GMAT Critical Reasoning is NOT the Real World

It’s not like I really want to have to make a distinction such as this, but it bears repeating. GMAT Critical Reasoning questions are unique situations unto themselves and have no legitimate bearing on the Real World, nor vice-versa. Honestly, it would be much more convenient if everything were nice and orderly the way these … Read More

Does the GMAT repeat questions? Read on…

“The secret is reps, reps, reps.” –Arnold Schwarzenegger Here’s a quick answer: NO, but sort of maybe sometimes if you look at it a certain way. There’s obviously a lot of interest in this topic, and I will tell you one true thing, even if it’s not what you expected: Repeating questions is the simplest, … Read More

Video: A Difficult GMAT Combinations Problem!

The 2016 Official Guide is not a major difference from the 11th, 12th, or 2015 editions. This is particularly true when it comes to difficult questions. However, certain things are noticeable over time. One of these trends has been in Combinatorics (you might think of this as Permutations and Combinations, but Combinatorics is a better … Read More

Are you Making the #1 Biggest Mistake in Your GMAT Preparation?

CLEARLY there is A LOT to study for the GMAT. However, what exactly is necessary to do is more of a mystery. During my nearly 15 years as a GMAT tutor and consultant, one thing appears to be more of a problem than most. A very common circumstance is to find the person who studies … Read More

How Pessimism Can Boost Your GMAT Score

Today I heard something very interesting while listening to a speech by author, investor, and general crazy person Tim Ferriss. On one hand, I was excited to hear him echo what I’ve always said about “imagine the worst that could happen”— –that is, imagine that you never prep, “fail” the GMAT, and don’t get into … Read More

Determination – The Key to Success

Why do some bright students crash below 600, and how do math phobic students end up with a 96th percentile on the numerical part? As we say in this article’s companion piece (see article: Discipline – A Key to Success), there are two characteristics that can make the smartest students fail and the most average ones … Read More

How to Carve Out GMAT Study Time in Your Busy Schedule

We all struggle with it. There simply isn’t enough time in the day. It would be a lot easier if there were 30 hours in the day and eight days in the week. I know, and believe me, I sympathize. However, an interesting thought comes to mind that is very related to the last blog … Read More

How a Tomato Can Skyrocket Your GMAT Prep

…Or at least I think it’s “tomato.” I don’t speak Italian This one, however, is a tomato you don’t want to eat. Well, then, what do you do with it? Glad you asked. The “Pomodoro Technique,” named after the cutesy little kitchen timer, was developed in the 1980s by productivity expert Francesco Cirillo. The technique … Read More