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Data Insights gives you a lot to look at, but that doesn't mean you need to understand all of it.
In the latest installment of our GMAT Summer Prep Series, GMAC Zach and Hailey Cusimano of Menlo Coaching break down how to approach one of the GMAT's most distinctive sections without getting lost in the data.
They explore why timing can be particularly challenging in Data Insights, how to stay focused on the task in front of you, why unfamiliar subject matter shouldn't scare you, and how having a clear strategy for each question type can make the section feel much more manageable.
Plus, Zach puts his own Data Sufficiency skills to the test as Hailey demonstrates how slowing down before you start solving can actually help you work more efficiently.
Whether Data Insights is your favorite section or the one you're still trying to figure out, this episode will help you build a smarter approach to the questions in front of you.
About Hailey:
Hailey Cusimano is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students' main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun.
Helpful Resources:
Menlo Coaching: https://menlocoaching.com/
Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register
5 Traits of Successful GMAT Test Takers: https://tinyurl.com/insidethegmat
Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare
Key Takeaways:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Data Insights and Episode Overview 02:14 GMAT Super Score and Its Impact on Data Insights 03:24 Integrating Quantitative and Verbal Skills in Data Insights 04:47 Common Challenges: Timing and Data Overload 07:08 Building Structure and Task Orientation 09:00 Handling Distractions and Staying Focused 10:01 Practicing Discipline and Resource Management 12:21 Avoiding Assumptions and Logical Leaps 14:14 Understanding the Open Book Nature of Data Insights 16:03 Question Type Specific Strategies 19:08 Using Graphics Interpretation Effectively 29:16 Introduction to Data Sufficiency Questions 30:15 Evaluating Data Sufficiency Statements Independently 32:38 Common Mistakes in Data Sufficiency 35:15 Importance of Inventory Management and Confidence 40:05 Strategies for Success and Self-Reflection 50:14 Psychology of Test-Taking and Next Steps
In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Dr. Rodrigo Tello, MBA Program Manager at Oklahoma State University and a researcher studying chronobiology and circadian rhythms in organizational management.
Rodrigo explains how our chronotypes—whether we naturally perform better earlier or later in the day—can affect focus, decision-making, learning, and even how managers respond to employee ideas. He also shares what his research has found about the "synchrony effect": what can happen when demanding tasks line up with the time of day your brain is naturally at its best.
Then Zach and Rodrigo bring the science back to the GMAT. They discuss how to identify your own patterns, experiment with different study times, schedule prep around your strongest hours when possible, and think strategically about when to take the exam.
As Rodrigo puts it: before studying for the GMAT, study yourself.
They also explore what chronobiology could mean for business school, teamwork, leadership, and the way we design the modern workplace.
About our guest:
Dr. Rodrigo Tello is a Senior Program Manager, educator, and researcher with more than 14 years of experience in program management, including seven years in graduate business education (MBA). He holds three master's degrees, including a Master's in Health and Human Performance, and is a Mayo Clinic Certified Health and Wellness Coach. His research focuses on the intersection of chronobiology, leadership, and management, exploring how biological rhythms influence managerial behavior and decision-making. Passionate about health, wellness, and longevity, Rodrigo is particularly interested in connecting human performance and well-being with leadership and organizational performance. Outside of work and research, he enjoys traveling, biking, lifting, and staying active.
Helpful resources:
Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ): https://tinyurl.com/3ud6558a
The Power of When by Dr. Michael Breus: https://a.co/d/0flfAD2b
What's Your Chrontotype? Quiz: https://tinyurl.com/47bd3nav
Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to timing and biological clocks 01:09 Rodrigo's journey into wellness and chronobiology 04:39 The book The Power of When and its impact 07:03 Research on managers' chronotypes and responsiveness 08:53 Timing and decision-making in organizations 11:37 Practical applications beyond management 14:23 Personal experiences with study timing and energy levels 20:00 Implications for high-stakes testing like the GMAT 27:25 Societal and organizational shifts towards flexible timing 34:20 Applying chronobiology to MBA and professional development 41:17 Navigating chronobiology in professional settings 45:31 Future research and potential impacts
Knowing how to read doesn't automatically mean you know how to approach GMAT Verbal.
In the latest episode of our summer GMAT prep series, GMAC Zach and GMAT instructor Hailey Cusimano dig into Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning—and some of the habits that can make these questions harder than they need to be.
They explore why GMAT Verbal is more objective than it may seem, how assumptions and outside knowledge can lead you toward tempting wrong answers, why reading faster isn't necessarily the answer to pacing problems, and how process of elimination can help you make more defensible decisions.
Then Zach puts the strategies to the test with challenging Critical Reasoning questions—and falls into a few traps along the way.
About Hailey:
Hailey Cusimano is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students' main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun.
Helpful Resources:
Menlo Coaching: https://menlocoaching.com/
Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register
5 Traits of Successful GMAT Test Takers: https://tinyurl.com/insidethegmat
Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare
Key Takeaways:
GMAT Quant questions can look intimidating—but the hardest part is not always the math.
In week two of our six-week GMAT study series, GMAC Zach is joined once again by Hailey Cusimano of Menlo Coaching for a hands-on Quantitative Reasoning session. Together, they work through three challenging problems and explore what actually separates an efficient GMAT solution from a long, calculation-heavy one.
You'll learn why rushing into the first available approach can cost you time, how to identify the question's true ask, and how techniques such as number picking, visual organization, and proportional reasoning can reveal a much simpler path forward.
Along the way, Hailey explains how to:
Whether Quant is your biggest concern or you simply want to become a more flexible problem-solver, this episode will help you approach difficult questions with greater clarity, confidence, and control.
About Hailey:
Hailey Cusimano is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students' main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun.
Helpful Resources:
Menlo Coaching: https://menlocoaching.com/
Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register
5 Traits of Successful GMAT Test Takers: https://tinyurl.com/insidethegmat
Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare
Key Takeaways:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to GMAT quant challenges and guest Haley Cusimano 01:02 The importance of mindset and environment in tackling quant questions 02:29 Common misconceptions about approaching GMAT quant 03:43 The GMAT as an analysis of thinking, not just content knowledge 05:00 Bad habits from content-based exam thinking 06:23 The value of slow analysis and question deconstruction 07:34 Course correction strategies for difficult questions 09:12 Frontloading analysis and identifying the path of least resistance 10:54 Using number sense and ratios to simplify problems 12:27 The importance of understanding question cues and details 15:50 Visual organization of complex data and question setup 17:23 Handling challenging percent questions with strategic number picking 20:14 Dealing with traps and misconceptions in percent problems 24:39 Leveraging divisibility and number properties for quick calculations 28:23 Setting up for success: avoiding careless errors 34:52 Approaches to tackling difficult GMAT questions efficiently 37:32 Visualizing data with tables and diagrams for complex problems 44:46 Using number sense to simplify and verify answers 50:54 Summary and key takeaways for effective GMAT quant prep
Summer can be a great time to prepare for the GMAT...but only if you have a plan!
In the first installment of our summer GMAT study series, GMAC Zach is joined by Hailey Cusimano, Director of Tutoring at Menlo Coaching, to discuss how candidates can build a study timeline that is structured, realistic, and flexible.
Hailey explains why GMAT preparation should generally move through two phases: first developing the necessary foundations and strategies, and then practicing under increasingly realistic test conditions. She also shares why completing more questions does not automatically lead to a higher score, how to use an error log effectively, and what candidates should look for when reviewing their performance.
The conversation also covers test readiness, practice-exam timing, managing test-day stress, and why even strong test takers should leave room in their schedules for a possible retake.
Whether you are beginning your GMAT journey or trying to regain momentum, this series will help you build a more thoughtful and productive approach to your preparation.
About Hailey:
Hailey Cusimano is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students' main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun.
Helpful Resources:
Menlo Coaching: https://menlocoaching.com/
Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register
5 Traits of Successful GMAT Test Takers: https://tinyurl.com/insidethegmat
Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare
Key Takeaways:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to GMAT summer study series 02:30 Why summer is ideal for GMAT prep 05:02 Initial steps for beginning GMAT prep 09:20 Structuring your study timeline 12:55 Content review vs. test simulation 17:20 Benchmarking progress and understanding resistance 22:41 Traits of successful GMAT test takers 27:16 Balancing preparation and well-being 33:50 Emulating test stressors effectively 37:34 The importance of retesting and iteration 40:15 Actionable steps for starting your prep
This episode originally published in 2025, but since a new round of GMAC Tours just started up again, I want to make sure new listeners have a chance to learn all about these one-of-a-kind, free events. Enjoy! - GMAC Zach
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 Takeaways1. 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.
Chapters01:12 - 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
GMAT Superscore is coming, and it could change how candidates think about retesting, performance anxiety, and an imperfect test day.
In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Charles Bibilos, founder of GMAT Ninja, to explain what GMAT Superscore means in practice.
Charles breaks down how a superscore combines your strongest Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights section scores across multiple eligible exam attempts. He also explains which candidates are most likely to benefit, why an uneven test day no longer needs to feel catastrophic, and how business schools may interpret a candidate's testing history.
They also discuss some of the early misconceptions surrounding GMAT Superscore—including the idea that candidates should study for one section at a time or repeatedly take the exam in an attempt to game the system.
You'll learn:
The biggest takeaway: prepare to perform your best across the entire exam—but remember that one difficult section or one bad stretch of questions does not have to erase everything you accomplished that day.
Paying for business school can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to.
In this episode of Inside the GMAT, Zach sits down with Allie Danziger, Chief Marketing Officer at Ascent Funding, to discuss one of the biggest concerns facing prospective students: how to finance graduate management education.
Together, they explore why cost remains a major barrier for candidates, common misconceptions about loans and scholarships, strategies for building a realistic financial plan, and ways students can evaluate the long-term return on investment of their degree.
Whether you're just beginning to research programs or preparing to enroll this fall, this conversation offers practical guidance to help you approach funding decisions with greater confidence, including:
About our guest:
Allie Danziger is Chief Marketing Officer at Ascent Funding, where she leads marketing, growth, and customer experience initiatives focused on helping students and families access education financing with confidence.
A serial entrepreneur and business builder, Allie has founded, scaled, and successfully exited two companies. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about creating innovative solutions that help individuals achieve their educational and professional goals.
In 2020, she founded Ampersand, a workforce development platform designed to help early-career professionals build career-ready skills and connect education to employment outcomes. Ampersand was acquired by Ascent Funding in 2023. Prior to Ampersand, Allie founded and led Integrate Agency, one of Texas's leading marketing and public relations firms, serving more than 600 organizations and growing a team of over 250 professionals.
Today, Allie brings a unique perspective at the intersection of education, career readiness, marketing, and technology, helping organizations create meaningful pathways from education to long-term success.
Helpful Resources:
*Check your rates with Ascent: https://partners.ascentfunding.com/gmac
**Apply for the GMAC scholarship: https://www.ascentfunding.com/scholarships
Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Financing Education 01:39 Understanding the Barriers to Financing 06:10 Navigating the Cost of Attendance 11:16 Funding Options Explained 15:32 Common Misconceptions in Student Financing 18:14 Timing Your Financial Decisions 21:40 Ascent Funding's Unique Approach 25:03 Collaboration with GMAC 26:40 Final Thoughts and Action Steps
*Disclaimer: GMAC receives a fee for these loans.
**The Breaking Barriers Scholarship Giveaway is open to students who are legal U.S. residents (including D.C.) see official rules at https://www.ascentfunding.com/scholarships/breaking-barriers
"Nothing is better than the real thing. Official GMAT questions are the gold standard for getting ready for the test."
The GMAT Official Guide 2026–2027 is here, and that means new official questions, updated online practice tools, and fresh ways to prepare for test day.
In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined once again by Stacey Koprince of Manhattan Prep to break down what's new in this year's Official Guide collection and how candidates should actually use it. They discuss why official GMAT questions are so valuable, how to balance official prep with third-party learning resources, and why reviewing your practice questions is just as important as answering them.
Zach and Stacey also cover common prep mistakes, including burning through too many questions too quickly, studying one question type in isolation, and skipping review on questions you got right. Plus, Stacey shares practical advice for using the Official Guide, section-specific review books, online question banks, and official practice exams more strategically throughout your prep.
Whether you're just starting your GMAT journey or looking for more official practice before test day, this episode will help you get more out of every question you study.
Purchase the new GMAT Official Guide: mba.com/prep
Register for the GMAT exam: mba.com/register
Get materials from Manhattan Prep: manhattanprep.com/gmat
About Stacey:
Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student.
Key Takeaways
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Official Guide 2026-2027 01:07 The Importance of Official GMAT Tools 03:20 New Features and Questions in the Official Guide 11:38 Exploring the Content of the Big OG 16:02 Strategic Use of the Official Guide 18:15 The Value of Reviewing Correct Answers 22:14 Common Mistakes in GMAT Preparation 27:44 Utilizing the Official Guide Effectively 29:24 Review Books and Their Importance 34:17 Integrating Official Prep Tools with Outside Learning 37:46 Pro Tips for Leveraging the New Official Guide
"Anxiety and excitement are chemically the same reaction — context changes how we interpret it."
What actually separates top GMAT performers from everyone else?
In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Hailey Cusimano, Director of Tutoring at Menlo Coaching, to unpack the five traits she's observed that that drive GMAT success.
Through the lens of curiosity, balance, consistency, resilience, and flexibility, Hailey explains why the GMAT is less about memorization and more about critical thinking, self-awareness, and intentional preparation.
Whether you're just starting your prep journey or feeling stuck after months of studying, this episode offers actionable insights to help you study smarter — not just harder.
About Hailey:
Hailey Cusimano is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students' main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun.
Helpful Resources:
Menlo Coaching: https://menlocoaching.com/
Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register
Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare
Key Takeaways:
Chapters:
00:00 Intro and Meet Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching 08:02 Trait #1: Curiosity 13:50 Trait #2: Consistency 22:39 Trait #3: Balance 32:59 Trait #4: Flexibility 36:48 Trait #5: Resilience 43:11 Integrating Key Traits for Success 49:30 Actionable Steps for GMAT Success
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