Inside the GMAT

The 5 Traits of Successful GMAT Test Takers with Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching

"Anxiety and excitement are chemically the same reaction — context changes how we interpret it." What actually separates top GMAT performers from everyone else? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Hailey Cusimano, Director of Tutoring at Menlo Coaching, to unpack the five traits she's observed that that drive GMAT success. Through the lens of curiosity, balance, consistency, resilience, and flexibility, Hailey explains why the GMAT is less about memorization and more about critical thinking, self-awareness, and intentional preparation. Whether you're just starting your prep journey or feeling stuck after months of studying, this episode offers actionable insights to help you study smarter — not just harder. About Hailey: Hailey Cusimano [https://menlocoaching.com/team/hailey-cusimano/] is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students' main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun. Helpful Resources: Menlo Coaching: https://menlocoaching.com/ [https://menlocoaching.com/] Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register [https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register] Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare [https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare] Key Takeaways: * The GMAT is fundamentally a critical thinking test — not a memorization test. * Curiosity is one of the strongest predictors of long-term GMAT success. * Reflective studying is far more valuable than simply completing large volumes of questions. * Consistency matters more than cramming or weekend-only "study marathons." * Burnout can quietly undermine progress, even for highly motivated students. * Flexibility and adaptability are essential because the GMAT intentionally challenges rigid thinking. * Top scorers are not confident all the time — they are resourceful when facing uncertainty. * Students improve faster when they analyze why they got stuck, not just what they got wrong. * Strong GMAT preparation requires balance between studying, work, rest, and personal life. * Resilience allows students to turn setbacks, bad practice tests, and plateau periods into opportunities for growth. * The best GMAT students treat mistakes as useful data rather than evidence of failure. * Small, intentional daily study sessions are often more effective than infrequent marathon sessions. * "Timeline creep" can happen when students study without structure, benchmarks, or accountability. * Many students plateau because they over-focus on weaknesses and stop practicing holistically. * The GMAT rewards thoughtful decision-making, resource management, and strategic thinking under pressure. Chapters: 00:00 Intro and Meet Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching 08:02 Trait #1: Curiosity 13:50 Trait #2: Consistency 22:39 Trait #3: Balance 32:59 Trait #4: Flexibility 36:48 Trait #5: Resilience 43:11 Integrating Key Traits for Success 49:30 Actionable Steps for GMAT Success

What Today's MBA Candidates Really Want (According to the Data)

"Candidates aren't chasing career switches—they're investing in long-term skills." If you're considering business school, you've probably asked yourself some big questions: Is it worth it? What should I prioritize? And how are other candidates making this decision? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with his colleague Andrew Walker, Director of Industry Communications at GMAC, to unpack insights from the 2026 GMAC Prospective Student Survey [https://www.gmac.com/market-intelligence-and-research/market-research/gmac-prospective-students-survey]—featuring perspectives from over 4,000 candidates worldwide. Together, they explore how candidate motivations are shifting, what "ROI" really means today, and how global preferences for where to study are evolving. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why fewer candidates are pursuing business school for career switching * How AI is shaping expectations for business school curricula * What candidates really mean when they talk about ROI * Key differences between younger and more experienced applicants * Why interest in studying in the U.S. is shifting globally * The growing demand for business master's degrees vs. MBAs * How candidates are thinking about financing and application strategy Whether you're early in your journey or actively applying, this episode will help you better understand how to approach your decision—and what really matters. Key Takeaways: 1. ROI is broader than ever: Candidates are thinking beyond salary—factoring in skills, network, personal growth, and long-term career resilience. 2. Career switching is no longer the primary driver: More candidates are pursuing business school to build capabilities, not completely change paths. 3. AI is reshaping expectations—but not replacing fundamentals: Demand for AI in the classroom is rising, but core skills like problem solving and strategic thinking remain central. 4. Global study preferences are shifting: Interest in traditional destinations like the U.S. is softening, while Western Europe and parts of Asia are gaining traction. 5. Rankings matter less—outcomes matter more: Candidates are increasingly prioritizing career outcomes and ROI over prestige alone. 6. Younger vs. older candidates have different motivations: Younger: income, status, global experiences Older: targeted skill-building and career advancement 7. Business master's degrees are gaining momentum: Especially among younger candidates—and even mid-career professionals looking for focused upskilling. 8. Financing is central to decision-making: Candidates are applying to multiple programs and increasingly relying on financial aid as part of their strategy. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Business School Insights 01:25 Shifting Motivations for Pursuing an MBA 04:10 Understanding ROI in Business Education 07:08 Generational Differences in Business School Aspirations 09:07 Trends in Global Business School Preferences 11:53 Demand for MBAs vs. Business Masters 14:58 Financing Business Education 17:19 Key Takeaways from the Survey

English Proficiency & the MBA: Inside the Duolingo English Test with Elie Bechara

"Testing isn't just about checking a box—it's about proving you're ready to succeed." When most people think about business school admissions, they focus on test scores, essays, and interviews. But for many candidates around the world, there's another critical piece of the puzzle: proving you can succeed in an English-speaking academic environment. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined by Elie Bechara, Head of the Duolingo English Test in Europe, to break down how English proficiency testing fits into the modern MBA application—and why it matters more than ever. Elie shares his journey from INSEAD to consulting to tech, and how he found his way to Duolingo. Then, the conversation dives into what the Duolingo English Test (DET) actually is, how it compares to other English proficiency exams, and why its fully online, adaptive format is rapidly gaining traction worldwide. You'll also learn how the DET complements exams like the GMAT, what business schools are really looking for when it comes to communication skills, and how global trends are reshaping where—and how—students pursue business education. About Elie: Based in Europe, Elie Bechara is the Senior Strategic Engagement Manager for the Duolingo English Test. He works closely with universities, governments, and higher education stakeholders across the region to develop and support fair, secure, and accessible English proficiency assessment in international admissions. Before joining Duolingo, Elie spent over a decade in client-facing roles, across Europe and MENA, in consulting and tech, at LinkedIn, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and PwC, advising institutions, governments, and organisations on strategy, transformation, and talent mobility. Helpful links: Duolingo English Test: englishtest.duolingo.com [https://englishtest.duolingo.com/] Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register [https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register] Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare [https://www.mba.com/gmat-exam-prep] Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: https://substack.com/@gmaczach [https://substack.com/@gmaczach] Key Takeaways: * Language proficiency is more than a checkbox: It's a signal of your ability to actively participate in a global, collaborative MBA environment. * The GMAT and English tests are complementary, assessing different but equally critical skills: reasoning vs. real-world communication. * AI is transforming assessment, enabling faster test development, improved security, and more realistic interaction-based evaluations. * Global mobility trends are shifting, with more candidates choosing Europe and other regions, increasing the need for strong communication across cultures. * Business school success depends heavily on communication, not just academic ability—especially in discussion-driven environments. * Your application doesn't need to be "extraordinary" to be compelling—authenticity and clarity matter more than trying to stand out artificially. * Preparation builds confidence for day one, ensuring you can fully engage from the start rather than playing catch-up. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:27 Elie's Journey to Duolingo 04:20 The Duolingo English Test Explained 07:12 The Structure and Security of the Test 12:02 Innovative Features of the Duolingo English Test 14:19 The Growing Popularity of the Duolingo English Test 17:30 Complementing MBA Applications with Language Proficiency 22:38 Trends in Global Mobility for MBA Candidates 25:05 The Future of Language Testing and AI Innovations 29:22 Advice for MBA Applicants and Test Takers

Going Beyond Tips & Tricks with Brian Prestia, Reason Test Prep

"It's not about the rules and formulas—it's about the decisions you make in how you approach a question." Most GMAT candidates start their prep the wrong way: by diving straight into content, formulas, and practice questions. But what if that approach is actually holding you back? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Brian Prestia, founder of Reason Test Prep [https://reasontestprep.com/], to break down what the GMAT is really testing—and why success has far more to do with how you think than what you know. Together, they explore the difference between memorization and reasoning, why "tips and tricks" can be misleading, and how top scorers approach questions with strategy, precision, and creativity. From quant to verbal to data insights, Brian shares how to rethink your prep, avoid common traps, and build the kind of problem-solving skills that drive real score gains. If you've ever felt stuck despite studying hard, this episode will change how you approach the GMAT—and maybe how you think about problem-solving altogether. About Brian: Brian Prestia is the owner of Reason Test Prep [https://reasontestprep.com/] and is an elite test-prep veteran with more than 20 years of experience preparing people for the GMAT and other standardized tests. He has scored in the 100th percentile of the GMAT and has tutored nearly 1,000 students from all corners of the globe. Brian has a passion for teaching and especially for getting students to think more critically, problem solve more creatively, and, most importantly, enjoy the lifelong process of learning. Helpful links: Reason Test Prep: https://reasontestprep.com [https://reasontestprep.com/] Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register [https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register] Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare [https://www.mba.com/gmat-exam-prep] Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: https://substack.com/@gmaczach [https://substack.com/@gmaczach] Key Takeaways: 1. The GMAT is a reasoning test—not a content test: Most candidates over-focus on formulas and rules, but the exam is designed to assess decision-making, logic, and problem-solving ability. 2. "Tips and tricks" thinking misses the point: Treating the GMAT like a game you can hack leads to shallow understanding. Real improvement comes from developing adaptable thinking skills. 3. Strategy should come before content: Top performers learn how to approach problems first, then layer in content—not the other way around. 4. There is always a definitively correct answer: Even in verbal, answers aren't subjective. If something feels ambiguous, it's a signal to refine your reasoning—not guess. 5. Precision matters more than you think: Success—especially in verbal—comes down to noticing small differences in language and meaning. 6. Data Insights is really a time management test: The challenge isn't just solving problems—it's identifying what matters quickly and ignoring noise. 7. Deliberate practice beats volume: Doing hundreds of questions isn't enough. Improvement comes from deeply analyzing how and why you solved (or missed) each one. 8. You don't always need full math to get the answer: Smart estimation, logic, and elimination can often outperform brute-force calculation. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to GMAT Strategies 04:09 Brian Prestia's Journey and Reason Test Prep 07:36 Defining Critical Reasoning and Problem Solving 10:05 Misconceptions About Test Preparation 15:38 The Role of Math in GMAT Success 18:30 Approaching Different Sections of the GMAT 22:48 Understanding Argument Strengthening and Weakening 24:14 Precision in Language and Its Importance 26:03 Time Management in Data Insights 32:01 Strategies for Data Sufficiency 37:54 Reorienting Your GMAT Preparation Mindset

EA Prep Week 10: Test Complete! The End of an EA-ra

"The score isn't the end. It's just the starting point." After ten weeks, GMAC Zach has finally taken his EA exam! In this candid debrief episode of Inside the GMAT, Zach sits down with instructor Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep to break down his real testing experience—from last-minute rescheduling to test-day distractions and everything in between. Zach walks through how he handled each section, what threw him off (including a chaotic testing environment and a few "wait, is this a typo?" moments), and where his strategy held up—or didn't. Together, they unpack the psychology of test-day performance, including how stress impacts timing, decision-making, and even basic comprehension. More importantly, this episode shifts from performance to perspective. Stacey explains how to properly debrief an exam, when to guess and move on, and why most candidates improve on a second attempt. The conversation reinforces a key message: your first test isn't just a score—it's data. For anyone preparing for the GMAT or EA, this episode is a masterclass in what actually happens on test day—and how to use it to your advantage moving forward. About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student. Helpful links: Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register [https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register] Purchase GMAT Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare [https://www.mba.com/gmat-exam-prep] GMAC Official Starter Kit (FREE): https://www.mba.com/exam-prep/gmat-official-starter-kit [https://www.mba.com/exam-prep/gmat-official-starter-kit] Manhattan Prep Official Starter Kit (FREE): https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/free/gmat-practice [https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/free/gmat-practice] Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: https://substack.com/@gmaczach [https://substack.com/@gmaczach] Key Takeaways: * Your first test is data, not a verdict: Whether you're happy with your score or not, the real value is understanding what to improve next. * Test-day stress changes everything: Timing, focus, and even reading comprehension can break down under pressure—even if practice went smoothly. * Distractions are part of the test: You can't control your environment, but you can train for it—practice in imperfect settings to build resilience. * Don't let one question sink your section: If you don't fully understand the question or know where to find the answer, guess and move on. * Perfectionism is the enemy of performance: Spending too long chasing one answer often costs you more points elsewhere. * Your brain under stress is not always reliable: "Typos" and confusion are often misinterpretations caused by pressure—not actual errors. * Second attempts tend to improve: Familiarity with the test environment and format often leads to higher scores. * Balanced scores matter: Consistency across sections (e.g., 11/11/11) is often stronger than uneven performance. * Start early to give yourself options: Early prep reduces pressure and gives you flexibility to retake if needed. Chapters 00:00 Exam Rescheduling and Preparation 02:54 Test Center Experience and Initial Reactions 05:59 Debriefing the Exam Performance 08:44 Challenges During the Integrated Reasoning Section 11:47 Verbal Section Insights and Reflections 15:35 Navigating Difficult Questions 20:46 Quantitative Section Insights 22:25 Setting Score Expectations 24:14 Reflections on Preparation and Future Steps