to get your questions and comments (just click below on "0 Comments" or "Links to this Post" and then "Post a Comment"). In the meantime, here's the ...
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
What do you consider "enough" time to prep for GMAT?
Thanks for stopping by,
Doug
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
What is GeeMATTERS and what does it have to do with applying to business school?
Welcome to GeeMATTERS! For the last year or so, I've replied to student's e-mailed queries with answers broadcast to all the questioner's classmates. My objective was to extend the teaching moment beyond class. In this blog I'd like to take the next step and open up the process to all my current and former students.
"Open up" - Why did this author use this phrase? Well, because I also want to invite you to pass on your insights and experience. Kaplan has created a powerful set of tools to help you max out your Test Day performance - but many of you have developed your own nuanced insights into how best to use those tools. I hope you'll share them here.
Sitting in class for 2 1/2 hours after a full day of work, sometimes twice a week, often with a family waiting at home, can be exhausting - even with a scintillating instructor pumping out gigawatts of enthusiasm. Notwithstanding, some of you have found the time and energy to develop relationships that continue beyond the course. One class even published a list of its e-mail addresses. In a world where everyone seems to have an MBA, soft skills are increasingly the key discriminators of success (check out Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman). Over the last 2 1/2 years our classes included pharmacists and investment bankers, architects and fighter pilots; people from Philly to Saudi, California to Korea. If you're looking for a network of bright, ambitious achievers, look right here among your fellow Kaplan students and alums.
I hope to post at least one problem and response each week. As in the past, I will "sanitize" your e-mailed questions before posting them, unless you instruct otherwise. If you post directly to the blog, I'll assume you don't mind being identified. Publishing frequency and, for that matter, content will be up to you as well. Share not only your questions but also your insights from the GMAT, suggestions on study methods, and favorite sites covering test prep, applications, and business schools. Remember the essence of networking is first to give, then to get.
Watch for the QUESTION OF THE WEEK. Let each question be a grain of sand in the oyster of your GMAT/B-School consciousness. Then post your pearls!
Each week for the next couple of months you'll also find one of the 10 Pretty Good Rules set up by the Strategic Studies Group at the Naval War College. Collect 'em all and keep them close - they're amusing and on point.
Finally, in the Net Work panel, you'll find a list of useful GMAT and business school related links.
Right now I'm thinking about posting once a week, but more frequently is possible if you get stoked and demand more. Posts will be moderated.
So now for the...
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
What would you like to see in future GeeMATTERS ?
Thanks for stopping by,
Doug
"Open up" - Why did this author use this phrase? Well, because I also want to invite you to pass on your insights and experience. Kaplan has created a powerful set of tools to help you max out your Test Day performance - but many of you have developed your own nuanced insights into how best to use those tools. I hope you'll share them here.
Sitting in class for 2 1/2 hours after a full day of work, sometimes twice a week, often with a family waiting at home, can be exhausting - even with a scintillating instructor pumping out gigawatts of enthusiasm. Notwithstanding, some of you have found the time and energy to develop relationships that continue beyond the course. One class even published a list of its e-mail addresses. In a world where everyone seems to have an MBA, soft skills are increasingly the key discriminators of success (check out Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman). Over the last 2 1/2 years our classes included pharmacists and investment bankers, architects and fighter pilots; people from Philly to Saudi, California to Korea. If you're looking for a network of bright, ambitious achievers, look right here among your fellow Kaplan students and alums.
I hope to post at least one problem and response each week. As in the past, I will "sanitize" your e-mailed questions before posting them, unless you instruct otherwise. If you post directly to the blog, I'll assume you don't mind being identified. Publishing frequency and, for that matter, content will be up to you as well. Share not only your questions but also your insights from the GMAT, suggestions on study methods, and favorite sites covering test prep, applications, and business schools. Remember the essence of networking is first to give, then to get.
Watch for the QUESTION OF THE WEEK. Let each question be a grain of sand in the oyster of your GMAT/B-School consciousness. Then post your pearls!
Each week for the next couple of months you'll also find one of the 10 Pretty Good Rules set up by the Strategic Studies Group at the Naval War College. Collect 'em all and keep them close - they're amusing and on point.
Finally, in the Net Work panel, you'll find a list of useful GMAT and business school related links.
Right now I'm thinking about posting once a week, but more frequently is possible if you get stoked and demand more. Posts will be moderated.
So now for the...
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
What would you like to see in future GeeMATTERS ?
Thanks for stopping by,
Doug
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