Inside the GMAT

Graduate Management Admission Council

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. EA Prep Week 8: What Goes Up...Might Come Down Ft. Stacey Koprince, Manhattan Prep

    16H AGO

    EA Prep Week 8: What Goes Up...Might Come Down Ft. Stacey Koprince, Manhattan Prep

    "This is why you take practice exams. So that you know what you DON'T want to do on test day." Practice tests don't always move in a straight line—and this week, GMAC Zach finds that out firsthand. After hitting a personal high on his previous EA exam practice exam with a 155, his latest score dips slightly, sparking an honest conversation about score fluctuations, confidence traps, and what really causes plateaus during EA prep. Joined, as always, by Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep, they unpack why the third practice exam is such a common stumbling point, how overconfidence can quietly lead to careless mistakes (yes, even in your strongest section), and why focusing only on weaknesses can cause your strengths to atrophy. They also dig into practical strategy: how to review practice exams effectively, how to organize quant scratch work, and how to decide when you're truly ready to take your final practice test—or the real thing. The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on motivation, deadlines, and whether booking the official exam before you feel "ready" can actually be the push you need. If you've ever felt frustrated by a score dip or unsure about your next step in EA or GMAT prep, this one will feel very familiar—and very reassuring. About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student. Helpful links: Register for the EA: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register Purchase EA Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare GMAC Free EA Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare/free-prep-resources Manhattan Prep EA Resources: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/courses/executive-assessment-test-prep Key Takeaways: Score dips are normal—especially around your third practice exam. As content knowledge increases, timing issues, overconfidence, and stubbornness can creep in. Focusing only on weaknesses can hurt your strengths. Mixed review matters, or previously solid skills can quietly slip. Careless mistakes often come from confidence, not confusion. Rushing through "easy" questions can cost just as many points as knowledge gaps. Practice exam review matters more than the score itself. Time spent, question-level decisions, and patterns of error are where the real insights live. Write everything down on quant. Clean, organized scratch work isn't about neatness—it's about thinking clearly under pressure. Grammar prep shouldn't break what already works. Use rules strategically to retrain your ear where it falls for traps, not everywhere. Your last practice exam is precious—but not sacred. For some test-takers, the real exam can function as a high-stakes "dry run" with better data. Deadlines can be powerful motivators—if you know yourself. Booking the test can help procrastinators push through, as long as flexibility remains. Don't tell anyone your test date. Fewer external expectations = fewer distractions on test day. Chapters: 00:00 Practice Exam Insights 07:04 Verbal Section Challenges 10:01 Quantitative Strategies 12:45 Considerations for Test Day 18:19 Setting Deadlines and Accountability

    25 min
  2. AU is All-In on AI: In Conversation with Kogod's Dean David Marchick

    2D AGO

    AU is All-In on AI: In Conversation with Kogod's Dean David Marchick

    "AI is going to be as profound as fire or electricity. Even if that's one-millionth true, we have to take it seriously." In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with David Marchick, Dean of the Kogod School of Business at American University, to explore how business education is being reshaped by AI, career pivots, and the skills that truly matter over a lifetime. Marchick reflects on his unconventional career path and how those experiences shape his student-first approach to leadership. He explains why "psychic income," not just financial return, drives his work in higher education, and why helping students experiment, fail, and grow outside the classroom is just as important as mastering core business fundamentals. A major focus of the conversation is Kogod's rapid and award-winning integration of artificial intelligence into every aspect of the business school—from curriculum and faculty research to operations and student learning. Marchick shares how Kogod moved quickly to embed AI literacy across disciplines, partnered with tools like Perplexity, and created a culture where experimentation with emerging technology is encouraged rather than feared. The discussion also tackles broader questions facing prospective students: how AI is changing leadership, why business degrees still matter in a non-linear career world, and how graduate education can empower creatives, career switchers, and non-traditional students to reinvent themselves. Marchick closes with advice for ambitious young professionals weighing business school, urging them to find the overlap between what they love, what they're good at, and where they're willing to keep learning—and relearning—over time. About David Marchick: David Marchick serves as Dean of the Kogod School of Business at American University. In this role, he leads the school's work to support more than 2,000 students and offer more than two dozen undergraduate and graduate degree and certification programs. He previously was an Adjunct Professor at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth University.  Since Marchick took on the role of Dean in August 2022, the Kogod School of Business has unveiled major initiatives in sustainability, AI and entrepreneurship; raised more than the previous 10 years combined; attracted its largest-ever first-year undergraduate class; and almost doubled the number of endowed chairs for the school. Under Marchick's leadership, Kogod faculty and staff developed and implemented what Poets & Quants called "the most consequential AI transformation in business education." Helpful links: The Kogod School of Business: https://kogod.american.edu/ AU's Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence: https://kogod.american.edu/iaai Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 02:29 The Evolution of Business Education 05:35 AI's Impact on Business Schools 08:30 The Importance of Communication Skills 11:35 The Changing Landscape of Graduate Education 14:10 Integrating AI into the Curriculum 17:20 Real-World Applications of AI in Education 20:22 Preparing for the Future of Work 23:15 Advice for Aspiring Business Students 26:11 Future Initiatives at Kogod School of Business

    36 min
  3. Eating Your GMAT Vegetables with MyGuru's Stefan Maisnier

    12/31/2025

    Eating Your GMAT Vegetables with MyGuru's Stefan Maisnier

    "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 measuring, and how the mindset you develop while studying can pay dividends far beyond test day. Stefan famously describes GMAT prep as "eating your vegetables"—not always enjoyable, but undeniably good for you. Together, Zach and Stefan explore why productive discomfort leads to real growth, how to reframe negative beliefs about math and reading, and why the GMAT remains a powerful tool for self-improvement in an age of shortcuts and AI. If you're feeling stuck, intimidated, or tempted to avoid the GMAT altogether, this conversation will help you rethink the value of the challenge. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why the GMAT is designed to feel difficult—and why that's intentional What the exam actually measures (and why it matters for business school and leadership) How GMAT prep builds skills that carry into MBA coursework and professional life Why "I'm not a math person" or "I'm not a reader" is usually a learned belief—not a fact How adaptive testing changes the test-taking experience Why improvement over time can be more compelling than a single high score Realistic timelines and expectations for GMAT prep How to shift from a "this is painful" mindset to a "this is valuable" mindset About MyGuru: For 15 years, MyGuru has provided an unparalleled edge to students worldwide by empowering a team of uniquely qualified subject matter experts to use their individual expertise and experience to provide dynamic real-time instruction rather than boring one-size-fits-all curricula to every client. They have delivered customized in-person and virtual tutoring to individuals at the middle school, high school, college, graduate, and professional levels as well as enterprise tutoring solutions for institutions such as Northwestern Mutual and Northeastern Illinois University.  Helpful links: MyGuru Website: https://www.myguruedge.com/en-us/ MyGuru on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MyGuruEdge Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register Sign up for GMAC Advancery to Find Best-Fit B-Schools Schools: https://advancery.gmac.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to GMAT and Mindset for Success 01:35 Understanding the GMAT's Purpose and Value 04:11 The Importance of Challenging Yourself 06:39 Engaging with the GMAT: Strategies for Success 10:35 Overcoming Misconceptions About Math and Reading 14:15 The Adaptive Nature of the GMAT Exam 18:20 The Role of Improvement Over Perfection 19:54 How to Schedule Your Prep Timeline 23:07 Mindset and Overcoming Obstacles 25:15 The Importance of Self-Improvement 30:11 Navigating Test Preparation 34:12 Embracing the Learning Journey

    37 min
  4. EA Prep Week 7: Reviewing Hard Questions - LIVE! Ft. Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep

    12/22/2025

    EA Prep Week 7: Reviewing Hard Questions - LIVE! Ft. Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep

    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. They explore strategies for tackling each type of question, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying logic, taking notes, and being aware of traps in answer choices. The discussion highlights the need for effective test preparation and the value of learning from mistakes to improve performance in future exams. About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student. Helpful links: Register for the EA: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register Purchase EA Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare GMAC Free EA Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare/free-prep-resources Manhattan Prep EA Resources: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/courses/executive-assessment-test-prep Takeaways: Taking notes during the exam can help clarify complex questions. Understanding the logic behind questions is crucial for success. Each answer choice is designed to test specific reasoning skills. It's important to identify key details in the question prompt. Practice with various question types can enhance test-taking strategies. Avoid rushing to answer choices before analyzing the question. Recognizing distractor answers can prevent common mistakes. Familiarity with question formats can reduce anxiety during the test. Effective time management is essential for completing all questions. Learning from incorrect answers is vital for improvement. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 00:46 Integrated Reasoning (IR) Question - Two-Part Analysis 13:08 Verbal Reasoning (VR) Question - Critical Reasoning 27:33 Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Question - Problem Solving 37:53 In Review & Next Steps

    39 min
  5. EA Prep Week 6: The Practice Results are in...Again! Ft. Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep

    12/12/2025

    EA Prep Week 6: The Practice Results are in...Again! Ft. Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep

    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 importance of reviewing results, and the next steps in Zach's study plan. The conversation also touches on how life challenges can impact preparation and the structure of the exam itself, highlighting personal preferences and strategies for success. About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student. Helpful links: Register for the EA: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register Purchase EA Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare GMAC Free EA Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare/free-prep-resources Manhattan Prep EA Resources: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/courses/executive-assessment-test-prep Takeaways: The importance of reviewing practice exam results to identify strengths and weaknesses. Life challenges can serve as motivation during test preparation. It's common for scores to fluctuate; not every practice test will show improvement. Understanding the exam structure can help reduce anxiety. Reviewing questions you got wrong is crucial for future success. Focus on low-hanging fruit when studying for improvement. Practice tests should be taken within a few days of review for better retention. The EA exam's panel structure can be psychologically comforting. Setting realistic goals for future practice tests is essential.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Practice Exam Results 01:35 Score Analysis and Improvement Strategies 03:58 Life Challenges and Test Performance 05:47 Reviewing Practice Exam Results 08:34 Next Steps and Future Practice Tests 10:28 Exam Structure and Test-Taking Strategies

    13 min

  6. 12/05/2025 · BONUS

    Need GMAT Help? Register Free for GMAC Insider Week!

    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 prep and admissions counselors. For each seminar, live attendees will be entered to win one full GMAT Exam Voucher AND receive an exclusive 10% discount on official GMAT Prep products - up to $330 in value! Tell 'em GMAC Zach sent you.

    2 min
  7. The "Why Our School?" Essay with Jeremy Shinewald, mbaMission

    12/03/2025

    The "Why Our School?" Essay with Jeremy Shinewald, mbaMission

    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 this essay is far more than a formality, where most applicants go wrong, and the three core components every strong response must include: your context, your goals, and a bridge that connects those goals to the school's specific resources. He also shares insider tips from two decades of advising thousands of candidates, including how to avoid sounding generic, why authenticity matters more than perfection, and how to demonstrate conviction that resonates with admissions committees. If you want to tell your story with clarity, purpose, and genuine fit, this episode is your roadmap. Featured Resources: mbaMission: https://www.mbamission.com onTrack by mbaMission: https://ontrack.mbamission.com About Our Guest: Jeremy Shinewald is the founder of mbaMission (Poets and Quants 4x top-ranked MBA admissions consulting firm) and is an industry founder, innovator and driver. He is the author of the Complete Start to Finish Guide to MBA admissions and "'What Matters?' and 'What More?': 50 Successful Essays for the Stanford GSB and HBS (and Why They Worked)". He is the creator of onTrack by mbaMission, an asynchronous MBA admissions course and platform which Poets and Quants called, "the most comprehensive MBA admissions resource ever created." Jeremy's thought leadership has led to him being quoted in the WSJ, NYT and many other media outlets. Takeaways: The 'Why Our School' essay is crucial for MBA applications. Applicants often make the mistake of pandering to schools. Authenticity is key; don't try to be someone you're not. Understanding your goals before applying is essential. Researching schools thoroughly can enhance your application. Your personal statement should reflect genuine fit with the school. Communication skills are vital in the application process. Context in your essay should lead to your goals. Don't leave your application to the last minute. Chapters: 00:00 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 00:35 Understanding the MBA Admissions Process 05:25 The Art of Personal Statements 08:19 Crafting the 'Why Our School' Essay 10:36 Crafting Your MBA Goals 15:07 Understanding the School's Fit 18:19 The Importance of Clarity in Goals 20:20 Valuing the 'Why This School' Essay 22:07 Final Thoughts on the Application Process

    26 min
  8. From Fashion Design to the MBA: How Ashwini Landed at Kellogg with a 700+ GMAT Score

    11/19/2025

    From Fashion Design to the MBA: How Ashwini Landed at Kellogg with a 700+ GMAT Score

    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 scholarship—to the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She walks through her unconventional path, why she approached GMAT prep like a creative challenge, how the right prep tools accelerated her progress, and why non-traditional applicants should see their backgrounds as an advantage, not a barrier. Ashwini also explains how her GMAT skills still show up in the classroom and in consulting recruiting—and how confidence, mindset, and self-reflection powered every step of her journey. You can follow Ashwini's MBA adventures on Instagram, offering a behind-the-scenes look at classes, campus life, and what it's really like to be a business student with a fashion-tech edge. Explore GMAT Prep: https://www.mba.com/gmat-exam-prep Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GMATbyGMAC Takeaways: Creativity can lead to a successful MBA journey and prep plan. Self-reflection is key in GMAT preparation. Non-traditional backgrounds can be advantageous in applications. Choosing the right business school is crucial for fit. A strong GMAT score can open doors to not just top schools, but scholarship opportunities. Start preparing early to avoid last-minute stress. Utilize resources that match your learning style. Confidence is essential for non-traditional candidates. Success is achievable with dedication and the right mindset. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ashwini's Journey 05:03 The GMAT Experience: Preparation and Strategy 10:23 Choosing the Right Business School 15:32 Leveraging a Unique Background in Applications 21:06 Advice for Non-Traditional MBA Candidates 25:59 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    22 min
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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
    81
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2002-2025, Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC™). All rights are reserved.
  • Show Website
    Inside the GMAT