Life’s Pop Quiz: The Unexpected Lessons of Grad School Exams

Anish Merchant often recounts “The Hero’s Journey” — the story of a hero who goes on a grand adventure to find where he or she belongs. Stories like this inspired Anish to leave the U.S. in pursuit of his own grand adventure — one that helped him find where he belonged: in Buenas Aires, Argentina. Rather than this signaling the end of his journey, it was the birth of a new one. Anish’s new calling took shape in the form of his company, Merchant GMAT & Admissions, which helps students navigate the GMAT and, as an extension, life itself.


Episode Summary 

• 02:53 - What is the meaning of Anish’s name? 
• 03:39 - Anish explains how seeking adventure brought him to his new home — Buenos Aires, Argentina — and how it changed the trajectory of his life. 
• 05:58 - What is it about Buenos Aires that resonated with Anish so much?
• 07:05 - Anish looks back on the origins of his company, Merchant GMAT & Admissions. 
• 10:44 - How does Anish see the role of an MBA degree in a person’s life?
• 12:05 - Anish gives advice to students who see the GMAT or MBA as an end goal, and suggests that it’s simply a means to an end. 
• 14:48 - As important as it is to know what you want to do, Anish stresses the importance of knowing what you don’t want to do. 
• 18:47 - Anish compares the pathway to an MBA to the path you walk in life. 
• 19:34 - How is the GMAT a metaphor for life itself?
• 21:40 - Anish breaks down problem-solving structures that are inherently present in the GMAT. 
• 24:15 - Anish talks about how the fear of failure inhibits students from performing to their potential. 
• 26:35 - Anish gives one last story on how working in international education has changed his life. 
• 28:00 - Who is Anish’s favorite superhero (and what superpower would he want)? 

Links
Buenas Aires, Argentina

Merchant GMAT & Admissions 

Meaning of the name Anish

The GMAT Exam 

MBA 

Guest Information
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Resources
Study MBA in the USA

A GMAT Story & Additional Resources

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