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GMAT Apps for BlackBerry, iPhone, and ipad

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GMAT Apps for BlackBerry, iPhone, and ipad

This is a great time to prepare for the GMAT mobily. Check out some of the best GMAT apps available on the web and learn how you should integrate them into your preparation.

Official GMAT Mobile App for iPhone and iPad

The makers of the GMAT have put together this app to help you with your studying and is easily available for download from the Mac App Store. This app is the best buy for students that have not bought the Official Guide to the GMAT, 12th edition. Be sure to buy the additional bundles because you’ll go through 50 questions quite quickly. If you have purchased the OG, you will see the same problems contained in the OG, so you don’t need to buy this one.

Price: $4.99 (AED 18) for a starter pack of 50 questions, $9.99 (AED 37) for additional 250 question bundles

Math for GMAT App for BlackBerry

The number of GMAT BlackBerry apps available is limited, but we managed to find this gem. This app has more than 1,000 math questions to help your studying. While they aren’t great reproductions of GMAT questions, these questions are perfect for students who need more foundation in the wide number of mathematical categories the GMAT tests.

Price: $9.99 (AED 37)

Veritas Prep App for iPhone and iPad

Not to be outdone, Veritas Prep also has launched its own app. The app offers timed and untimed practice on specific question types for targeted practice as well as an exam format that allows you to work on assorted questions. There are a number of benefits to downloading this app. First, you get access to proprietary Veritas questions that are only available if you take the course. Students scoring in the 650-700 range will find these problems challenging (unlike many of the OG questions). Second, it’s free–a great value for those students who haven’t been recession-proof. Third, there is also an MBA admissions predictor that can help you refine your business school shortlist. The only downside? No version for BlackBerry.

Price: Free

Crimson Oak Academy GMAT App for BlackBerry

This app offers a reasonable number of questions for BlackBerry users. We haven’t tested it, so email us with your feedback.

Download from http://crimsonoakacademy.com/apps/GMAT_for_blackberry

GMAT ToolKit for iPhone and iPad

This app is one of the best selling in the Mac App Store and for good reason. The GMAT Club’s ToolKit offers questions from different test prep companies including the Princeton Review, Knewton, and Veritas Prep. There are flashcards for memorizing certain concepts (this is especially helpful for learning geometry formulas). You can also collate your digital books and materials through one user interface. Although the price is a bit high for an app, it may very well be worth it.

Price: $19.99 (updated June 26th: This app now costs $24.99! AED 92)

330 GMAT Math Questions for iPhone and iPad

Although not provided by a reputable test prep company, these questions from TotalTestPrep are plentiful and cheap enough to be worth picking up. High scorers will notice that they have seen a lot of the questions in a few variations before. However, getting this problem set is better than buying another book you may not use.

Price: $0.99 (AED 4)

Beat the GMAT Flashcards for iPhone and iPad

This free app is totally worth the money you spend on it. It provides about 300 extra practice test questions for you to work. Use these after you have gone through the OG and done other studying because Beat the GMAT questions aren’t the best reflections of the actual GMAT.

Price: Free

TestSoup Flashcards for BlackBerry

We’re not a huge fan of flashcards (in order to improve your critical thinking, you need to see new problems that test the same concepts in different ways) but the TestSoup Flashcards may be helpful for GMAT students addicted to their BlackBerries.

Visit the main site for more info: http://www.testsoup.com/test/4/

How to Use GMAT Apps in Your Studying

Apps are helpful for giving you additional practice on the go. Do a few problems while on the Metro, waiting for a meeting to begin, or pretending to be working. Apps are in addition to your regular studying, not instead of your regular studying. Buy the Official Guide, contact Apply Me for private GMAT tutoring, and stay in the GMAT mindset with these mobile apps.

Ask APPLY ME: How do I register to take the GMAT in Dubai? (updated)

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Ask APPLY ME: How do I register to take the GMAT in Dubai? (updated)

Here’s a question we are asked frequently: How do I register to take the GMAT in Dubai?

To create an account and register to take the GMAT in Dubai:

  1. Go to http://www.mba.com/global/the-gmat-exam/register.aspx and click Schedule a GMAT Exam.
  2. Enter your information in the gray box to create an account.
  3. Once you click submit, you will be taken to pages to create a profile. Your information will be automatically transferred. Be sure to complete additional information with a red asterisk * next to it. You DO NOT have to fill in all the information to register.
  4. You will probably have to wait a few days for your account to be approved so check the site a few days later to confirm your registration.

Keep in mind:

Where to Take the GMAT in Dubai

Testing is offered at two locations in Dubai: Vinsys on Sheikh Zayed Road and The Exam Preparation & Testing House in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Vinsys Information Technology Consultancy on Sheikh Zayed Road

#306, City Tower 2,
Sheikh Zayed Road,
Next to Emirates Towers Metro Station
Phone: +971-4-3524949

The Exam Preparation & Testing House in Dubai Silicon Oasis

Suite 703
7th Floor, Apricot Tower, Dubai Silicon Oasis
Phone: +971-4-3333616

More to Know When You Register to Take the GMAT in Dubai

Be sure to book your test in advance because spots can fill quickly. You’ll get an unofficial score as soon as you complete the test, but you’ll have to wait one month to take it again.

If you just want to check the available test dates and appointments, click here.

Need help preparing for the GMAT?

We know our stuff! We offer GMAT preparation with a native English-speaking tutor who loves to read and works math problems for fun. She can help you achieve your best score on all sections. She'll even grade your essays for free as part of your prep. Read more about our GMAT preparation and then WhatsApp us to talk.

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3 Top European Business Schools You Don’t Know but Should Consider

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3 Top European Business Schools You Don’t Know but Should Consider

Many of the business school applicants we work with at Apply Me can list the Financial Times top 10 business schools almost from memory. Frequently, LBS and INSEAD come up when they consider European schools. However, there are other top European business schools that applicants should consider adding to their application shortlist. So, check out three top European business schools you don’t know, but we think you should consider.

3 European Business Schools to Consider

SDA Bocconi

Ranking: #5 on Businessweek’s European Top Schools List
Location: Milan, Italy
Class size: 100
Average GMAT Score: 650
Why you should consider this school: 1-year program, deadline in April, offers unique specializations like leisure and sports management

IMD

Ranking: #8 on Businessweek’s European Top Schools List
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Class size: 90
Average GMAT Score: 680
Why you should consider this school: 11-month program, frequent deadlines throughout the year (February, April, June, August, September) and acceptance notification in only six weeks, 80% of the class has job offers by graduation (reported in 2009)

University of Cambridge

Ranking: #11 on Businessweek’s European Top Schools List
Location: Cambridge, England
Class size: 164
Average GMAT Score: 690
Why you should consider this school: internationally recognized university, one year focus on general management, offers a strong university name at roughly half the tuition of many other top European business schools.

Need help with essays for your LBS, LSE, or INSEAD in Dubai?

Whatsapp us or email us at eden@apply-me.com to schedule a FREE consultation to find out how we can help you.

 

Ask APPLY ME: Are there any books I can read to improve my SAT score?

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Ask APPLY ME: Are there any books I can read to improve my SAT score?

Here’s a question we are frequently asked: Are there any books I can read to improve my SAT score?

Summertime is almost here in Dubai! Since you’ll be indoors most of the time, it’s a good idea to improve your SAT score while enjoying some new books. You can visit the link below to see the top 101 books recommended by the makers of the SAT. Although they won’t directly increase your score, read a few of these to get used to American English and literature. In addition, you will improve your reading comprehension (a skill tested in 2/3 of the SAT!).

Books to Improve Your SAT Score

Our favorite, plain English, interesting books are:

  • Go Tell It on the Mountain
  • The Awakening
  • The Sound and the Fury
  • Lord of the Flies
  • To Kill a Mockingbird
  • The Call of the Wild
  • Beloved
  • Animal Farm
  • Slaughterhouse-Five

You can pick these up at Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall or order them on Amazon.ae.

Want more reading lists?

Ready to start your SAT preparation?

Email Apply Me or Whatsapp us for personalized, flexible private tutoring with experienced American tutors!

 

Why Cramming for the SAT and GMAT is a Waste of Time

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Why Cramming for the SAT and GMAT is a Waste of Time

What’s a bigger waste of time than procrastinating? Cramming. It seems counterintuitive: how can studying be a waste of time? It’s not THAT you study, it’s HOW you study.

Why doesn’t cramming work?

Teachers have long hated cramming because students who cram do not retain the material long-term. However, long-term retention is not important for college prep exams. For example, if you get a good score on the SAT, you’re only going to take it once and probably won’t need the information again.

You should hate cramming for another reason: you can’t really apply what you reviewed to the test. Why not? Cramming is essentially memorizing a large amount of information shortly before an exam. That’s a good idea if the information is asked exactly as it was presented or in a similar form. On the SAT, GMAT, and the other tests, you won’t be asked the same questions, see the same math problems, or read the same passages. These tests rely on your ability to analyze questions and think critically for which, unfortunately, there is no easily memorizable concept.

How You Should Study

  1. Set a manageable study schedule and stick to it. Even one hour a day helps.
  2. Focus on understanding HOW to do the problem, not just finishing the problem. Quality rather than quantity is important when sharpening your analytical and critical thinking skills.
  3. Correct problems you got wrong by reworking them or going back to reading passages to understand why your answer is wrong and why the correct answer is right.
  4. Take a look at one of our previous posts to learn How to Use Practice Tests (the Correct Way).
  5. Form a study group with friends. A study group will not only be a good place to exchange ideas, it will help you keep your studying on track.
  6. Work with Apply Me so you will be held accountable. We will set a schedule for our sessions that we will stick to. We’ll go over homework and make sure you maximize you’re studying.

Don’t let this happen to you…say no to Red Bull and No Doze!

Ask APPLY ME: How do I register to take the SAT in Dubai?

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Ask APPLY ME: How do I register to take the SAT in Dubai?

Here’s a question we are asked frequently: How do I register to take the SAT in Dubai?

The official SAT is offered several times each year for international students and at many schools around Dubai. Our complete, step-by-step instructions are below. Be sure to have your parent’s credit card with you. You’ll also need a digital photo of yourself for the admissions ticket.

How to Register to Take the SAT in Dubai

  1. Go to http://sat.collegeboard.com/register.
  2. Click Register Now next to your preferred test date.
  3. Click Sign up and follow the instructions to create a username and password. Make sure it’s easy to remember because you will have to re-log-in with it several times.
  4. After creating a username and password, go back to the log-in page.
  5. Enter your username and password.
  6. Enter your password again if the Security Check screen pops up.
  7. In the SAT organizer, look for and click Register Now.
  8. On the personal info screen, enter your Gender and Date of Birth (you don’t have a social security number), Expected Graduation, Grade Level, Mailing Address (for Dubai zip code don’t enter anything), and click for your online score report only (if asked). Many Dubai high schools aren’t on the list so type in your school’s name.
  9. Click Continue. A screen asking about your high school will pop up. Click OK then click Continue again.
  10. On the next page (Build College Profile), only complete the information with the *. The others are not required and will just take too long. You can always fill this in later. Scroll to the bottom and click Continue.
  11. On the next page (I Want a College That), scroll to the bottom and click Continue.
  12. Next page (My High School Courses), scroll to the bottom and click Continue.
  13. On the next page (My Activities & Sports), scroll to the bottom and click Continue.
  14. Next page (Terms & Conditions), check the I Agree box at the bottom of the page.
  15. Click the following on the test date page: Country (Outside the United States), Test (SAT), Test Date, SSD Eligibility (No), Fee Waiver (No).
  16. Click Continue when you finish that page.

Select Your Test Center

  1. On the Test Center screen, put that you want a test center in the UAE and click Search by Country.
    All of the test centers will come up. If the school closest to you isn’t listed or is full, try to pick another that is nearby or easy to get to.
  2. Select the school then click Continue.
  3. On the next screen, scroll down and click Continue.
  4. Click the box to upload your photo as a .jpg, .gif, or .png file. Crop it if necessary, then click Continue.
  5. Scroll down and click Continue on the next screen.
  6. Check and make sure the information is correct on the next page. Your name must be written like it is on your passport. Confirm the test date and location.

Pay for the SAT and Don’t Request Score

  1. Click Make Payment.
  2. Click Agree and confirm the information in the popup window.
  3. Enter your parent’s credit card details on the next screen. If you aren’t sure where the security code is, click the info bubble on the screen to find out.
  4. When you finish, click Submit.
  5. Print your admissions ticket and order confirmation. You can access it again later, if necessary.
  6. Click Return to My SAT.
  7. Click Send Scores Later in the popup window.

FAQ About Register for the SAT in Dubai

When can you take the SAT UAE?

Click here for the 2022-2023 SAT UAE test dates. The test is only offered 6 times per year so plan ahead!

Can I take the SAT in Dubai?

Yes, you can! You can take the SAT in Dubai and in most countries around the world. You can be in any grade or even out of school when you take the SAT.

How long is SAT valid for?

The SAT is valid forever. However, generally, SAT results will be accepted by colleges and universities within 5 years of being taken. So, essentially, the SAT is valid for 5 years. Some teachers have told our students it is only 2 years. Language tests, like the TOEFL and the IELTS, are only valid for 2 years. You can submit SAT scores that are up to 5 years old.

Congratulations! You’re registered to take the SAT! Now it’s time to prepare…

Need help preparing for the Digital SAT?

Whatsapp us to chat with an American SAT instructor with more than 15 years of experience teaching SAT to students just like you. Our students see a minimum of 150-point score improvement! Want to know more first? Check out our online and in-person options.

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WARNING: Studying Vocabulary is a Waste of Time

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WARNING: Studying Vocabulary is a Waste of Time

Studying vocabulary for the SAT, GMAT, TOEFL, or any of these standardized tests is a waste of time. There I said it. Why is studying vocab a waste of time you ask? I’ll give you not one, but three reasons:

1. There are more than 750,000 words in the English language according to AskOxford.com.

Can any of these words be on your test? Yes. Do you really have time to learn the definitions of all of them? No.

2. Vocabulary is not directly tested.

With the exception of a few questions on the SAT and TOEFL, there aren’t really any questions that ask you “what does this word mean?”. These questions are usually asked in indirect ways. Basically, the question makes it seem like you need to know the definition of a word to get the answer right. Well, you actually don’t. You can always use context clues–the other words in the sentence or paragraph–to help you figure out the answer.

3. You have more important things to do with your time (and I don’t mean watching TV).

Considering that you should spend three months or less studying (not cramming) for the test, there are other concepts to learn that relate directly to the test. Suck at probability? Well, it’s on the SAT and GMAT. Use your time to improve it. Can’t write an essay to save your life? Well, you have to write one not matter which test you take so learn how.

Teachers, test prep companies, and the test maker do not want you to know that learning vocabulary for tests, like the SAT and GMAT, is useless. Why not? Is there some global conspiracy to get students to read and study hard? Of course not. Vocabulary is easy to teach. Vocab flashcards fill books. It adds to the mystery of the test. Focus on the important stuff and leave vocabulary out of it.

Note: The only exception to this discussion is the GRE. GRE verbal, as it is currently designed, is heavily vocabulary based. Rather than learning 1,000 new words that may not be tested, focus on learning Latin and Greek roots. You’ll get more mileage out of your studying.

Want to find out what you should be studying? Email us at eden@apply-me.com and we’ll help you figure out!

SAT (II) Subject Tests Explained

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SAT (II) Subject Tests Explained

What are the SAT (II) Subject Tests?

The SAT Subject Tests are a group of tests designed to test you on your knowledge of different subjects. Previously, they were called the SAT II Tests because the original SAT was called the SAT I. Now, they are referred to as the SAT Subject Tests. Unlike the SAT, the tests are only 1 hour long (each) and do not have essays.

There are 17 different tests:

  • Literature
  • U.S. History
  • World History
  • Mathematics Level 1 (Math IC)
  • Mathematics Level 2 (Math IIC)
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • 9 Language tests (Chinese, German, French, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Spanish)

Which SAT Subject Test do I need to take?

The school you are applying to should specify which test you need to take. For example, math IIC is a common test requirement for schools in the U.S. and Canada. Several local schools, including the University of Sharjah, give credit or course exemptions for high scores on the Math IIC test. In addition, some schools require you to take the Math I or IIC tests as well as a science subject test of your choosing. Therefore, decide which colleges and universities you want to apply to and then double-check their requirements before registering for a test.

Who makes them?

ETS, the same people that make the SAT (I), make the subject tests. The College Board administers them. The registration process for an SAT Subject Test is just like that of the SAT and the tests run on the same schedule.

What’s on the SAT Subject Tests?

Unlike the SAT, which tests critical thinking and analytical abilities, the SAT Subject Tests are supposed to be tests of what you should have actually learned in high school. As knowledge-based tests, the tests care more about what you know (content) rather than how good you are at tips and tricks. The content of each test is based on a particular subject. For example, the U.S. History test will test you on various aspects of U.S. history from the pre-Columbian period (before European settlement of the U.S.) to the present.

The number of questions on the test depends on the test. For example, the chemistry test has 85 questions. However, the literature test only has 60 questions. Check out the College Board’s website for more information on your specific test and sample questions.

How are they scored?

All of the tests are scored from 200 to 800.

What is a good score?

As with the SAT, a good score depends on the requirements of the college or university you want to attend. In general, 600 is a good score.

How do I prepare for the SAT Subject Tests?

The best way to prepare is to review your lessons in school for that particular subject and do lots of practice tests. Book World by Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall has many SAT Subject Test guides from which you can choose. Since it’s a content-based test, there is not really a guide that offers a better “technique.” You need a good review and plenty of practice problems.

Procrastination: A Test Taking Phobia

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Procrastination: A Test Taking Phobia

With the next SAT cycle coming up and GMAT pressure building, it’s important that you maximize your time and energy. Do things that will yield big results. Don’t let procrastination be a problem!

The longer you wait to start studying, the less time you have to adequately prepare. We recommend that students prepare at least 6 weeks for the GMAT and SAT, and as long as 8 weeks for tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.

Symptoms of Procrastination

Procrastination can take many forms, even if it seems like you are working, perhaps you aren’t working on the tasks you should be working on. Here are some signs you are procrastinating:

  • You check email a lot.
  • You buy a lot of test prep books but don’t use any of them.
  • You’re obsessed with surfing the web to find out as much about the test you’re taking as possible.
  • You’re obsessed with surfing the web to find as many “helpful” resources as possible but you don’t really use them.
  • You schedule your exam for more than 3 months from now (the exception is SAT).
  • You suddenly have absolutely no time in your schedule to study even though there are no big deadlines at work or school.
  • You contact or visit more than 3 test prep centers around Dubai but still can’t make up your mind (Apply Me is all you need!).
  • You decide that it’s more important to work on your applications than study for the admissions test (umm…your score is one of the things they ask for on the application!).

Treatment for Procrastination

Fortunately, there are cures for procrastination. Depending on the strength of your procrastination, I recommend using one or all of these ideas to get your test prep moving.

1. Create a study plan.

Decide how much time you can commit to studying (even 1 hour a day helps) and stick to it. One hour a day done consistently is much better then an 8 hour binge on Saturday.

2. Start small.

Pick one section of the test to begin with, buy a book, and try to cover one or two topics each time. Don’t forget to end each study session with drilling (doing a set number of problems in a certain amount of time).

3. Email Apply Me.

Nothing saves time and motivates like signing up for a small group class or getting private instruction with a tutor. Email us and we will work together to create a reasonable study plan to get your preparation going!

Happy studying!

Business School Crowded: What That Means for You

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Business School Crowded: What That Means for You

BusinessWeek reported, quite plainly in fact, that business school is getting crowded. Enrollment at top business schools, including Harvard, Wharton, and INSEAD–three schools topping the MBA wish list for a lot of Dubai MBA hopefuls–is at record highs. Many schools have confirmed that the entering students are part of their largest classes ever.

So what does that mean for you?

In a word, competition. The financial crisis has convinced many wannabe MBAs that business school is a good place to wait until the storm is over. More top applicants now have higher GMAT scores, higher grade point averages, and more interesting work experiences than ever before, increasing the competition to get into business school. With more students in business programs, there may be greater competition for resources and faculty attention.

Stay Competitive for Business School

If you want to stay competitive for the application, you will need to do two things:

1. Step up your GMAT preparation to increase your score.

If you are preparing alone, consider forming a study group with like-minded friends or seeking the services of Apply Me to complement your preparation.

2. Look beyond the Financial Times and US News top 10 schools.

Schools that are not in the top 10 have actually lost students to other programs, leaving them very interested in new applicants. Programs in the middle of rankings lists also have lost students to regional programs (state schools), which means they are worth considering.

In the future, it is likely that competition for top schools will also increase, regardless of whether student enrollment numbers do. It’s not Harvard if everyone can get in, right?

Need help getting into business school?

Whatsapp us to see how you can increase your chances of getting into business school. A strong GMAT score is one of your best weapons, and we can help you get the best one you can.

 

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