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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 [email protected] 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.

 

Your GMAT Study Schedule

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Your GMAT Study Schedule

Our students are always asking how many hours they should study, how many questions they should do, and what it really takes to do well on the GMAT. The weekly study plan we recommend for Apply Me students is provided below. Think of studying for the GMAT as your part-time job. Welcome to your GMAT study schedule.

GMAT Study Schedule

Sunday: Review quantitative strategies by concept (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, etc.). Complete timed practice problems according to pacing 10 questions in 20 minutes. Rework incorrect answers. Recommended time: 2 hours. No time? Complete and review only 1 drill (about 40 minutes total).

Monday: Review verbal strategies by concept (critical reasoning, sentence correction, reading comprehension). Complete timed practice problems according to pacing 10 questions in 15 minutes. Rework incorrect answers.

Tuesday: Same schedule as Sunday. If short on time, group Sunday and Tuesday time. Recommended time: 2 hours.

Wednesday: Same schedule as Monday. If short on time, group Monday and Wednesday time.

Thursday: OFF! NO STUDYING!

Friday: Take a full-length practice test in one sitting. Time required: 4 hours.

Saturday: Review incorrect answers on a practice test based on these instructions. Time required: 2 hours.

Total Weekly Study Time: 14 hours.

Note: Don’t try to condense all of this time into 2 or 3 days. It’s not the same!

Ideally, you would keep this schedule for 6 weeks to 2 months. If you have less than 4 weeks to take the GMAT, you’ll want to be more aggressive.

3 Months Study Max!

We don’t usually recommend that students study for the GMAT for more than 3 months for several reasons:

  • Students cannot maintain focus–mentally and practically–for more than 8 to 10 weeks.
  • Scores tend to level off after 2 months. Additional practice using the same methods will not increase your score.
  • GMAT phobia is real. Many students continue preparing for the GMAT because they are afraid of actually taking the GMAT.
  • Don’t be afraid! Practice then perform.

Don’t Forget This about the GMAT Study Schedule

When it comes to your GMAT prep, remember:

  • Quality work and review of questions is better than doing more problems.
  • Don’t buy a bunch of GMAT books you’re not going to use.
  • Take practice tests periodically.
  • Time yourself when you practice.
  • Get help if you need it.

Need help preparing for the GMAT?

Get expert guidance from an American, native English speaking tutor with more than a decade of experience teaching the GMAT. Email us at [email protected] or Whatsapp us for more info.

 

Pinball Goals: How Not to Decide to Get an MBA

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Pinball Goals: How Not to Decide to Get an MBA

Ever seen a pinball machine? It’s a game you play in which a little silver ball bounces around inside and you hit it off things to get points. About one-quarter of our students are applying to university or business school as a result of what we call “pinball goals.” The decision to get an MBA is not a good idea if it’s a pinball goal.

What are pinball goals?

Like a pinball in a machine, they have been bounced around by life and are now pursuing additional education because they were disappointed by something else. A common example is someone who didn’t get a promotion at work and has decided to quit his job and get an MBA. Sometimes students feel that their entire lives will change just by becoming a Canadian or Australian passport holder.

Get an MBA = the Most Common Pinball Goal

Getting an MBA because you were not promoted or seeking citizenship when you don’t want to live in a country are examples of pinball goals for several reasons. These goals are a result of something that happened to you and not necessarily a genuine desire for the goal. This course of action seems like a better option than the one you have now, even though you would have not chosen it if you had gotten what you wanted. Just like a pinball, you are letting life bounce you around rather than choosing for yourself and going after your real goals.

Pinball Goals Aren’t You

Pinball goals are not necessarily what you want to pursue in life. Getting an MBA, for example, takes a lot of hard work. During the application process, you have to study for and take the GMAT, ask your bosses for references, and search inside yourself to prepare complicated application essays.

Once admitted, you have to find money to attend (sometimes tens of thousands of dollars) and then do the work to finish the program. All of this takes lots of time and money. If you aren’t serious about the goal in the first place, you may not work as hard as you need to or may stop halfway.

We have worked with students that register for our Comprehensive Packages and prepare for and take the GMAT (which can be like having a part-time job for a couple of months) only to decide they don’t really want to get an MBA.

Don’t Waste Yourself on Pinball Goals

Don’t waste your time, energy, and money pursuing pinball goals. Decide what you really want in life and then go after it. If you’re truly committed, applying for university or business school will just seem like one step in a process rather than a scary task.

Less than 700 on the GMAT. Now what?

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Less than 700 on the GMAT. Now what?

February, March, and April are crucial months for business school applicants. Round 3 is the last chance to wow the admissions committee. So how can you improve your chances of getting into a top business school with less than a 700 on the GMAT? Here are my recommendations:

Option 1: Retake the GMAT.

You can retake the GMAT once every 31 calendar days. If you took the GMAT on February 15th and weren’t satisfied with your score, you can retake it on March 16th. That’s just enough time to submit it to a few schools in Round 2 or start preparing Round 3 applications.

According to the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), you are statistically unlikely to increase your GMAT score simply by retaking the test. The secret to increasing your score? You must study differently. Refer to our post for How to Use Practice Tests (the Correct Way) for more help. If you didn’t work with a tutor before you took the GMAT, email APPLY ME to discuss how we can improve your preparation and increase your score.

Option 2: Strengthen the other parts of your application.

Admissions committees evaluate business school candidates based on a number of factors, only one of which is the GMAT. “Telling your story” well in your application essays and making sure you are a good “fit” for the school (your goals are compatible with the school’s offerings) are just as important as scoring over a 700 on the GMAT. This recent discussion on BusinessWeek says it better than I ever could.

Option 3: Take the GRE.

This is only the second year that many business schools are accepting GRE scores instead of GMAT scores.

Pros: Since this is the second year, little historical data from business schools is available. So, business schools have not really decided how GRE scores match or should be considered in relation to GMAT scores. In addition, the GRE CBT is often a shorter test with math and verbal questions that are not as complicated as GMAT questions. For example, rather than using the really confusing GMAT data sufficiency questions, the GRE uses data analysis questions that require you to decide which of the two quantities is greater or if they are equal.

Cons: GRE verbal is heavily vocabulary based. The analogy, antonym, and sentence completion questions all test vocabulary, which is difficult to build quickly. Moreover, after weeks preparing for the GMAT, you will have to switch modes and prepare for the GRE. Fortunately, APPLY ME has a program designed specifically to build on GMAT skills and apply them to the GRE, rather than starting your study over. Several students have taken the GRE route and found it to be less frustrating that GMAT preparation.

Need help improving your GMAT score?

We can help you prepare for business school and achieve your educational goals! Whatsapp us or email us at [email protected] to see how we can help you boost your GMAT score.

Round 3: GMAT is Your Best Weapon

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Round 3: GMAT is Your Best Weapon

The January Round 2 deadline to apply to business schools probably came and went while you were still ringing in the new year. Or, if you have just decided you want to go to business school, Round 3 is the time to apply to get your MBA.

So what’s a round?

Rounds are business school application periods. Most schools have 3, while other schools have 4 or accepted students on a rolling basis (until the class is filled). Round 1, in October, is always the best round to apply. It isn’t very competitive since this deadline slips many students’ minds. The second one tends to be competitive because more people apply at this time than any other. While Round 3 is less competitive than 2, acceptance is still difficult at this time because much of the class has been filled already. So while you have fewer students, you have fewer spots.

GMAT is the Knockout Punch

If you are applying for Round 3, your best weapon and reason you should be accepted is your GMAT score. Don’t “enter the ring” not ready to fight. You have to train for the GMAT and business school like any top athlete. Preparing alone is not the best way to go about it: get a trainer, get a training plan, and get a sparring buddy. We can help you with all 3 of these.

Boost your GMAT score with help!

Have less than a great GMAT score? Whatsapp or email us at [email protected] to find out how we can help you get a business school knockout (acceptance).

 

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