Application and test prep season can feel overwhelming with deadlines, essays, recommendations, and GMAT prep all colliding at once. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Alexis Meares, Manager of New Product Development at GMAC, to unpack what a realistic business school application plan looks like. Together, they explore why "perfect plans" often unravel, the role of flexibility in staying on track, and how to avoid burnout during peak season.

Alexis also introduces Advancery, GMAC's new step-by-step planning tool designed to help candidates balance test prep, applications, and personal commitments with clarity and confidence. It allows users to search and review programs, break up big tasks into manageable milestones and checklists, and support the application process with coaching and prep resources.

🎧 Exclusive for listeners: Enjoy 50% off a 3-month Advancery subscription with promo code Podcast50 at advanceary.gmac.com.

Whether you're just starting to map out your journey or already knee-deep in essays, you'll walk away with tools and strategies to reduce stress, reset your priorities, and move forward with confidence.

Chapters:

00:00 Advancery Promo - 50% Off! 00:51 Introduction to Alexis & Advancery 01:51 What Does an Ideal Plan Look Like? 04:14 Navigating Realities of Application Planning 07:14 Using Advancery to Stay Grounded 08:41 Strategies for Managing Application Overwhelm 13:00 Maintaining Balance and Self-Care 14:27 How to Get Back on Track 16:26 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways