Inside the GMAT

Graduate Management Admission Council
  • 3.8 (17)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

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. You'll get practical tips for excelling on the GMAT, insights into how schools evaluate candidates, and real stories from people who've walked the same path. From study strategies and score reports to networking, career pivots, and big-picture trends shaping graduate management education, Inside the GMAT brings you the guidance and confidence you need to succeed. If you want the inside scoop on the GMAT, admissions, and how to get the most out of your business school journey, this podcast is for you.

  1. 4d ago

    Week 4: How to Stop Overthinking Data Insights | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching

    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: Data Insights is a resource-management test as much as a reasoning test. A major challenge is recognizing when a question is consuming too much time and deciding whether the next step is actually worth the investment. You do not need to understand everything you're shown. Start with the task, then seek out the information needed to answer it. Trying to fully absorb every graph, tab, or paragraph upfront can waste valuable time. The bigger danger is often assuming information, not overlooking it. When you catch yourself filling in a gap with outside knowledge or what "seems" true, go back to the information provided and find support you can actually defend. If a Graphics Interpretation question feels like an eye test, you may be interpreting the graph incorrectly. Differences should be defensible from the data rather than dependent on extremely precise visual estimation. On Data Sufficiency, define what would make the information sufficient before you start calculating. Especially on yes/no questions, you do not need one unique scenario—you need to know whether the answer can be determined definitively. You do not have to evaluate Data Sufficiency statements in order. Starting with the statement that gives you the clearest path can make the problem easier and reduce unnecessary work. Doing more practice questions is not necessarily the path to improvement. The useful part of review is identifying exactly where your reasoning broke down and what you need to do differently when you encounter a similar challenge again. 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

    Week 4: How to Stop Overthinking Data Insights | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching

  2. Aug 17

    What Time Is Your Brain at Its Best? with Dr. Rodrigo Tello, Oklahoma State University

    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

    What Time Is Your Brain at Its Best? with Dr. Rodrigo Tello, Oklahoma State University

  3. Aug 13

    Week 3: Vexed by Verbal Reasoning | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching

    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: Verbal is objective. You're not choosing the answer you can make the best case for; four answers are ultimately flawed for a reason. Read for structure, not memorization. Look for changes in direction, perspective, comparisons, and why each paragraph exists. Don't bring too much outside knowledge with you. Your assumptions and familiarity with a topic can sometimes make a question harder rather than easier. Know your job before evaluating the answers. An assumption, strengthener, inference, and other question types demand different things. Make your eliminations defensible. "I don't like this answer" isn't enough; you should be able to articulate why it fails the task. Review why you got stuck—not just what you got wrong. Hailey's final advice is to look for recurring resistance points in your decision-making rather than simply drilling more questions of the same type.

    Week 3: Vexed by Verbal Reasoning | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching

  4. Aug 5

    Week 2: Don't Sweat the Quant Stuff | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching

    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: Front-load your analysis so you can execute more efficiently Identify and pursue the path of least resistance Recognize the cues intentionally built into a question Choose useful numbers when variables make a problem difficult to visualize Avoid doing the right math for the wrong question Turn "careless mistakes" into specific opportunities for improvement 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: Analyze before you calculate. A small investment of time at the beginning can prevent you from spending several minutes on an approach that will not pay off. Look for the path of least resistance. The first method that comes to mind is not necessarily the most efficient one. Treat every detail as intentional. A word such as "remaining," "integer," or "non-negative" may completely change how the question should be interpreted. Make abstract questions tangible. When a problem uses percentages and variables, choosing useful numbers can make the underlying relationship easier to see. Answer the question that was actually asked. Correct calculations can still lead to a wrong answer when you use the wrong comparison or percentage base. Investigate so-called careless mistakes. Errors often begin with how the problem was interpreted or organized—not with the final arithmetic. 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

    Week 2: Don't Sweat the Quant Stuff | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching

  5. Jul 30

    Week 1: Building Your Study Plan | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching

    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: Build a clear preparation timeline before diving into practice questions. Divide your study plan into two broad phases: foundations and strategy first, followed by timed and test-like practice. Avoid treating practice exams as the structure of your entire study plan. Focus on understanding why you struggled with a question—not simply what type of question you missed. Use an error log to identify recurring behaviors, habits, and decision-making patterns. Prioritize the quality of your review over the number of questions you complete. Look for consistency across practice exams rather than relying on one strong performance. Practice handling realistic distractions and pressure before test day. Maintain balance, flexibility, and resilience throughout the preparation process. Leave enough time in your schedule to retake the GMAT if needed. 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

    Week 1: Building Your Study Plan | GMAT Summer Study Series with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching

  6. Jul 22

    Rewind: Meet with Admissions at GMAC Tours

    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 Takeaways 1. 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. Chapters 01:12 - 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

    Rewind: Meet with Admissions at GMAC Tours

  7. Jul 15

    GMAT Superscore Explained with Charles Bibilos, GMAT Ninja

    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: How GMAT Superscore is calculated When a superscore may differ meaningfully from your best single-attempt score Why candidates should still prepare for all three sections How superscoring may help candidates manage test-day anxiety Why score improvement and multiple attempts are not viewed negatively by schools How financial access and testing context may affect the conversation What questions remain about how schools will report and use superscores Charles's three biggest pieces of advice for candidates 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.

    GMAT Superscore Explained with Charles Bibilos, GMAT Ninja

  8. Jun 17

    Financing Your MBA: What Every Candidate Should Know

    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: Why financing feels overwhelming for so many candidates The difference between scholarships, federal loans, and private loans How to calculate your true cost of attendance Common funding mistakes students make Ways AI can help students plan financially Why starting early matters How Ascent Funding supports students beyond financing 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

    Financing Your MBA: What Every Candidate Should Know
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About

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. You'll get practical tips for excelling on the GMAT, insights into how schools evaluate candidates, and real stories from people who've walked the same path. From study strategies and score reports to networking, career pivots, and big-picture trends shaping graduate management education, Inside the GMAT brings you the guidance and confidence you need to succeed. If you want the inside scoop on the GMAT, admissions, and how to get the most out of your business school journey, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Graduate Management Admission Council
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2002-2026, Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC™). All rights are reserved.
  • Show Website
    Inside the GMAT

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