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Inside the GMAT

Graduate Management Admission Council

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Inside the GMAT is the podcast designed for anyone considering, applying to, or preparing for business school. Whether you're just beginning to explore the MBA path, knee-deep in applications, or focused on mastering the GMAT exam, this show is your inside track to smarter decisions, expert advice, and strategies that work. Brought to you by GMAC (the makers of the GMAT exam) each weekly episode features candid conversations with admissions leaders, test prep experts, and successful students ...
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Prepped and Polished Podcast is an educational podcast hosted by Alexis Andres Avila, Founder and CEO of Prepped and Polished. join me for brand new episodes with guests who are leading influencers in the world of education. From Alexis: This season, I am diving deeper than ever, covering topics that are both timely and impactful. For instance, I want to explore questions like: Why are today’s children experiencing higher levels of depression, anxiety, and unhappiness compared to previous ge ...
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It's Week 7 of Zach's EA prep, and Stacey from Manhattan Prep helps GMAC Zach review his most recent practice exam, focusing on three specific problems: a Two-Part Analysis question in the Integrated Reasoning section, a Critical Reasoning quesiton in the Verbal section, and a complex Problem Solving question in the Quantitative Reasoning section. …
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"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 measurin…
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On episode 269, Alexis Avila speaks to returning guest Jared Cooney Horvath.Our Guest:Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is a neuroscientist, educator, and best-selling author who specializes in human learning and brain development. He is the creator of The Learning Blueprint, an international award-winning program helping educators and students under…
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Practice Exam #2 results are in...and they are good! It's Week 6 of GMAC Zach's EA prep and the results are in for his second practice exam. In this week's episode, Stacey dives into Zach's results, focusing on his score improvement and the strategies he employed during his preparation. They also explore the emotional aspects of test-taking, the im…
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Register for GMAC Insider Week Free: https://go.gmac.com/gmac-insider-week-december-2025-virtual-seminar-series Do you want free, focused guidance to level-up your business school applications and GMAT performance - with exclusive bonuses for attendees! Join us for our first ever GMAC Insider Week! A series of FREE 30-minute seminars with top test …
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Writing the "Why Our School?" essay is one of the toughest—and most overlooked—parts of the MBA application. In this episode, GMAC Zach sits down with Jeremy Shinewald, founder of MBA Mission and one of the most trusted voices in MBA admissions, to break down how to turn this high-stakes prompt into a powerful statement of fit. Jeremy explains why …
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In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Ashwini Deshpande, a former fashion designer turned MBA candidate whose two-month GMAT sprint transformed her entire career trajectory. Ashwini shares how she went from designing digital fashion at Meta to scoring a 750 on the exam (roughly a 715 on today's scale), earning admission—and a…
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In the latest installment of GMAC Zach's EA prep journey, Zach is joined by test prep expert Stacey Koprince for another candid conversation about tacking the exam. Fresh off completing the Foundations of Math book, Zach shares what surprised him, what clicked, and what still feels intimidating — from story problems that suddenly felt accessible to…
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What does it take to pivot from military service to medical technology leadership? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach talks with Alec Burris, a former U.S. Marine turned MBA graduate from the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business, and Burt Slusher, Assistant Dean for MBA and Specialty Masters Programs. Alec shares how he translated hi…
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Even the best test-takers struggle with doubt, careless mistakes, and burnout — but according to Manhattan Prep's Stacey Koprince, that's where real progress begins. In this episode, GMAC Zach continues his on-air EA prep journey, diving deep into the psychology of confidence, practical study modes, and why "getting it wrong" is actually the most v…
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When most people think about business school, they imagine case studies, strategy sessions, and career advancement. But what if your MBA could help you do more than just get ahead? What if it could help you do good? In this episode, Spencer Anderson, Head of Operations at Leland Coaching and Harvard Business School alum, joins Inside the GMAT to ex…
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In this emotional and insightful episode, GMAC Zach opens up about receiving difficult family news that put his EA prep on pause. Joined by Manhattan Prep's Stacey Koprince, he explores how to regain focus and motivation when life throws unexpected challenges your way. Zach and Stacey discuss how to rebuild a study rhythm after disruption, balance …
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Many MBA applicants see business school as a chance to pivot—to shift industries, roles, or even entire careers. But how realistic is your pivot story, and how can you make it resonate with admissions committees and recruiters? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined by Pamela Jaffe and Laura Nelson, founders of MBA Pathfinders, who…
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"When you approach EA prep the right way, you're not just studying for a test—you're training your brain for your business career." GMAC Zach continues his EA exam prep journey with expert coach Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep. Zach shares his early research into Executive MBA programs close to home in Washington, DC — from Georgetown McDonough…
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Do you know how to tell your story authentically, not artificially? GMAC Zach and Susan Berishaj, founder of Sia Admissions, discuss the evolving role of AI in MBA admissions and the importance of authentic storytelling. They explore common misconceptions about the admissions process, the risks of over-reliance on AI, and the significance of intros…
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Can you get a good EA score after one week of prep? It turns out you can! In the first week of his Executive Assessment journey, GMAC Zach finally puts his skills to the test — literally. After taking both the EA Question Sampler and his very first full-length practice exam, he sits down with test-prep legend Stacey Koprince of Manhattan Prep to un…
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GMAC Zach speaks with Keith Gallinelli and Emily Whitehouse from the Yale School of Management about Yale's MBA for Executives program. Together, they share what sets their EMBA apart, from its integrated core curriculum taught through an executive lens to the way students immediately apply new skills to their careers. Keith and Emily also break do…
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Now for something completely different! GMAC Zach is putting himself in the hot seat. In this kickoff episode, he sits down with Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep to talk about his own career goals, and whether a full-time, part-time, or executive MBA could be the right next step. Zach opens up about the leadership skills he wants to strengthen b…
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In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach and guest Ellin Lolis from Ellin Lolis Consulting discuss the significance of crafting a career-defining narrative for MBA applicants. They explore how storytelling can enhance clarity and connection in applications, the evaluation criteria used by admissions committees, and methodologies for developing…
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Application and test prep season can feel overwhelming with deadlines, essays, recommendations, and GMAT prep all colliding at once. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Alexis Meares, Manager of New Product Development at GMAC, to unpack what a realistic business school application plan looks like. Together, they explore wh…
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"Sometimes with more choice comes more anxiety. And the decision of which exam to take ends up being part of the process that can be complicated and painful." Deciding which exam to take can be tough - but it doesn't have to be! In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined by Charles Bibilos, founder of GMAT Ninja, to discuss the complex…
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"The most important thing is to not give up and to believe that it's possible." What does it take to turn setbacks into success? In this episode, GMAC Zach sits down with recent GMAT test taker Ana Marie Dias, who shares her candid journey from underestimating the exam to earning a competitive score of 685 that opened doors to her dream program in …
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"Prepping for the GMAT was one of the biggest, most self-motivated projects of my adult life. It gave me concrete feedback I hadn't experienced in years. Improvement wasn't visible every day, but I could see how my effort turned into results." In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Julia Shackelford, who earned a perfect GMAT …
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"Knowledge used to be power, but it no longer is power. What you do with that knowledge—that's the skill." In this must-watch episode for test takers, GMAC Zach speaks at length with Sergey Kouk from Admit Master about a skills-based approach to GMAT preparation. They discuss the common misconceptions surrounding the GMAT, the importance of reasoni…
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The GMAT Official Guide is more than just a book. It's your direct line to real GMAT questions and the best possible test-day preparation. In this episode, GMAC Zach is once again joined by Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep to explore how to get the most out of the Official Guide and other GMAT official tools. You'll learn why practicing with rea…
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"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 be…
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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 hum…
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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…
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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/p…
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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 discussi…
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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 scor…
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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…
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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…
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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 experience…
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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, comm…
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In this episode, Zach is joined by Melody Jones from Vantage Point MBA to discuss the often-overlooked period between MBA acceptance and the start of classes, sometimes referred to as the 'Dead Zone.' They explore various strategies for academic readiness, networking, and personal development, as well as the logistical considerations for incoming s…
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In this episode, Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep discusses the essential considerations when preparing to take a business school entrance exam. Stacey breaks down her top prep strategies and emphasizes the importance of understanding your study timeline, effective study techniques, recognizing when to take breaks, and the value of collaborative…
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Summary In this episode, Travis Morgan from MBA Whisperer discusses the intricacies of applying to business schools, debunking common myths and providing valuable insights into the application process. He emphasize the importance of resumes, essays, and understanding school fit over rankings. The discussion also covers the significance of test scor…
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Summary In this episode, Petia Whitmore from My MBA Path delves into the intricacies of the MBA application process, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, clarity of purpose, and the evaluation criteria used by admissions committees. Petia shares insights from her experience as a former Dean of MBA Admissions, outlining the two phases of the …
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On episode 268, Alexis Avila speaks to returning guest Jared Cooney Horvath.Our Guest:Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is a neuroscientist, educator, and author of the best-selling book Stop Talking, Start Influencing: 12 Insights from Brain Science to Make Your Message Stick. Jared has conducted research and lectured at Harvard University, Harvard …
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On Episode 267, Alexis Avila speaks to Dr. Shirag Shemmassian, founder and admissions consultant of Shemmassian Academic Consulting. As a Cornell University graduate and Cornell admissions interviewer, Shirag knows what the best schools are looking for in prospective students during admissions interviews.On today’s episode Shirag and I talk about c…
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On Episode 266 of the new and improved Prepped and Polished Podcast, Alexis shares his academic struggles and how he was able to overcome them. We’ll discuss ways to achieve better grades in school such as: • Finding the right social circles that will help you thrive. • Finding mentors at school who will inspire you. • Refining your study skills so…
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In Episode 265 of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron shares the differences between the Digital SAT and the ACT.The main differences are:1. The digital SAT is shorter than the paper SAT.2. There are more questions for the Reading Section on the digital version.3. The digital version allows calculator use throughout the entire test. There is a …
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In Episode 264 of the Prepped and Polished Podcast, Aaron shares the differences between the Digital SAT and the ACT.The main differences are:1. The Digital SAT is taken on a computer and the ACT is a paper test. There is a digital version of the ACT but it is currently available for international students only.2. The Digital SAT has adaptive diffi…
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Host 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 GMAT Focus Edition helps reduce your chances of e…
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In this episode, we're joined by Manish Dharia, Director of Product Marketing at GMAC. Manish talks all things GMAT Focus Edition, covering how and why we made the decision to bring you the latest evolution of the GMAT; what the changes to each section, scoring and score report are; the many benefits these changes add to your testing experience and…
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Are you interested in GMAT Focus, but haven't spoken to a professional tutor about whether it's the right test for you? This episode has got you covered - our guest, Hailey Cusimano, Director of Tutoring at Menlo Coaching, shares her insights on the test and helps you decide if it's ultimately right for you. As an added bonus, our host, Eric Chambe…
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In this episode, our UK-based host, Nalisha Patel, has a riveting chat with Sunil Kandola, Vice President of Coin Systems Strategy at Onyx by JP Morgan. You'll hear all about Sunil's fascinating career path – from the British Army to studying an MBA at the prestigious Saïd Business School at Oxford University to landing his role at JP Morgan. Sunil…
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