As an international student you will be speaking English in class constantly, but there is a major difference between the English you study as a foreign language in your own country, and the way you will use English when you are studying abroad.

The first thing that you will notice as an international student is the variety of accents, idioms, and so on. Your classmates and many of your lecturers are likely to not be native speakers, whose English is not as understandable as a native speaker, especially since many of you will have only had conversations with native speakers as language teachers.

Unless you are studying for a language qualification, your lecturers will not be trained to make themselves understandable to second language speakers; in other words, they will speak very fast, and use a lot of technical and academic terms which it is highly unlikely that you will be familiar with. At first this can seem very daunting, even for native speakers understanding academic lectures can be challenging.

No matter how confident you are with your language skills, I would say that it is essential to record your lectures with your mobile phone/mp3 player etc. to listen back to later. As well as giving you a record of anything you may have missed in the lecture, this will help you to familiarize yourself with your lecturer’s accents, especially pronunciation of academic terms, which is constantly reported as one of the main reasons for failure cited by international students.

Accents can also be a problem for communication between students, remember that you have an accent, and students coming from other countries will have their own accents also, which will probably be totally different from your pronunciation, intonation, and so on.

One of the main benefits of international study is to communicate and share ideas with people from very different cultures and backgrounds to your own; it goes without saying that to do this it is essential to understand what others are saying, and to be understood.

Always remember to speak slowly and clearly, and don’t be afraid to ask other to speak more clearly. Remember, we are all in it together!

The Verbal section is designed to test two things: your logical thinking skills, and your command of the English language. The three main types of questions–Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction–all cover both of those categories in different ways.

Reading Comprehension

About one-third of the GMAT Verbal section is Reading Comprehension. You’ll be given a passage of 200 to 400 words in length and asked to answer several questions about it. These questions might ask you about the main topic, a specific detail, or a deduction that can be made about the content.

The key to handling GMAT Reading Comprehension is reading closely enough to understand the structure and main focus of the passage, but not so closely that you take too long. Remember, you have less than two minutes per question to work with! Don’t skim too aggressively, but don’t worry about mastering every last detail or difficult vocabulary word.

Critical Reasoning

This question type is a sort of mini-Reading Comprehension. Each GMAT Critical Reasoning question is based on a single paragraph or two. These questions are more explicitly about logical argumentation. Many of the short passages are in the form of arguments, and the questions ask you to strengthen or weaken the argument. There are a large number of variations of Critical Reasoning questions; a book like Total GMAT Verbal will help you get acquainted with them all.

As with Reading Comprehension, don’t spend too long analyzing every last detail of the passage. Focus on main points, especially as they pertain to the structure of the argument. Many of the answer choices tempt to stray from the topic at hand, but with practice, you will avoid falling into those traps.

Sentence Correction
The final one-third of the GMAT Verbal section is the most English-language-heavy of them all. Sentence Correction questions give you a sentence that may or may not be grammatically correct. Part or all of the sentence is underlined. Your job is to fix the underlined portion of the sentence so that the sentence as a whole is in accordance with proper English grammar.

If you are a native English speaker, you have a head start. But don’t get too confident: Most English speakers use incorrect grammar on a daily basis. You may have to break some bad habits before you can ace these questions. If you have learned English as a second or third language, you may have more work to do, but you also have the advantage of learning English “by the book,” which may mean your understanding of grammar is more accurate.

Every GMAT Verbal question fits into one of these categories. You can’t ignore one question type just because you aren’t comfortable with it–your score will suffer enormously. Instead, spread out your efforts so that you gain a firm grasp on each of the types of problems the GMAT asks you to solve.

Source: AssociatedContent

Once you have decided to apply for an MBA program, you need to submit a package of application documents. These documents must contain an application letter, an MBA statement of purpose, two recommendation letters, your GPA and GMAT score.

Personal statement of purpose in which an applicant outlines his or her career goals and states reasons for applying to a particular program is considered to be one of the most important and crucial documents in your application package.

Unlike your work experience, reference letters or test score, the statement of purpose is the only part of the applied documentation over which you have full control. It provides you with an opportunity to speak to the admission council directly. You should try to prove them that you stand out from thousands of other applicants.

Some experts believe that having submitted a successful statement of purpose for MBA program you can enhance your chances of getting admission to the chosen college or university, and even improve your application even if you have less-than-perfect grades or low test scores. On the other hand a poor and unreasoned statement can worsen an impression of an otherwise strong application.

In order to make a successful MBA statement of purpose you should mention your reasons as to why you want to enter the program you are applying for, your long-term goals which will be achieved after MBA program graduation.

Writing your own SoP, you should remember that creativity, curiosity and independence are some of the most important attributes an applicant can show through his or her essay.

Source: WAP

Undertaking this endeavor will require a lot of strenuous hours studying. There are many publications to help assist the learning process but I feel that the best preparation is to simply take practice tests. However, sometimes the only way to get practice tests is to purchase the various study guides.

When you are done taking practice tests, you can go over your incorrect answers with explanations to the right answer. These explanations are valuable to understanding the various tricks and traps that the ETS (governing testing board) try to use to confuse the test taker. Before my first try at the GMAT I would primarily rely on study guides. The tips were helpful but were not exactly relevant to the actual test, e.g., the study guide instructed readers on how to answer inference questions but on the test I did not get any inference questions.

The test is divided in three parts, the writing, the math and the verbal section. Anyone successful in the math section understands basic algebra and geometry-there is no calculus involved. Furthermore I noticed that the practice test, which can be found at test’s official site, has questions that are almost identical to the real test.

As for the verbal section, the reading is lengthy and the verbiage is quite advanced. One good preparation tip is to read, read, read, and read. Go to your local library and grab novels to you liking and read them whenever you have free time. Also, it may be advantageous to read articles relating to science and business, since most of the reading comprehension on the test relate to issues regarding such.

The GMAT is structured to test your ability to see the fine print and to see if you are a sufficient problem-solver. The GMAT also tests everything you have learned from previous english and math classes, including basic arithmetic and elementary grammar. I would recommend anyone taking the test to study well in advance, such as 6-8 months before taking the exam. A good indication to readiness is if you have taken 20-30 full practice tests and have gone over every wrong answer with the aid of explanations. The test costs $250 (US rate) so taking the test several times can become extremely costly-isn’t college expensive enough?

Good luck with the test and see you in Graduate School!

Source: AssociatedArticles

To prepare myself for what I expected to be a doozy, and correct I was, I purchased 2 GRE preparation books from the local book store. The books covered the basics of the test, some sample questions for each of the 3 major sections – verbal, quantitative, and writing – and then some hints and tips for scoring high marks.

I found the books helpful, one more than the other, more so for the hints and tips than any practice question. If antonyms and unfamiliar vocabulary words were not enough challenge to throw at this 2000 English grad, then I had the torture of revisiting algebra, calculus, and – eeks – geometry, one of my least favorite subjects. Let’s just say it was mind boggling with all these x, y, z, and more variables across planes and finding means, areas, percentages and – well, yikes!

Then came test day. The center was cold, the staff was friendly, and the computer stations were pretty stilted. I was not allowed water or snacks and if you had to leave your seat for a break the clock keep ticking unless it was a designated break. They are also sticklers for making certain you bring nothing into the test tasking area; each time I reentered the test taking area I was asked to pull my pant pockets out to prove I was not transporting in some additional item.

The test is allotted a 4 hour window for completion and I soaked up most of this time. I felt most confident about the writing portion, a section in which you are asked to write 2 essays. I suppose this would make perfect sense given my English degree. I studied hardest for the verbal section and, as I expected, found the math section the most challenging.

At the conclusion of the testing, you are allowed to decide if you want your scores or not. If you do, there is no backing out and, from what I understood, the scores are recorded. I scored higher on the math than the verbal, but happily for me, I met the requirements the Communications Studies counselor told me they seek for grad program applicants. I will have to wait an additional 2-3 weeks to see how well I aced the writing section.

In conclusion, get a good study guide for the test, but do not stress too hard. There is no way to really predict what types of questions you will receive and there is no perfect way to prepare. Brush up on vocabulary, all advanced math concepts, and writing skills and you should squeak by.

Source: AssociatedContent

“The Official GMAT Web Site” on mba.com hosts detailed information about taking the GMAT, but it also shares some interesting understatements like “A lot of people get a little nervous before taking tests.” For some realistic advice, here are ten tips for taking the GMAT–tips that I wish I would have internalized before taking the test myself.

Learning About & Registering for the GMAT

1. Mba.com has a lot of answers; take advantage. Online you can find an overview of the test structure, free test-preparation software, tips for studying, tips for the day of the test, and so on. The official site with authoritative instructions is clearly helpful for those who are committed to taking the business test, but the site is also a great introduction if you are simply thinking about it.

2. Register early and do so online. There is no need to stress out about registering for the test: you can simply do it online. But, you should register early in order to guarantee you can be fit into your local testing center. Be warned that some locations have extremely limited seating.

3. The test costs US$250, but look at it as an investment. If you are unfamiliar with graduate testing, initially hearing that a single exam costs over 200 bucks might set you back. This is an important step in the admissions process, and you can look at the exorbitant fee as just another way of testing your commitment to being an MBA student.

Studying & Preparing for the GMAT

4. Use the free study resources available. Sometimes “free tools” are synonymous with “useless tools,” but not when it comes to prepping to take the GMAT. Mba.com freebies can be very helpful as well as free study aids from local libraries.
5. Consider taking a preparatory course. Kaplan has become one of the name brands in test prep, and the information the company provides on the GMAT is no exception. For a supplement to my prep, I simply purchased a Kaplan study book. But, you can also opt for participating in instructor-led courses, private tutoring, and online courses for additional help in scoring well on the GMAT.

6. Beware of your strengths. In my GMAT studies, I often skipped sections where I thought I could more easily perform well so that I could focus my limited time on the concepts I predictably needed a lot of help with. The study plan backfired, however, leaving me doing the worst on material I historically have done better on. Balance your time wisely, diversifying what concepts you review.

7. Study hard, but expect to be unprepared. Yes, you should study. Yes, you should prepare. But, expect to be surprised come the day of the test. I know of no one who has taken the GMAT and felt like every single question was predictable.

Tips for Arriving at the Testing Center & Actually Taking the GMAT

8. The environment may be strict: closely follow testing center directions. When you’re told to bring valid identification, test administrators mean it. When they say to place all your personal belongings in an appointed locker, save for permitted items, they’re serious. When they ask to take your fingerprint for a total of six or so times throughout the day, there’s no saying “no” and still getting to finish your test. A stern, no-tolerance policy was certainly in place at my testing center and I felt the pressure. Expect to play by the rules.

9. Pace yourself. You are probably going to come across questions you do not know the answers to. Don’t freak out. Just do your best, and move on. Keep track of your time and where you are in the test. Pace yourself accordingly.

10. Relax: you can take the test again. Sure, you’ll have to repay the testing fee and maybe reschedule some life plans, but this isn’t a do-or-die test. Take a deep breath, or several, and keep perspective. There’s no shame in retaking the GMAT.

Good luck!

Source: AssociatedArticles

You certainly have the GPA. You took your GMAT and passed, and you even know which MBA programs you specifically want to go to. There’s only one thing that worries you, and that is the incredibly nerve-wrecking MBA statement of purpose essay. So many people work for a few years in between their undergraduate degree and graduate degree that they are concerned they cannot be the best candidate for their MBA. The fact is, though, with the right consulting agency, you can be the best candidate for the program. You just need somewhere to start, and someone to work with. Thankfully, there are several consulting agencies out here, and the best agencies will help you write a winning MBA statement of purpose essay.

The first thing to understand when writing your essay is that you don’t need to change your competition, and you can’t, but you need to make yourself stand out. Even if you don’t think you’ve done enough in the past, your essay is about showcasing what you have done. Proper MBA essay consulting will mean presenting everything you have done in a positive light. While you are completing all of those applications, you need to be writing essay topics that are both specific to the school you want to go to and to your skills and goals. A good consulting agency will help you brainstorm different ideas that are specific to the school you’re applying to. After that, you’ll write the draft and then they will go through the editing process with you by checking for grammar, style, and content.

The second component to working with an MBA essay consulting agency is in dealing with your approach. As a consulting group, these individuals have most likely worked with candidates from all of the schools you want to apply to, or at least know the details to many of them. Because of this, depending on the school you are applying for, you will have a consultant there to help you cater your essay to an approach sure to get you an interview. There are plenty of clichés in the world of MBA applications, so you will need someone to help you avoid those. That works in both style and word choice, as well as in your approach to the essay. You need an approach that is going to match the way your admissions team wants to hear you. If you don’t strike the right tone with your school, they may not think you’re an ideal candidate. So trust a good consulting group to edit your essay and find the approach that will make you a winner, standing out above the competition.

In many cases, getting feedback on your essay will be the thing that turns a strong but unfocused essay into a winning, powerhouse essay that is going to get you into the hot seat for an interview. Instead of simply floundering while you try to find a topic, you can find an agency that helps you develop one matching your goals, interests and philosophy.

Source: WAP

// //

// <![CDATA[
//

take an objective look at your score, your target schools and your complete application package. You may have done better than you think.

The GMAT is not the SAT! Scoring in the 90^th percentile on the SAT does not indicate that you will get a similar score on the GMAT. Remember a much wider pool of individuals take the SAT. On the SAT’s you are being measured against all the pointdexter’s and all the Spicoli’s too. The GMAT on the other hand is being taken by an academically stronger group of people. According to mba.com, scoring above a 700 would put you into the 92^nd percentile – no easy feat. It is the difference between competing in the Boston Marathon and the Olympics.

The score range for the MBA program you are applying to is more important than the mean. Falling below the 90^th percentile is not bad and it is extremely common even for students at top ranked MBA schools. Remember your score just needs to be in the median range for your target school. Lets say UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business is your dream school. GmatCat.com lists the median GMAT score at Haas as an intimidating 710, but the middle 80% range is from 650 to 760 so if you scored a 670 you do not need to waste your time retaking the GMAT, you are within the acceptable range for that school.

It’s your entire MBA admission package that gets you in. While your GMAT score is important, it is just one part of your application package. The schools that you apply to are going to look at your undergraduate GPA, work experience and letters of recommendation along with your GMAT score. If your score is in the median range of the schools that you are applying to, being at the top or bottom of that range is not going to be as important as the rest of your package. Your time will be better spent fine-tuning your application essay then squeezing 10 or 20 more points out of your GMAT score.
your score, set aside a lot of study time and focus on improving your lower scaled score for greater results. If your Verbal scaled score was much higher than your Quant score, focus on bringing your Quant score up. Keeping the two scores as even as possible will have the greatest impact on your overall score.

There are instances when retaking the GMAT is the way to go. If your score is nowhere near the median for your target schools or your AWA score is extremely low, take the time to study and retake the exam. If your nerves got the best of you and your GMAT score fell far short of your practice scores then consider your first test a practice round and get back in there.

Source : AssociatedContent

A planned study strategy also helped. Vidit scored 100 percentile. However, the Agra-based boy isn’t overwhelmed with the first phase of achievement. “I should fare equally well in Group Discussion and Personal Interview,” he says prudently, while aiming for IIM-Bangalore.

In a chat with Urmila Rao, he shares his first leg of journey.

Q: Congratulations on your success. How did friends and family react?

A: Many thanks! I didn’t inform my parents intentionally. They are in Agra and found out about my accomplishment through newspapers, as I wanted them to. They were surprised and are very happy. As for friends, they are still wondering.

Q: Of the three sections in CAT, which one came across as most challenging to you?

A: It was English. I selectively focused on it. The other two, Quantitative Aptitude (Maths) and Data Interpretation were relatively easy. My faculty at Career Launcher, Soumya, helped me a lot in English test preparation. She told me about simple rules and guided me on practicing. That reduced the burden of the vast syllabus to one, which I could manage.

Q: How did coaching helped?

A: It helped me be regular. It trained me on how to approach and tackle questions. Regular coaching also means interacting with your class batch mates and getting their feedback; which is important. A lot of assumptions and self-notions get dismantled, which is good to keep you grounded and help you measure your preparation levels vis-à-vis others.

Q: How many test series you took?

A: I took two; one from my coaching centre, Career Launcher and the other from, T.I.M.E.

Q: Are two tests good enough?

A: In my opinion, one is good too, but personally, I needed to gauge my preparation. I got to know from friends that T.I.M.E test series is better. So, I took that too. The result helped me to understand my weak areas.

Q: What other books did you refer to apart from the coaching centre’s learning resources?

A: I mainly referred to the centre’s course material. It covers almost everything. It may not offer new concepts but just the regular practice of those helps gain speed; time is a , crucial factor in CAT.

Q: How did you approach the test?

A: From each section, I first attempted all easy questions. That meant two things: a sure shot score and more significantly, a confidence warm-up. As confidence built up, I moved on to questions which I which I felt, could be sorted out immediately. The others, I attempted last. English takes least time; either you know the answer or you don’t. I took 45 minutes for Data Interpretation section. The total paper is of 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Q: Did you face any hassles moving from pen and paper to a computer-based test?

A: No. These days all youngsters are computer savvy. It wasn’t an issue at all. Besides, the test series familiarises you with the whole software and dynamics beforehand.

Source: Yahoo Education

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is considered as a key indicator for many top business schools when they are evaluating the application of the candidates. It is an examination that evaluates the competency level of the students in business management. From the scores of GMAT, the business schools are able to identify which are the potential students they should accept. The selection process is important for the schools as they would like to ensure that their students are able to graduate successful within a period of time.

If you are one of the candidates who are in the midst of preparing for the exam, here are some simple tips to guide you to pass the exam easily.

• Check with the university campuses whether they offer any testing service for GMAT. If yes, make an appointment with the person in charge so that you can be arranged to sit for the trial. Get a feel on the test first.
• Another alternative for you is buying a specialized GMAT study guide and learn about its format. Familiarize yourself with the exam format so that you won’t be panic during the exam.
• If you find that you are indeed poor in answering the questions, you are encouraged to take GMAT tutoring so that you are able to improve your scores
• Allocate some time to find out the typical questions found in GMAT and keep practicing them
• Practice writing essays on some related topics to enhance your writing skills. Watch out your grammar usage too.
• Set an achievable study schedule and make sure you do regular revision.

Most of us are not geniuses. It is ideal for you to allocate one month duration to study on GMAT before you sit for it. This is to ensure that you can score higher marks and you are able to enter top business school successfully

Source: EzineArticles