GMAT Tips

GMAT Tips (From an NUS-PKU MBA Alumni) Program IMBA FMBA PMBA GMAT code SVH-D6-03 SVH-D6-61 SVH-D6-18 As an MBA Graduate myself, I can assure you that the GMAT isn???t too difficult to conquer. For most native English speakers, constantly mugging for an hour or two every evening for about two to three weeks should be able to get you a decent score to be at least shortlisted for the PKU-NUS MBA program. Applicants whose native tongue isn???t in English may need more practice. Here's my two cents worth: What's a GMAT? Visit the MBA Website (http://www.mba.com/mba ) or download GMAT in a Nutshell (http://www.gmat.sg/download/GMAT-in-a-Nutshell.pdf ) Gauge your GMAT score by downloading a FREE computer adaptive test (http://www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT/ToolsToHelpYouPrepare/GMATPrepProducts/FreeGMATPre pTestPreparationSoftwarein2006.htm). If you can score over 700, register for the test immediately and take the test - you're a genius! Otherwise, we want to make sure that we practice a little bit before we go for the test. Its USD 250 thereabouts, lasts five years and is used by most top business schools. Start Preparing for the GMAT by one of the three methods: (a) The Value Conscious Applicant Check out in a public library near you on where the GMAT books are shelved. Borrow a few home and return them after renewing them at least once ;-) Study them consciously for an hour or two every evening for about two to three weeks and you should be able to make it. Maybe less, if you are fast :-) * Why spend too much money on GMAT since you're going to use the books once anyways? * (b) The Serious MBA Applicant Head to major bookstores in your city and zoom in to the GMAT books. Grab one (Best if its The Official Guide for GMAT Review 11th Edition (http://www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT/ToolsToHelpYouPrepare/GMATPrepProducts/OfficialGuidefor GMATReview11thEditionNEW.htm ); if not, choose a leading title like The Princeton Review or Kaplan...if you dont know how to choose, then choose the thickest book) Lazy? Order yours from the web but not recommended since it takes a while to get to you. Practise fervently and if you complete most of the questions in a timed fashion, you should be more than well equipped for the test! (c) The Ultra Well Prepared Applicant will immediately decide to take up GMAT Prep lessons offered by the leading GMAT Prep Schools in your city. Way expensive but they may help boost 80 marks or so (some come with guarantee). The Princeton Review, Kaplan and The Manhattan Review (also cheaper ones by local companies) are some of your options. Burns a hole in your pocket but they will make sure you get more than sufficient practice. They also offer one-on-one for the perfectionist :-) For Singaporeans, you can either visit High-Q at Shaw Centre or GMAT-Zone (http://www.gmat-zone.com/ ) at Raffles Place. Once you are done studying, you can add that extra boost to your GMAT score. Take another computer adaptive test (just to make sure that you can do it both on paper and on the computer) 5 Downloadable GMAT Tests (http://www.800score.com/download.html ) for USD$19.90 (a friend told me its effective) or of course, source for your own computerized GMAT tests (some books come with a CD or free computerized test...which may already be sufficient) Finally, Register for the GMAT (http://www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT/ ). Since this is an external testing centre independent of any business school, you will have to register on their website and they will furnish you with the test details. Note that I am not paid to promote any publications, websites or GMAT prep centres in this email. Just sharing with you all my own experience in taking the GMAT. Good luck ;-) and we look forward to having you apply to the MBA Program of Guanghua School of Management, Peking University (http://mba.pku.edu.cn/index_en.html; http://mba.pku.edu.cn/eng/zsxx/zsxx.htm ) soon! Useful Websites: http://www.mba.com/mba http://www.gmat.sg/download/GMAT-in-a-Nutshell.pdf http://www.gmattestquestions.com http://www.gmatexampracticetests.com