"The only person you're really competing with is who you were yesterday."

Preparing for the GMAT isn't supposed to be easy—and that's the point.

In the last episode of 2025, GMAC Zach sits down with Stefan Maisnier, longtime GMAT instructor and parter at MyGuru, to unpack why GMAT prep feels so challenging, what skills the exam is actually measuring, and how the mindset you develop while studying can pay dividends far beyond test day.

Stefan famously describes GMAT prep as "eating your vegetables"—not always enjoyable, but undeniably good for you. Together, Zach and Stefan explore why productive discomfort leads to real growth, how to reframe negative beliefs about math and reading, and why the GMAT remains a powerful tool for self-improvement in an age of shortcuts and AI.

If you're feeling stuck, intimidated, or tempted to avoid the GMAT altogether, this conversation will help you rethink the value of the challenge.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the GMAT is designed to feel difficult—and why that's intentional
• What the exam actually measures (and why it matters for business school and leadership)
• How GMAT prep builds skills that carry into MBA coursework and professional life
• Why "I'm not a math person" or "I'm not a reader" is usually a learned belief—not a fact
• How adaptive testing changes the test-taking experience
• Why improvement over time can be more compelling than a single high score
• Realistic timelines and expectations for GMAT prep
• How to shift from a "this is painful" mindset to a "this is valuable" mindset

About MyGuru:

For 15 years, MyGuru has provided an unparalleled edge to students worldwide by empowering a team of uniquely qualified subject matter experts to use their individual expertise and experience to provide dynamic real-time instruction rather than boring one-size-fits-all curricula to every client. They have delivered customized in-person and virtual tutoring to individuals at the middle school, high school, college, graduate, and professional levels as well as enterprise tutoring solutions for institutions such as Northwestern Mutual and Northeastern Illinois University.

Helpful links:

MyGuru Website: https://www.myguruedge.com/en-us/

MyGuru on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MyGuruEdge

Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register

Sign up for GMAC Advancery to Find Best-Fit B-Schools Schools: https://advancery.gmac.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to GMAT and Mindset for Success 01:35 Understanding the GMAT's Purpose and Value 04:11 The Importance of Challenging Yourself 06:39 Engaging with the GMAT: Strategies for Success 10:35 Overcoming Misconceptions About Math and Reading 14:15 The Adaptive Nature of the GMAT Exam 18:20 The Role of Improvement Over Perfection 19:54 How to Schedule Your Prep Timeline 23:07 Mindset and Overcoming Obstacles 25:15 The Importance of Self-Improvement 30:11 Navigating Test Preparation 34:12 Embracing the Learning Journey