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Winter Break SAT Reading List 2014

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Winter Break SAT Reading List 2014

Winter break is right around the corner…time to get your leisure reading ready! Every school break or holiday, we want to publish a list of cool books for you to read taken from the College Board 101 Great Books list. Here are some of our favorites organized by how often you read for the Winter Break SAT Reading List 2014. Fortunately, you can get the following books from Book World by Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall or order them from Amazon.ae.

Winter Break SAT Reading List 2014

If you normally read 1 book a year

The Awakening by Kate Chopin

Kate Chopin’s riveting, daring story of one woman’s search for personal freedom was far ahead of its time. Its publication in 1899 aroused a storm of controversy violent enough to end its author’s career.

With effortless, sure-handed artistry, Chopin tells the story of Edna Pontellier. She is a young mother and model wife, whose romantic involvement with a young man during a vacation at a seaside resort allows her for the first time to imagine a new, freer life. Upon her return to New Orleans, Edna leaves her husband’s home for her own cottage and begins an affair. Unfortunately, she discovers that the constraints of social custom may be more powerful than she thought. Contemporary readers and reviewers were shocked by the frank, unapologetic treatment of adultery in The Awakening. The fact that we have the book at all is the most convincing tribute to its enduring, irrepressible power.

Our Tip: Buy the version with the selected stories. They are short and well-worth the read!

If you normally read 1 book per month

Read the book listed above and…

The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

The Sound and the Fury is the tragedy of the Compson family. It features some of the most memorable characters in literature: beautiful, rebellious Caddy; the manchild Benjy; haunted, neurotic Quentin; Jason, the brutal cynic; and Dilsey, their black servant. Their lives are fragmented and harrowed by history and legacy. The character’s voices and actions mesh to create what is arguably Faulkner’s masterpiece and one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century.

If you normally read 1 book a week

Read the books listed above and…

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Marquez’s masterpiece is one of the most influential literary works of our time. One Hundred Years of Solitude is a dazzling and original achievement by the masterful Gabriel García Márquez, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature.

One Hundred Years of Solitude tells the story of the rise and fall, birth and death of the mythical town of Macondo through the history of the Buendía family. Inventive, amusing, magnetic, sad, and alive with unforgettable men and women. It is brimming with truth, compassion, and a lyrical magic that strikes the soul. This novel is a masterpiece in the art of fiction.

Need help preparing for the SAT?

We offer private tutoring with American SAT experts. Whatsapp us or email eden@apply-me.com for more info.

 

SAT Subject Test Chemistry: How We Prepare

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SAT Subject Test Chemistry: How We Prepare

We’ve had a number of students preparing for the SAT Subject Test Chemistry recently and thought we would share our complete methodology for how to prepare for this grueling exam. If some of your chosen universities require you to take this exam and you’re not sure what it is, check out this post that explains the SAT Subject Tests.

As you probably realize after doing some research on the test, this exam tests everything you should have learned in 1 year of high school chemistry. For most 12th graders, that means it tests you on a subject you took 2 years ago and then probably forgot about. There’s not a lot of overlap between chemistry and biology or chemistry and physics, so if you’re in one of these other subjects, you need a complete refresher.

For most of our students, we have to offer a 30-hour course (that’s a lot of prep for an hour-long exam!) for them to sufficiently master the subject matter. In order to reduce the amount of one-on-one instruction you need, you’ll have to start the prep on your own and reserve hours with your tutor for questions.

Here’s how we get students started on the SAT Subject Test Chemistry and, if you’re prepping on your own, we recommend you go about your preparation:

Your SAT Subject Test Chemistry Strategy Notes

Download our complete strategy notes for your SAT Subject Chemistry Test prep as a PDF file. Print this periodic table as well (you should have it out as you study and work questions).

Apply Me SAT Subject Test Chemistry Strategy Notes

Periodic Table

Everything is taken from the Sparknotes Chemistry Guide. Here’s how to use these:

  1. Print the PowerPoint or use the PDF editor on your tablet to take digital notes on the notes.
  2. Read a chapter of the book and follow along in the notes.
  3. Try to do the examples in the notes without using the Sparknotes book.
  4. Check yourself with the Sparknotes book.
  5. Complete the review exercises at the end of the Sparknotes chapter. Time yourself, giving 1 minute per question (e.g., if there are 10 questions, you get 10 minutes). At the end of the time, mark where you stopped and keep working. Be faster next time.
  6. As you review at the beginning of your next session, review only the PowerPoint notes.

SAT Subject Test Chemistry Practice Tests

You MUST take practice tests if you intend to score over 600 (this is a good score on the subject tests), so you’ll need supplemental material. We recommend you use the Kaplan SAT Subject Test Chemistry book. It’s also a great resource if you need more help on a certain subject. You can buy the Kaplan book at Book World by Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall. If the book isn’t available, you can buy Barron’s SAT Subject Test Chemistry instead.

Take a diagnostic test BEFORE you start preparing. This score is your baseline score and lets you know what you would get if you took the SAT Subject Chemistry Test now. You’ll need to write down and try to improve upon this score.

Your Study Schedule

Since you probably have a lot of school work, we recommend you reserve one day a week to study for the SAT Subject Chemistry Test. Each session will take about 4 hours (practice tests only require 1 hour). Here’s the schedule to prepare over 8 weeks. If you have less time, you’ll have to do 2 days a week.

  1. Chemistry Basics (this represents chapters 1, 2, 3, 12, and 13 from the Sparknotes)
  2. The Structure of Matter
  3. The States of Matter
  4. Reaction Types; Practice Test #1
  5. Stoichiometry and Equilibrium and Reaction Rates
  6. Thermodynamics and Descriptive Chemistry; Practice Test #2
  7. Laboratory and Review (there are no strategy notes for this topic, review from Sparknotes); Practice Test #3
  8. Review notes; Practice Test #4

Our Expert Advice

  • You don’t have to know everything to do well on this exam. Concentrate your studying on the topics in weeks 1 to 4 because these concepts will allow you to answer a bulk of the questions.
  • You won’t be able to answer every question on the exam. You have 60 minutes to answer 85 questions. Some of them require calculations and some of them require a lot of thinking. It’s fine to leave questions blank.
  • In order to decide what to leave blank, do the test in two passes. On your first pass, complete everything you know. Circle questions you skip in the answer book. Bubble in the ones you complete on the answer sheet after you finish each page.
  • Estimate on questions that require calculations rather than trying to find exact answers. You don’t get a calculator on the test and the calculations aren’t super-involved. (The notes are set up to test concepts, not approximations, so you can use a calculator on the notes if you need to.)
  • Study regularly for the best results. Cramming won’t allow you to master the subject matter or be able to apply it well.

That’s everything you need! If you like what we’ve provided and found it helpful, please leave us a comment below.

Basic SAT Math Terms You Need to Know

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Basic SAT Math Terms You Need to Know

With the next SAT always around the corner, make sure you know your basic SAT math vocabulary. Many of our students haven’t used these basic arithmetic and number properties terms since the 6th grade so a review is definitely in order if you want to break 600 on the math section.

We’ve compiled the top basic SAT math terms that high scorers know. This list covers the exact same math vocabulary we go over with our students in the first SAT math class.

Basic SAT Math Terms

Integer: whole number; no fractions or decimals
Examples: 1, 2, -5

Positive: greater than zero; includes fractions and decimals (a positive number doesn’t have to be an integer)
Examples: 1, 1.55, 3/2

Negative: less than zero; includes fractions and decimals (a negative number doesn’t have to be an integer)
Examples: -1, -1.55, -3/2

Non-negative: all the positive numbers AND zero; the SAT does not consider zero to be a positive number, thus the term non-negative because it’s not negative

Even: divisible by 2
Examples: 0, 2, 100, -4

Odd: not divisible by 2
Examples: 1, -15, 299

Digit: any of the numbers from 0 to 9; every number is some combination of the digits from 0 to 9
Example: The number 103 has three digits: 1, 0, and 3.

Consecutive: one after another
Example: 2, 4, and 6 are consecutive even integers.

Distinct: different
Example: 2 and 4 are distinct numbers. (More on this later.)

Basic SAT Math Operations Vocabulary

PEMDAS: the order of operations for math problems; multiplication and division are usually done from right to left; addition and subtraction are usually done from right to left

Parentheses – Exponents – Multiplication – Division – Addition – Subtraction

Example: 3 + 6 x 2 = 15

Sum: the result of addition
Example: The sum of 12 and 2 is 14.

Difference: the result of subtraction
Example: The difference of 12 and 2 is 10.

Product: the result of multiplication
Example: The product of 12 and 2 is 24.

Quotient: the result of division
Example: The quotient of 12 and 2 is 6.

Other Basic SAT Math Terms

Remainder: the leftover after division; when the SAT uses this term, it almost always means whole number remainder; although fractions and decimals are equivalent to the whole number remainder the test is not asking for these
Example: The remainder when 15 is divided by 2 is 1.

Factor: numbers you can multiply together to get another number; think of a factor as the smaller numbers that go into a bigger number; factors do not have to prime (More on this later.)
Example: The factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12.

Multiple: the result of multiplying a number by an integer; think of a multiple as the larger numbers resulting from smaller numbers; multiples get bigger
Example: Multiples of 12 are 12, 24, 36, 48, and so on.

Prime: a number divisible by only itself and 1; the SAT does not consider 1 a prime number; 2 is the only even prime number
Example: The prime numbers less than 20 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, and 19.

Going back to our definitions for “distinct” and “factor” how many distinct prime factors does 16 have? 16 only has one distinct prime factor, the number 2. However, 16 has 5 factors: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16.

Quick Integer Rules to Know

Rules of Zero:
1. Zero times any number is 0.
2. Zero divided by any number is 0.
3. Any number divided by 0 is undefined (you can’t divide by 0).
4. Any number to the power of 0 is 1.

Rules of One:
1. One times any number is the number.
2. Any number divided by 1 is the number.
3. Any number to the power of 1 is the number.
4. One divided by any number is the reciprocal of the number (if you multiply them together, you get 1).

Need help preparing for the SAT?

If math isn’t your best subject, Whatsapp or email us at eden@apply-me.com to help you prepare for the SAT math sections. You’ll need to be good with and without a calculator, so help is in order. Your American tutor will lead you through the process.

 

Benefits of Early Decision

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Benefits of Early Decision

If you’ve already been looking at which universities you want to apply to, you’ll notice at least two deadlines. One says regular decision, the other says early decision (this is different from early admission). There are some great benefits of early decision over regular decision.

Early decision means you apply to a university early (before the regular deadline) and get a decision early. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind if you are considering early decision:

As part of an early decision application, you agree to go to that university if you get in. So, the early decision is binding. Apply to UMass Boston early decision but get into Harvard as part of regular decision? Too bad, you’re going to UMass.

Early means early. You have to submit ALL you materials, including test scores and recommendations by the deadline (usually the beginning of November). If you haven’t masterminded the whole application process well before the deadline, forget about it.

Our recommendation is to pick one stretch (top) school from your shortlist and apply early decision. If you’re organized, there are some great benefits to applying early decision:

You get a jump start on the application process.

If you’re applying through the Common App, you will have completed almost everything (remember to check for school supplements) within the system, making it super easy to apply to other universities.

You’ll know whether you got in before other top uni deadlines (usually by December).

Early decision applicants are told first whether they got in. So, apply early means you have time to choose other great universities (before their January 1st deadlines) if you don’t get into your top university.

You’ll have completed almost everything for non-Common App universities as well.

University of California (UC) and Texas schools have their own version of the Common App, along with super early deadlines. The application for UC schools is already open (since August 1st) but closes on November 30th, about 2 months before most other universities.

These benefits of early decision are huge and we always recommend to students working with us for the whole application process that they select one university to apply to early decision. It makes everything so much easier and gives you time to adjust if there are any problems. For example, one of the teachers you asked to write a recommendation tells you “the dog ate her homework.”

Get in early and bring on the SENIORITIS!

Need help applying for early decision?

If you’re going to apply for Early Decision, you should have already taken the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and gotten (or be getting) your recommendations. If not, Whatsapp us or send an email to eden@apply-me.com so we can help you through the process. We’ve got comprehensive packages that will make the process headache-free.

 

Taking the GMAT for your PhD

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Taking the GMAT for your PhD

If you want to get a PhD in a business-related subject or in a program offered through a business school, you’ll probably have to take the GMAT (not the GRE). Here are a few programs and their GMAT average GMAT score:

University of California, Los Angeles: 712
Purdue University: 674
University of Michigan: 732
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill: 732

Keep in mind that most PhD programs require at least a 650 on the GMAT.

Some of the usual GMAT advice we give to MBA students applies to you. However, there are a number of things you need to keep in mind:

1. There are no rounds for PhD programs.

While MBA program admissions usually take place over several months and three to four rounds, most PhD programs have one admission deadline in the fall (Oct. – Dec.). So basically, if you miss the deadline, you have to wait a year, not a few months. This fact makes proper planning and scheduling for the GMAT even more important. Plan to start your preparation for the GMAT in the early summer so you’ll have at least 2 opportunities to take the GMAT before the deadline.

2. Start your application BEFORE you take the GMAT.

Although there are usually fewer essays required for a PhD program than for an MBA, the application can be much more intense. Your personal statement will be highly scrutinized, your academic/professional CV must be perfect, and a department visit is a must. You can skip some steps if you’re applying to 5 or more MBA programs (or submit very similar versions of your documentation), but not if you’re applying to a PhD program.

3. Request recommendations early.

Since at least 1 recommendation must be from a former professor, you should ask for these early (preferably early August). Unlike a typical corporate recommender who is available year-round, academic recommenders usually follow the academic calendar: they may be unavailable during the summer or extremely busy around the end of August or the beginning of September when the new school year starts. If you ask for a recommendation then, your request will end up in a flooded email inbox.

Make the process easy for them and yourself by contacting them in May to discuss the recommendation and their schedules for providing it. If you wait until October, you’re unlikely to get it within a month. Academic recommenders are also unlikely to allow you to write your own recommendation for them to submit (the typical corporate boss “trick” for quick recommendations).

4. The department should know you before the application.

While MBA applications are reviewed by admissions personnel, PhD applications are reviewed by a panel of professors and administrative staff within the business school. Since PhD applicants have research and/or teaching responsibilities, your application will be evaluated through the other lenses. First, what research contracts/grants/funding are available for incoming PhD students. Second, which professors need research/teaching assistants. Thus, your research interests and academic profile must match up with what professors are interested in AND what research they have funds to sponsor.

It is essential that you research the department and each professor carefully to clearly show that you match an area of interest of a professor. You can start this process with online research but you MUST do a department (not just campus) visit and start a dialogue with different professors. Meet with professors, discuss their interests, do more listening than speaking, sell yourself a little, and make a great (professional) first impression.

Once you’ve started this dialogue with 2 or 3 professors, be sure to email them every other month about something so you can keep the conversation going. Professors and administrative staff reviewing your application should be familiar with your profile before they see your application and GMAT score.

5. The GMAT is a minor part of your PhD application.

If you’ve followed our advice from point #4, you’re on your way to getting admitted to the PhD program of your choice. Professors should get to know you and your profile BEFORE they see your application. This process has nothing to do with your GMAT score. If you made a good impression, the department may consider you a good fit for its program. Therefore, the GMAT really becomes a minor part of your application.

So what are the more important parts? Undergraduate and Masters grade point average (GPA) and proven research. Your GPA should be 3.5 or greater. Every PhD program has GPA requirements. From the department’s perspective, if you couldn’t meet them at an undergraduate or Master’s level, you won’t be able to at the PhD level.

Besides, you’re supposed to be a scholar so your academic work and GPA should reflect that. In addition, you should have some proven research, such as a published thesis, second investigator credit, or a few media articles. You need anything that demonstrates your ability to write and convince others to read your work. Don’t underestimate this important part of being a PhD.

Have an impressive GPA, strong recommendations, and proven research? Then, PhD programs will “work with you” (read: ignore a GMAT score below their average).

We can help!

We can help you navigate the business school PhD process and improve your GMAT score. Email us at eden@apply-me.com or Whatsapp us. We offer private tutoring with American tutors that will boost your score!

 

Common Application Essays 2014-2015

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Common Application Essays 2014-2015

The new Common Application essays 2014-2015 are out! If you’re not familiar with the Common App, it’s an online application system that allows you to apply to more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States using one application. Although you may have to complete supplemental online forms, recommendations, and essays for some universities, the amount of work you have to do is GREATLY reduced.

There is one standard essay that you have to write for the Common App. Make it good because all of your universities will read it. You can get started on this essay even before you’re sure about which unis you’re going to apply to!

Common Application Essays 2014-2015

The essay prompts are as follows (maximum word count is 650 words):

  • Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  • Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
  • Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
  • Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
  • Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Need help with your college essays?

Have your essays reviewed by our American editors. Apply with your best essays after brainstorming sessions. essay editing, and revision discussions! Email us at eden@apply-me.com or Whatsapp us for more info.

 

SAT Breaks in Dubai

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SAT Breaks in Dubai

Ever wonder exactly how long you’ll have to wait for a break while taking the SAT? College Board publishes an SAT test day schedule but it doesn’t tell you how many breaks you get and when. Since we know you want to thoroughly prepare for test day, we also posted the real SAT schedule with breaks.

You get one 10 minute break and one 5 minute break during the SAT. Although a 1-minute stretch break used to be mentioned on the official schedule, most of the students we talked to in Dubai didn’t get one.

With only 15 minutes of break time during the 3 to 4 hours of testing, you’ve got to use your breaks wisely. Here’s how to get the most out of your break time:

1. Scout the restrooms when you arrive.

Most people head for the toilet when the break starts. You want to know where they are so you don’t waste precious time standing in line. If you can, go to restrooms a little further away from your classroom because these restrooms are likely to be empty.

2. Bring water.

You can’t drink during the test and you’d be surprised how thirsty you get while working. Having only a can of Coca-Cola won’t really help you. You need a drink that quenches your thirst and is in a resealable bottle in case you don’t finish it. Besides, you don’t want to be on a sugar high (or crash) during the SAT.

3. Bring a snack or two that you can eat in 5 minutes.

We’ve seen people bring some crazy snacks to the SAT: cold pizza, a big manakeesh, a Big Mac meal from McDonald’s. The best snacks are: 1) individually wrapped, 2) able to be eaten in 5 minutes, and 3) brain food. You want healthy snacks that will give you a boost without a sluggish crash later. Here are our top picks:

  • granola bars
  • fruit (already peeled or sliced and in a ziplock bag)
  • hummus and cut vegetables
  • cheese and crackers
  • mini fatayer

Now that you know when to break and what to bring, we’re sure that your SAT experience will be a little bit easier.
Have a different experience with SAT breaks in Dubai or more tips for other students? Let us know!

SAT Test Day Schedule in Dubai

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SAT Test Day Schedule in Dubai

If you’re anything like us, you want to know exactly what happens when on SAT test day. We explain some of the procedures in our guide to the SAT in Dubai, but thought it would also be helpful to put together an actual schedule for you to print and use when you model test day during diagnostic tests.

The following test day schedule in Dubai is based on the College Board’s What to Expect on Test Day and feedback from our students.

SAT Test Day Schedule in Dubai

7:45 – Admission to test center opens (be there by this time)
8:00 – Doors to the testing rooms close and testing supervisor starts reading instructions
9:00 – Section 1 Reading (65 minutes)
10:05 – Break (10 minutes)
10:10 – Section 2 Writing (35 minutes)
10:45 – Section 3 Math no calculator (25 minutes)
11:10 – Break (5 minutes)
11:15 – Section 4 Math with calculator (55 minutes)
12:10 – YOU FINISHED! (Unless you are completing the optional essay)
12:15 – Go home

If you are completing the essay, you will finish and exit the test around 1:00.

Caveats (great SAT word!)

  • This schedule mirrors what happens in Dubai. The test usually starts at 9:00. It may start as early as 8:30 in other places.
  • The SAT is always in the same order but the content of each will be different. No cheating!
  • Break times aren’t fixed so you may have them between different sections.
  • The schedule may shift a little if your test supervisor has something to do in between sections or if an incident occurs.

Let us know if you’ve had other SAT schedules or caveats in the comments!

Apply Me Guide to the SAT in Dubai

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Apply Me Guide to the SAT in Dubai

Registering and taking the SAT in Dubai can be confusing. A lot of the information out there is for people taking the test across the United States, but not for students taking the SAT abroad. So, we decided to put together an APPLY ME Guide to the SAT in Dubai to answer all the little questions that we get regularly from our students.

Here’s what you need to know about the SAT:

1. SAT Overview
2. SAT Test Dates in Dubai
3. Where to Take the SAT in Dubai
4. How to Register for the SAT
5. What to Expect on Test Day

There’s a lot of information to provide for each one of these areas. In this guide to the SAT, we’ll discuss #1 by giving an overview of the SAT. Then, you can decide if you in fact do need to take the SAT. Use the links above to learn about other topics.

What is the SAT?

The SAT is a college admissions test designed to be taken during high school in the U.S. If you want to go to school in the U.S. as an international student, you pretty much have to take it. If you’re studying in Dubai or at an American school elsewhere in the world, you probably have to take it because many schools use it as an entry exam or to exempt you from taking certain courses like college algebra.

Who makes the SAT?

It is made by a company called the Educational Testing Service and administered through the College Board. Keep in mind, these guys do nothing but make tests. They also make the TOEFL and SAT Subject Tests.

What’s on the SAT?

For the best overview of the SAT, check out the College Board website. Basically, the content is split into three parts: reading, writing, and mathematics. These subjects are tested over 4 sections.

For the reading, there are long reading passages and questions. For writing, you have to improve sentences, edit paragraphs, and identify errors. The mathematics tests arithmetic, algebra, and geometry in multiple-choice and grid-in formats. Click here for SAT practice questions in reading, writing, and math.

How is it scored?

Scoring can get pretty complicated, so all you need to know is that you get a score from 200 to 800 in reading and writing 200 to 800 in mathematics. Your total possible score is 1600.

What’s a good score?

It depends. Figure out where you want to go to school and then figure out the school’s required (or average accepted) score…that’s a good score. Here’s a secret your parents and test prep companies don’t want you to know: getting into a college or university is about more than your SAT score. Get the best one you can and move on.

Now that you know about the SAT and have, hopefully, done some practice questions, it’s time to decide when to take the test.

Need help preparing for the SAT?

We offer private tutoring with American tutors that will boost your score! Email us at eden@apply-me.com or Whatsapp us for more info.

 

How MBA Essay Questions Get Written and Other Articles You Should Be Reading

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How MBA Essay Questions Get Written and Other Articles You Should Be Reading

Bloomberg Businessweek has been killing it recently. The magazine published great articles aimed at exactly what MBA hopefuls want to know. Here are a few articles on how MBA essay questions get written and other topics. We think you need to read these with our comments on how this can apply to business school wannabes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Who Came Up With That? How MBA Essay Questions Get Written

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-06-25/business-school-admissions-offices-devise-creative-new-essay-questions-each-year#p1

mba essays questions article
Image: Bloomberg

This article includes lots of general (and somewhat obvious) information on how questions are chosen. In addition, there is specific information from top schools that professionals from the MENA region commonly apply to (e.g., UC Berkeley and Chicago). The gist of the article is that admissions officers get rid of essays that solicit manufactured and uninteresting responses from many applicants. Officers also talk to each other to see which ones are working. They also check which fall flat. Sometimes, officers eliminate the least popular essay questions. One trend this year is to reduce the number of essay questions.

Applicants should also expect new formats including:

  • writing your own recommendation
  • 25 short answer list
  • video essays
  • PowerPoint presentations

Mold Yourself Into a Great MBA Candidate in Three Years

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-06-23/what-to-do-three-years-before-you-start-applying-to-business-schools

This article list 6 key things you should do to mold yourself into the ideal B-school applicant. We won’t provide spoilers, but we do agree with most of the advice.

Hopefully, you can also make these changes within 2 years so you can start applying as soon as possible. The only recommendation we don’t agree with is to compensate for a low GPA by taking a course to show that your academic skills have improved. We have found that a low GPA may not matter depending on:

1. What your former major was.

Engineers with low GPAs aren’t likely to be frowned upon. However, liberal arts majors with low GPAs have got some explaining to do.

2. How long ago you graduated.

You probably don’t have to worry about this if it’s been more than 10 years since you graduated.

3. How high your GMAT score is.

Admissions officers use the GMAT as a predictor for how well you’ll do in the MBA program. A 680 or above usually trumps a low GPA.

4. The uniqueness of your profile.

If you’ve got other great, standout aspects in your profile, specific undergraduate achievements (or failures) will probably be the last thing B-schools care about. If don’t have any standouts, it’s time to start cultivating some. Get involved with a volunteer organization. Start a business or nonprofit. Travel the world. Do something interesting…anything that gives you richer life experience and, ideally, showcases your leadership potential.

Summer Reading: 10 Fun & Free Business Classics You Should Have on Your Kindle

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettarends/2014/06/18/ten-free-books-every-mba-should-have-on-their-kindle/

Okay, this one is from Forbes. The link goes to the alternatively titled article but it’s still a great source for summer reading ideas to get you in the B-school application mindset. Our favorites are Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds (definitely for those who consider themselves “counter-culture”) and The Gentle Grafter (an easy and entertaining read).

Summer = GMAT!

Summer is the perfect time to start preparing for the GMAT! If you haven’t started yet, you may miss Round 1! Email us at eden@apply-me.com or Whatsapp us to begin your GMAT preparation. We offer private tutoring with American tutors that will boost your score!

 

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