WHATSAPP US
WhatsApp Us
Home Blog Page 12

Benefits of Early Decision

Eden
-
0
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 [email protected] 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

Eden
-
0
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 [email protected] or Whatsapp us. We offer private tutoring with American tutors that will boost your score!

 

Common Application Essays 2014-2015

Eden
-
0
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 [email protected] or Whatsapp us for more info.

 

SAT Breaks in Dubai

Eden
-
0
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

Eden
-
0
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

Eden
-
0
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 [email protected] or Whatsapp us for more info.

 

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

Eden
-
0
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 [email protected] or Whatsapp us to begin your GMAT preparation. We offer private tutoring with American tutors that will boost your score!

 

Take the IELTS to Easily Meet Your English Language Requirement

Eden
-
0
Take the IELTS to Easily Meet Your English Language Requirement

If you intend to attend university or immigrate to an English speaking country, you probably need to take an exam that proves you speak English as a second language. Although many people opt for the TOEFL, the IELTS may be a better fit for you.

1. IELTS is a more straightforward exam for many people.

While the IELTS includes the same broad sections (reading, listening, writing, and speaking) as the TOEFL, these skills are tested in more everyday use ways, even on the Academic Module. For example, the listening section requires you to listen to phone conversations and fill-in information, in addition to listening to short academic lectures (these are shorter than on the TOEFL). The speaking portion is an interview with an actual person, which is a better reflection of English usage in real life, rather than quick recorded sound bites on the computer like on the TOEFL.

2. Questions are straightforward…but there’s a catch.

In general, the IELTS doesn’t include tricky questions like the TOEFL. If you understand the conversation or newspaper article, you can easily answer the questions. The catch? On the listening, you must write down what you hear almost exactly, which takes a lot of focus. If the question asks for the phone number, you must write the numbers exactly as you hear them or you get the question wrong. Misspell a name or answer? It’s wrong.

3. It’s a pencil and paper exam that you answer as you go.

The IELTS doesn’t involve any rigorous note-taking for most sections because you can answer the questions as you go. It isn’t on the computer, which means it will take longer to get your test scores, BUT you can answer the questions as you complete the test rather than waiting until the end of the section, as on the TOEFL.

4. It’s easier to get a seat for the IELTS.

The test is basically offered every Saturday and there are hundreds of seats available for each test. It’s much harder to get a seat for the TOEFL because there is only one official test provider in Dubai.

If you’ve decided to take the IELTS, you can register for the IELTS online at the British Council or University of Wollongong websites or in person at their offices.

3 Ways to Be Quant Ready for Your MBA

Eden
-
0
3 Ways to Be Quant Ready for Your MBA

One of our students recently asked us how he could get ready for the math he would face in business school considering he struggled with the GMAT quantitative section. In fact, many MBA programs recommend new students review math concepts, such as probability and statistics, prior to business school orientation. Here are 3 ways for you to get quant ready for your MBA:

1. Take a course on Coursera.

We are huge fans of this online learning platform that allows you to take great courses from top universities. You’ll get the full experience—video lectures from professors, PowerPoint slide notes, homework assignments with fixed due dates, final exams, and chat time with your classmates through a forum—for FREE. Yes, FREE. To get b-school quant ready, check out these courses:

2. Audit a course at the University of Wollongong Dubai or the American University of Dubai.

Many universities allow non-students to enroll in courses, but not receive college credit, as long as they apply and pay fees. The University of Wollongong Dubai offers courses for professionals, such as Accounting for Managers, that can help you start preparing for b-school.

AUD offers:

  • Introduction to Business Statistics
  • Quantitative Methods for Decision-Making
  • Principles of Financial Accounting

You may be taking these classes with 18-year-old freshmen, but you’re guaranteed to get back into study mode. Visit the websites of the University of Wollongong Dubai and the American University of Dubai for more information.

3. Study on your own to get quant ready.

If classes on Coursera or at AUD seems too involved, try self-study by working through some books or websites on your own. Browse through Book World by Kinokuniya’s (in Dubai Mall) textbooks (located near the GMAT and English Language Teaching books) or order off of Amazon.com. Here are two of our recommendations:

Your Summer SAT Study Schedule

Eden
-
0
Your Summer SAT Study Schedule

With the May exam coming up and many students opting not to take the June exam, our students have been asking us what they can do over the summer to prepare for the October SAT. Our first recommendation is to REGISTER FOR THE OCTOBER EXAM NOW! Spaces fill up fast and you don’t what to drive to another emirate on test day. After you register, here’s your summer SAT study schedule to follow.

1. Build your vocabulary by planning our online SAT vocab game.

It’s difficult but full of all the Official Guide words so you should learn effortlessly if you play enough. You can find it here:

jewels of wisdom sat game

2. Read 2 books from the 101 Great Books list.

Reading these books will help prepare you for the style of the reading passages. Print the full list for later.

Here are our latest easy read recommendations:
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut.

You should be able to find these at Book World by Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall.

3. Complete 1 full-length practice test a week.

Initially, you don’t have to time yourself or complete them in one sitting, but by August, you should be simulating SAT conditions. Start with the tests in the Kaplan or Princeton Review books then finish with the Official Guide to the SAT. You should find these in Kinokuniya.

4. Take the TOEFL.

If you’re taking the SAT, you probably need to take the TOEFL (if you’re not an American citizen). Summertime is a great opportunity to get this test out of the way. TOEFL test dates are really hard to get in Dubai at the last moment so plan ahead. You can register for the TOEFL on the official TOEFL website.

In order to prepare, simply complete the online practice test that comes free with register and…VOILA…you’re ready!

5. Email us at [email protected] to make sure you have a spot for August.

August and September are the busiest time of year for us and students who contact us in September usually get left out. After you spend your summer preparing on your own, you definitely want to work with our awesome tutors to boost your score.

1...111213...18Page 12 of 18

With nearly 20 years of experience, we specialize in private tutoring for SAT, GMAT, EA, Bocconi Test, and more as well as admissions consulting for universities around the world.

Services

Company

Contact

+971 50 272 3756

[email protected]

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Click the button for WhatsApp

© 2011-2025 Apply Me. All Rights Reserved. Made with ♥ in Dubai.