The Dominate Test Prep Podcast

Performing well on your standardized test becomes a whole lot easier if you can read faster while retaining more of what you read. As guest Bara Sapir, developer of the MindFlow Speed Reading Program, explains, that's a skill that can be developed with improved technique and practice — and by letting go of some of the common "bad" reading habits that you've likely developed to this point in your academic journey.

If you're eager to get a leg up on the reading comprehension portion of your exam — or even to just read faster at work or for pleasure — learn from Bara as she shares:

• How reading is a skill that can be learned and improved, no matter your current ability;
• The bad reading habits of "fixation" and "subvocalization" and how to fix them;
• How many words per minute (wpm) you're likely currently reading, and how many wpm you need to shoot for on test day;
• Why getting lost in the details on a reading passage is slowing you down, and why it's not necessary for getting right answers anyway;
• The "finger technique" for getting your eyes to scan words more fluidly;
• How your brain will eventually catch up with your eyes as you train them to read more quickly;
• Reading tips for non-native English speakers;
• External factors (sleep, diet, etc.) that can influence your focus — and thus comprehension — while reading;
• And more!

Contrary to common wisdom, improving your reading speed and comprehension is something you can do in a relatively short amount of time, provided you put in the time to learn the necessary skills and practice their implementation. Running out of time on the reading portion of your test doesn't have to be an issue for you any longer. Learn how to fix it in this episode.

RESOURCES / LINKS

1. Take MindFlow's free speed reading test: https://app.mindflowspeedreading.com/free/speed-read
2. Learn more about the MindFlow Speed Reading Program and register: https://mindflowspeedreading.com.
3. Comprehensive prep courses for the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, LSAT and SAT

SIMILAR EPISODES

If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:

1. Episode 39: What Should I Be Reading?
2. Episode 13: Reading Comprehension Strategies for ESL Students (and Everyone Else!)
3. Episode 15: Overcoming Test Anxiety, with Bara Sapir

A DOSE OF MOTIVATION

“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” — Confucius

Connect with Us

• Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel
• Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT)
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].

It seems like there's never enough time to do all the things we want to in life. That can be especially true when it comes to preparing for your standardized test. You're busy: job, family, school, hobbies, etc. And yet, you need to carve out sufficient time to study effectively for your exam. But how?

That's exactly the concern submitted by one of our students, Madeline, who wrote: "I am concerned about having enough time to study. I work full time (most weeks, more than 40 hrs a week)...and the math is a lot to take in and relearn.”

Sound familiar?

In this "mailbag" episode we address Madeline's hang-up and provide practical prep tips for students who fall into one of two categories:

1. You don't have a lot of time to prepare for your standardized test because you're scheduled to take it in just a few weeks (or even days!);
2. Your test date is still a ways off, but your days are super busy and you're not sure where you're going to find the time to fit in adequate studying.

In a perfect world, you'd be able to drop everything and devote 100% of your time over the next couple months preparing for your exam. But that's not realistic. Yet, it's still possible to get a great score even if you're limited on study time -- provided you prioritize the right things and structure your study sessions optimally. By the end of this episode, you'll know how.

Questions? Comments? Topic suggestions for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!


SIMILAR EPISODES

If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:

1. Episode 33: How to Get Started Again if Something Derails Your Prep
2. Episode 8: How I Raised My GMAT Score 120 Points, with Matt Kunzler
3. Episode 52: How to Stay Consistent With Your Studying

A DOSE OF MOTIVATION

“If you want something done, ask a busy person.” — Benjamin Franklin

Connect with Us

• Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel
• Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT)
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].

Graduate schools generally have more than one application deadline throughout the year, and when you apply often impacts your likelihood of being admitted. Indeed, it's more important than ever that you apply as early as possible in the admission cycle, according to Linda Abraham, founder of Accepted -- especially given the expected increase in application volume resulting from trends in the current economic landscape.

In this episode, Linda elaborates on that thesis as we discuss:

• The distinction between "rolling admissions" and "rounds" and the approximate application deadlines for each submission period;
• Why current economic trends (inflation, rising interest rates, impending recession) suggest that applying early (i.e. Round 1) is a good idea this application cycle;
• The benefits of applying Round 1 even in a "normal" year;
• Four (4) criteria to consider that will help you determine if you're ready to apply;
• How long it takes to put together a polished application;
• Why it's a mistake to rush an application just to meet Round 1 deadlines;
• Whether it's better to apply in later rounds this year or wait until Round 1 next year;
• And more!

If you've already decided that graduate school is in your immediate future, there's no time to waste when it comes to getting your test score and starting to work on your applications. After listening to this episode and hearing what Linda has to share, you'll understand why. Enjoy!

RESOURCES / LINKS

1. From the Accepted Blog: “When Should I Plan to Apply to Grad School? NOW!!!”
2. Quiz - Are you ready for an MBA?
3. Quiz - Are you ready for law school?
4. Quiz - Are you ready for an Engineering degree?
5. Quiz - Are you ready for med school?
6. Contact Linda Abraham
7. Prepare for your standardized test with Dominate Test Prep's industry-leading prep courses

SIMILAR EPISODES

If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:

1. Episode 37: When is the Best Time to Take Your Exam?
2. Episode 34: How to Determine Where to Apply, with Linda Abraham
3. Episode 3: Framework for a Successful Grad School Application, with Linda Abraham

A DOSE OF MOTIVATION

“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” — Benjamin Franklin

Connect with Us

• Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel
• Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT)
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].

Darius Whitted was the first person in his family to go to college. Then, as if that weren't enough, he went on to earn his MBA from the Thomas School of Business at UNC Pembroke, graduating this Spring. Those accomplishments are impressive in their own right, to be sure. But what makes Darius's educational journey even more remarkable is that Darius has been paralyzed since the age of three.

In this episode of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast, Darius shares his inspiring story of overcoming the obstacles that life has thrown at him in pursuit of a brighter future. He believes that he can make a positive difference in the world through business, and there can be little doubt that with his positive attitude and can-do spirit — and his newly-earned MBA degree! — he will do just that.

Getting an advanced degree can be challenging. After listening to Darius, hopefully you come away realizing that if he can defy the odds and do it, you can, too. Enjoy!

RESOURCES / LINKS

1. [Article] Learn more about Darius's story: "Graduate Student Overcomes Unbelievable Odds to Degree"
2. Learn more about The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
3. Connect with Darius on LinkedIn
4. Connect with Darius on Facebook

SIMILAR EPISODES

If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:

1. Episode 51: Succeeding in School — and Life — with a Learning Disability, with Dr. Shirag Shemmassian
2. Episode 43: What Corporate Recruiters are Looking For, with Jemima Makis
3. Episode 28: The Value of an MBA, with Tim Munyon

A DOSE OF MOTIVATION

“Always listen to experts. They’ll tell you what can’t be done, and why. Then do it.” — Robert A. Heinlein

Connect with Us

• Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel
• Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT)
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) recently released the results of its Prospective Students Survey 2022, a tool used to provide graduate business schools with critical insights into the decision-making processes of people currently considering applying to a graduate management education (GME) program. Many of the findings are valuable for applicants as well, as they shed light on current trends in the business school industry and paint a picture of the education landscape students will be navigating over the next few years.

To help unpack some of the report's most interesting results, we've invited MBA admissions consultant Barbara Coward, founder of MBA 360 Admissions, to share her perspective. We discuss:

• The current state of graduate business education in a post-pandemic world;
• Why 4 out of 5 respondents still see significant value in a business degree;
• Acknowledged barriers to going back to school;
• The relative desire for 1-year vs. 2-year MBA programs, and whether U.S. business schools are ever likely to move to a 1-year model;
• The role of hybrid learning in the future given respondents' strong preferences for in-person learning;
• Where test-optional policies stand;
• Triggers for students deciding to go back to school;
• And more!

This year's report is chock-full of interesting data about current trends in the GME space. With Barbara's help, we do a thorough job of distilling some of the most salient insights for you. But if you also want to hear the GMAC's perspective on their own survey, you can attend their webinar on May 18, 2022 where they will further discuss key findings.

RESOURCES / LINKS

1. Summary Report: GMAC Prospective Students Survey 2022
2. GMAC Prospective Students Survey 2022 - Deans Summary
3. GMAC Prospective Students Survey 2022 - Infographic
4. Report: Post-GMA Career Aspirations
5. Contact Barbara Coward, founder of MBA 360 Admissions
6. Contact Brett Ethridge, founder of Dominate Test Prep
7. Register for complete prep courses for the GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment

SIMILAR EPISODES

If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:

1. Episode 23:

Connect with Us

• Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel
• Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT)
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].

The Executive Assessment (EA) is different from other standardized tests in a number of important ways. As such, the way you need to prepare for the EA is distinct in several key respects as well. In this episode we highlight those unique aspects of the exam and lay out a game plan for preparing for the Executive Assessment, including:

• The "EA Success Triad" -- three interrelated components that are integral to studying effectively for the EA;
• Key differentiators between the Executive Assessment and other standardized tests, and the preparation mindset you should adopt as a result;
• Which of the three sections of the exam to prioritize with your study time (hint: it's probably not what you think!);
• Recommended resources for learning the content and test-taking strategies necessary for a high EA score;
• Go-to sources of EA practice problems and practice tests;
• And more!

If you're applying for an EMBA or MBA and need to take the Executive Assessment, you'll come away from this episode knowing exactly what you need to do to prepare effectively and dominate the EA on test day. Enjoy!

RESOURCES / LINKS

1. Free Executive Assessment Quiz
2. Buy Official EA Practice Tests and Official EA Practice Questions from the GMAC
3. Additional EA practice via the GMAT Official Guide
4. Non-Standard EA math strategies: "Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid on the Executive Assessment"
5. Complete Executive Assessment Prep Course from Dominate Test Prep
6. Contact Us

SIMILAR EPISODES

If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:

1. Episode 55: Key Differences Between the Executive Assessment and GMAT
2. Episode 35: Understanding the Executive Assessment, with Manish Dharia of the GMAC
3. Episode 42: GMAT vs. GRE for MBA Admissions
4. Episode 28: The Value of an MBA, with Tim Munyon

A DOSE OF MOTIVATION

“Don’t wait for the fear to be gone. That day will never come. Feel the fear — and then do it anyway.”  — Holly Tree Richardson

Connect with Us

• Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel
• Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT)
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].

Love 'em or dread 'em, practice tests are an essential and invaluable part of preparing well for your standardized test. They reveal your strengths and weaknesses, help you hone your time management, get you comfortable with the testing experience, and so much more. Yes, practice tests are important -- but only if you use them correctly. In this episode of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast, we'll show you how.

Joined by special guest Vinay Narang of GMAT Genius, we cover:

• The role that practice tests should play in your test preparation;
• How to overcome the fear of taking your first practice test -- and what to expect in terms of results;
• How many practice tests you should plan to take, and when you should take them;
• Why there is often variability in your practice test results;
• What to do immediately after taking a practice test, and how to assess your relative strengths and weaknesses;
• Why keeping an error log isn't overly helpful, and what to do instead;
• What it means if your real exam score is lower than your practice test scores;
• Tips for ensuring that your practice test experience simulates the real test-day experience as much as possible;
• How to know when you're ready to schedule your official exam;
• No-no's when taking a practice test (things to avoid);
• And more!

Whether you're just starting your test prep journey and are gearing up to take your first practice test or you've already taken a bunch of practice tests and are wondering what to do next, the insight Vinay shares in this podcast will point you in the right direction. Enjoy!

RESOURCES / LINKS

1. Official GMAT Practice Tests (2 Free)
2. How to Get the Free GRE Practice Tests from ETS
3. Official Executive Assessment Practice Tests
4. LawHub - Official LSAT Practice Tests
5. All About the GMAT
6. Contact Us

SIMILAR EPISODES

If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:

1. Episode 6: Test Mastery Pt.2: Customizing Your Study Plan, with Vinay Narang
2. Episode 31: Do's and Don'ts for Reviewing Your Practice Test Results
3. Episode 40: Proven Principles of Perfect Practice, with Mike Bergin
4. Episode 15: Overcoming Test Anxiety, with Bara Sapir
5. Episode 11:

Connect with Us

• Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel
• Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT)
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].

Applying to business school? You'll likely need to take either the GMAT or Executive Assessment (EA) for admission. The two exams are similar in many ways, as the EA was developed by the same organization that created and administers the GMAT exam. But the EA and GMAT are also very different in several key ways -- and understanding those differences is crucial for you in deciding which exam to prepare for.

In this episode we provide a brief history of each test so that you better understand what they are designed to accomplish in the context of MBA / EMBA admissions. We then explain important differences between the Executive Assessment and GMAT in five areas:

1. Who should take each exam based on the type of graduate business program you're applying to;
2. Philosophical differences between the two tests, and what it means in terms of how to prepare and what score to target;
3. The relative importance of the Integrated Reasoning section on the GMAT vs. EA, with tips for studying for it;
4. Content differences;
5. Format differences, including how the adaptive algorithm differs for each exam and what it means for you in terms of navigating the sections.

As you'll learn, it would be a mistake to simply think of the Executive Assessment as an "easier" version of the GMAT, or as "GMAT Lite" as some have called it. To the contrary, the EA is its own entity designed for a specific type of MBA applicant. By the end of this episode, you'll know whether or not that's you!

FREE EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT QUIZ

What are you in store for on the Executive Assessment? Take our free 6-question EA Quiz to find out!

https://www.dominatetestprep.com/what's-on-the-ea


RESOURCES / LINKS

1. GMAT vs. EA: Which Exam Should You Take? [YouTube]
2. GMAC Official Site: "How the Executive Assessment is Structured"
3. From mba.com: GMAT Exam Structure
4. Complete Executive Assessment Prep Course
5. Comprehensive GMAT Prep Course
6. Contact Brett Ethridge at Dominate Test Prep

SIMILAR EPISODES

If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:

1. Episode 35: Understanding the Executive Assessment, with Manish Dharia
2. Episode 53: LSAT vs. GRE for Law School Admissions, with Dave Hall
3. Episode 42: GMAT vs. GRE for MBA Admissions
4. Episode 41:

Connect with Us

• Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel
• Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT)
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].

We've all been there: You're cruising along on your exam, slaying questions, feeling good, and then boom, you're presented with a question that you're not quite sure how to answer. Your mind goes blank. You can't figure out how to make inroads. You're stuck.

So what do you do?

You follow the 5-step game plan that we lay out in this episode to get unstuck on challenging questions. These tips and strategies won't guarantee that you'll get a right answer; some questions are just plain hard. But employing these methods will at least give you a fighting chance. More than that, they'll keep you in the right frame of mind so that you're able to perform your best on the rest of the exam as well.

Oh, and be sure to listen all the way to the end where we share an invaluable way to avoid getting stuck in the first place. Enjoy!

RESOURCES / LINKS

1. Watch the complete solution to the sample probability question ("Triangle Inscribed in a Circle") discussed in this episode.
2. Register for one of Dominate Test Prep's comprehensive prep courses.
3. Contact Us.

SIMILAR EPISODES

If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:

1. Episode 29: How to Answer Questions Faster
2. Episode 38: 3 Ways to Worry Less for Better Test-Day Performance
3. Episode 6: Test Mastery Part 2 -- Customizing Your Study Plan

A DOSE OF MOTIVATION:

“Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” — Mike Tyson

Connect with Us

• Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel
• Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT)
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].

The American Bar Association (ABA) made a major ruling earlier this month allowing law schools to accept the GRE in lieu of the LSAT for admissions decisions. While this opens the door to a larger potential applicant pool, there are a lot of factors you need to consider when determining whether to take the LSAT or GRE when applying to law school.

To dissect this major announcement by the ABA and help you make the best decision possible for which standardized test to take, we're joined in this episode by Dave Hall, expert LSAT instructor and law school admissions guru, as we discuss:

• Why the ABA's decision even matters given that some law schools have already been accepting the GRE for a number of years;
• Changes taking place within the law school admissions landscape and the motivation behind this move by the ABA;
• What law school admissions officers are really looking for in an applicant;
• Whether the GRE is as predictive of law school success as the LSAT — and if it even matters;
• The format of the LSAT exam and the core competencies it tests;
• The format of the GRE exam and the core competencies it tests;
• Key differences between the two tests, and which type of law school applicant is perfectly suited to take the GRE instead of the LSAT;
• Why there's still a bias toward the LSAT and what it means for applicants looking to earn scholarships to law school (and other practical reasons some applicants should take the LSAT instead of the GRE);
• The mindset you should take into preparing for whichever exam you choose (hint: law school is hard);
• And more!

Before beginning to prepare in earnest for either the LSAT or GRE, listen to the perspective Dave brings to this important decision. What he shares may confirm what you're already thinking or prompt you to switch gears and go another direction. Either way, you'll come away from this episode with clarity about your key decision points so that you can make the best choice for you between the LSAT vs. GRE for law school.

RESOURCES / LINKS

1. Article: "ABA Gives Law Schools Go-Ahead to Use GRE"
2. Free LSAT Practice Tests
3. Free GRE Practice Tests
4. Register for Dominate Test Prep's comprehensive GRE Prep Course, taught by Brett Ethridge
5. Register for Dominate Test Prep's comprehensive LSAT Prep Course, taught by Dave Hall
6. Contact Us

SIMILAR EPISODES

If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out these other similar episodes of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast:

1. Episode 30: 5 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Starting Law School, with Dave Hall
2. Episode 44:

Connect with Us

• Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel
• Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT)
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].