“Don’t prepare until you can get the questions right. Prepare until you can’t get them wrong.”

What if mastering the GMAT wasn’t about doing more—it was about doing less, but smarter?

In this episode of Inside the GMAT, Zach is joined by Scott Woodbury-Stewart, Founder and CEO of Target Test Prep, to explore how simplifying your prep can lead to better results. With over 20 years of experience helping test-takers turn confusion into clarity, Scott shares why most people struggle—not because they're not "math people," but because they’ve never been taught the right way to learn.

From building a strong Quant foundation to avoiding traps in Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to stop overcomplicating your prep and start studying with purpose. You’ll also hear how Scott’s own journey—from blowing up hydrogen balloons in high school classrooms to building one of the most well-known names in GMAT prep—has shaped his keep-it-simple philosophy.

Whether you're just starting or feeling stuck on the GMAT, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and prep smarter.

Contact Scott & Target Test Prep: www.gmat.targettestprep.com

Register for the GMAT exam: mba.com/register

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction 07:20 The "Math Person" Myth 13:02 The Prep Mindset & Value of Critical Thinking 15:53 Quant: Prep Linearly 18:33 Solving Problems with Logic, Not Math 24:58 Verbal: Reading is Fundamental 31:37 Data Insights: Correlation is Not Causation 36:55 Perfecting Time Management 41:13 Can You Over-Prep? 42:25 The Importance of Consistency

 

 

 

 

 

 

An MBA can open doors to top jobs and bigger paychecks—but what about the value that doesn’t show up on a resume?

In this episode, Zach is joined by Melody Jones, founder of Vantage Point MBA Admissions Consulting, to uncover the hidden ROI of business school: confidence, personal growth, lasting relationships, and the transformational power of human skills like communication.

If you’re wondering what an MBA can offer beyond a job title, this conversation is for you.

Contact Melody & Vantage Point: www.vantagepointmba.com

Register for the GMAT exam: mba.com/register

Chapters:

03:55 - The ROI of Confidence

06:52 - The ROI of Personal Growth

10:19 - The ROI of Relationships

14:20 - The ROI of Networks

19:42 - The ROI of...ROI?

20:57 - The Big Picture: ROI is Personal

Not sure whether you should pursue a full-time, part-time, or executive MBA program? You're not alone!

Oren Margolis from Pinetree & Palm Consulting joins the pod to dive deep into the crucial decision-making process of choosing the right type of MBA Program. As an experienced MBA admissions consultant and executive coach, Oren and Zach explore the nuances between the three program types and discuss how each format aligns with different career goals, personal circumstances, and professional aspirations.

Whether you're looking to pivot careers, accelerate to executive leadership, or balance work and study, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you make an informed choice. Tune in to gain clarity on your MBA journey and find the path that best suits your ambitions.

Contact Pinetree & Palm Consulting: https://www.pinetreepalm.com/

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

Chapters:

01:59 - Career Moves Supported by an MBA

05:09 - Full-Time vs. Part-Time MBA Considerations

07:47 - Balancing Work and MBA Studies

10:11 - Time, Energy, and Flexibility in MBA Formats

16:09 - The MBA as an Insurance Policy

18:51 - The Role of Prestige in Decision-Making

25:37 - Assessing ROI

29:53 - Profiles of MBA Candidates: F/T, P/T, and EMBA

33:14 - Quiz Time! Choosing the Right MBA Path

39:20 - Final Thoughts

Season 5 is on the way! In this quick update, host Zach shares what’s coming in the next season of Inside the GMAT, how you can get involved, and one big announcement: the Official Guide 2025–2026 is out now! Whether you're prepping for the exam or just starting your journey, this is your moment to get ahead.

📝 Get the new Official Guide: mba.com/prep 📩 Have a story to share? Email us at [email protected]

This episode was originally published on September 7, 2023.

GMAC's Eric Chambers is joined by Charles Bibilos, Founder of GMAT Ninja, where they do things a bit differently by tackling your test anxiety head on. Charles talks all things assessment anxiety, from how it can manifest in an exam environment to how to overcome it, with a lively discussion about how the latest edition of the GMAT helps reduce your chances of experiencing anxiety on test day. Tune in to get over your testing jitters!

References: 

GMAT Ninja

How GMAT™ Reduces Test Anxiety

It’s the season finale, and we’re going deep!

In this solo episode, host Zach breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the GMAT exam. Whether you’re just starting to explore business school or already deep in prep mode, this is your all-in-one explainer for what’s on the exam, how it’s scored, how to prepare, and how to use your score to stand out.

Zach walks through each section of the exam, plus testing options, prep resources, accommodations, and what your score report actually tells you. You’ll also get the facts on percentile rankings, test day logistics, and why a GMAT score is more than just a number.

No hype, no gimmicks—just real talk about the #1 test in business school admisions.

WATCH ON SPOTIFY OR YOUTUBE TO SEE ACCOMPANYING SLIDES & VISUALS

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

Chapters:

01:02 - Exam Overview & Features

03:48 - Scoring Explained

08:06 - Quantitative Reasoning

10:08 - Verbal Reasoning

13:06 - Data Insights

20:22 - Accessing & Sending Your Score

25:22 - Planning for Test Day

 

 

Artificial intelligence is here, but how much is too much when it comes to your MBA application?

This week, host Zach Fernebok sits down with Loubna Bouamane, founder of Admission Concierge and former Director of MBA Admissions, to explore the nuanced role AI now plays in business school applications. From brainstorming essays to managing deadlines, AI tools like ChatGPT can support candidates, but there's a fine line between using AI and outsourcing your voice.

Loubna shares the real risks of overrelying on AI, explains how admissions teams are adapting to this new landscape, and offers actionable advice on preserving authenticity in an increasingly automated world. If you're considering using AI in your MBA journey (or already are) this episode is your guide to staying smart, ethical, and unforgettable.

Admission Concierge: https://admissionconcierge.com/

Key Takeaways

1. AI can help, but it can’t (and shouldn’t) tell your story. Using AI for structure, grammar, and idea generation can be helpful, but outsourcing your personal voice leads to generic, shallow, and forgettable applications.

2. Authenticity is your biggest competitive edge. Admissions officers can spot essays that lack real reflection. What stands out isn’t perfect prose. It’s self-awareness, emotional honesty, and clarity of purpose.

3. Schools aren’t anti-AI. They’re anti-fake. Top programs are updating their policies to emphasize ethics. Many condone AI for brainstorming, but warn against using it to write essays or letters of recommendation.

4. Interviews and real-time assessments are gaining importance. Expect more behavioral, values-based, and spontaneous prompts as schools look to assess consistency between your written and spoken narrative.

5. Use AI wisely: treat it like a project assistant, not a ghostwriter. Smart uses include organizing deadlines, shortening essays, or improving clarity, not generating full drafts or making up content.

Chapters

00:55 - The Beginning of AI in Applications

02:48 - The Role of AI in Application Strategy

05:29 - Common Uses of AI by Applicants

09:45 - Business School Response to AI

12:03 - Smart and Responsible AI Usage

12:54 - The Risks of AI in Applications

15:09 - The Importance of Authenticity

17:45 - Strategies for Authentic Writing

18:51 - Exercises for Developing Personal Narratives

20:50 - Real-Life Examples of Authenticity

22:53 - Future of Admissions in the Age of AI

24:31 - Final Thoughts

Thinking about business school? Don’t go it alone.

In this episode, we’re hitting the road as we explore GMAC Tours, the global events that bring top business schools and aspiring students together under one roof. Host Zach is joined by Maggie Cooley, Director of Events and Marketing for GMAC Tours, to unpack why these MBA & Masters Tour events are more than just information sessions. They’re networking goldmines, resume-boosting bootcamps, and overall application game-changers.

You’ll hear what really happens at a Tour event, how to make a lasting impression, and why attending one could help you discover your best-fit program (especially one you’ve never considered before).

Whether you’re years away from applying or finalizing your target school list, this episode will help you make the most of one of the most impactful tools on your business school journey.

Find a Tour near you: https://www.mba.com/connect-with-schools/gmac-tours/events-calendar

Key Takeaways

1. GMAC Tours are free, curated events designed for every stage of the b-school journey. Whether you're exploring your options or ready to apply, there’s value for everyone—from keynotes and meetups to resume clinics and GMAT info sessions.

2. The biggest asset? Face time with admissions reps. Attendees meet directly with decision-makers from top global business schools, building authentic relationships that can strengthen applications and inform school selection.

3. Thoughtful preparation goes a long way. Doing research ahead of time, preparing smart questions, and showing genuine curiosity helps you stand out, both in scheduled meetups and casual booth chats.

4. Be open to discovering new schools. 80% of attendees consider a new program they hadn’t previously thought about. Don’t just target the usual suspects—use the event to explore your full range of options.

5. Your application can benefit directly. From resume feedback to application tips and admissions insights, the information (and impression) you gain at a Tour event can translate into a stronger, more personalized application.

Chapters

01:12 - What is a Tour Event?

03:25 - Who Should Attend?

05:24 - Overview of Activities

06:55 - About School Meet-Ups

10:04 - About Resume Review Clinics

11:20 - About B-School Talks

12:01 - About the GMAT Info Session

13:16 - Planning Your Schedule

14:52 - Benefits of Attending

16:57 - Using the Event to Strengthen Your Application

17:56 - Success Stories

21:07 - Tips for Attending

23:06 - Making a Great Impression at Networking Events

25:07 - Common Mistakes to Avoid

28:42 - Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Zach sits down with friend and colleague Andrew Walker, Director of Industry Communications at GMAC, to unpack the latest insights from the 2025 Prospective Students Survey. They dive into what 5,000 prospective business school candidates around the world are thinking about today — from the growing demand for hands-on AI experiences to the rising importance of human skills, like grit and adaptability. You’ll hear why more candidates are prioritizing ROI over program rankings, how financial planning is evolving, and why in-person programs are making a surprising comeback.

Whether you’re actively applying, just starting to explore your options, or simply curious about what’s shaping the future of graduate management education, this conversation offers data-backed insights and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.

Takeaways:

• 46% of business school candidates prioritize AI experiences in their curriculum.
• Employers value human skills like emotional intelligence and adaptability alongside technical skills.
• Cost remains a significant barrier for candidates considering business school.
• Only 29% of candidates prioritize program rankings first when researching schools.
• Candidates are increasingly looking for direct information from school websites, not AI.
• The MBA remains the most preferred degree, but interest in business master's programs is growing.
• Candidates prefer full-time in-person programs over hybrid or online formats post-pandemic.
• Financial aid is becoming a more significant part of funding education for candidates.
• Candidates are considering a multi-dimensional approach to their return on investment from business school.

Chapters:

01:04 - What is the Prospective Students Survey? 03:00 - The Role of AI in Business Education 07:28 - Financial Considerations for Business School Candidates 11:49 - The Importance of Program Rankings 15:43 - Shifting Preferences in Business Degrees 18:09 - Program Delivery Formats and Trends 22:23 - Key Takeaways and Future Insights

In this episode, Shaifali Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Ivy Groupe MBA Admissions Consulting, dives deep into MBA application essays and school interviews. She discusses the importance of each in the application process, emphasizing the need for authenticity and self-reflection. Shaifali also shares practical tips for writing compelling essays, common mistakes applicants make, and how to manage stress during the writing process. The second half of the conversation covers the role of interviews, the types of interviews, the most common questions asked, and strategies for effective preparation.

Takeaways:

• Authenticity and reflection are key to standing out.
• Understanding the intent behind essay questions is crucial.
• Storytelling should connect experiences to larger themes.
• Avoid writing what you think admissions committees want to hear.
• Generative AI can assist in research but not in writing essays.
• Start with self-reflection before writing your essays.
• Practice common interview questions out loud for confidence.
• Know your application inside out for interviews.
• Follow up with interviewers to express gratitude.

Chapters:

01:21 - Meet Shaifali03:05 - What are MBA Essays?05:06 - Different Types of Essay Questions07:57 - Types of MBA Essays and Their Purpose10:58 - Storytelling in Essays12:19 - AI in Essay Writing13:42 - Common Mistakes in Essay Writing15:05 - Adding a Personal Touch18:03 - Practical Writing Tips20:27 - Incorporating Feedback Effectively22:30 - Managing Stress While Writing23:47 - The Role of Interviews in MBA Applications25:37 - Types of MBA Interviews28:20 - Common Interview Questions and Strategies32:36 - Job vs. MBA Interview33:41 - Interview Preparation Essentials36:44 - Managing Interview Stress38:58 - Post-Interview Follow-Up and Reflection39:55 - Outro