GMAT Archives - Write Track Admissions

Reading time: 5 minutes When it comes time to apply to Law School or an MBA program, everyone must take a standardized test. Recently, more and more schools have allowed students to opt for Graduate Record Examination (GRE) versus the LSAT (for law school) or the GMAT (for business school). This has caused some confusion among test takers as to which exam is best suited for you while still giving you a competitive edge for that particular graduate school!

Setting the baseline: GRE

The GRE Format: The GRE is a multiple choice, computer based standardized exam that measures the individual’s readiness for graduate school. It consists of a 60 minute Analytical Writing section (2 essays), two 30 minute verbal reasoning sections, two 35 minute quantitative reasoning sections, and a 30-35 minute experimental section that is either math or verbal. In total the GRE is about 3 hours and 45 minutes long on its own. It is more widely accepted for all graduate programs. A huge benefit of the GRE is that it allows test takers to save and return to particular questions while taking the test. If the pressure of having to answer a question immediately really gets to you, the GRE could be the better option for you if indeed the schools you are applying to accept it!

Business School: GMAT

The GMAT Format: The GMAT is a multiple choice standardized test reserved solely for MBA programs (and in some cases Masters in Finance etc.) available both on paper or on the computer, though it is more common taken electronically. You can register and take the GMAT whenever you want. It consists of one 30 minute Analytical Writing section (1 essay), one 30 minute Integrated reasoning section, one 62 minute Quantitative section, and a 65 minute verbal section. The total estimated time is 3 hours and 7 minutes, not including breaks. GRE vs. GMAT: Some schools strongly prefer the GMAT (so do your due diligence and check to see what the majority of your schools prefer), while others like Stanford’s Graduate School of Business weight them equally. The GMAT’s quantitative section is said to be markedly more difficult than those on the GRE. They are far more reliant on honed math skills, so if math is your forte, the GMAT is a great way to demonstrate those quantitative skills. Further, the GRE has more geometry based questions, whereas the GMAT seems to favor logic questions. Sometimes, firms in the management consulting or investment banking industries require prospective employees to submit their GMAT scores. You may find it easier to just knock out two birds with one stone when applying to MBA programs if you also see yourself in one of those industries in the future. Also note, if you are applying to dual degrees such as an MBA/MPA, or applying to those degrees separately, then the GRE is strategically a better test, as it covers your admission into not just the MBA program but also any other graduate programs you choose, basically allowing you to diversify your options.

Law School: LSAT

The LSAT Format: The LSAT is 175 minutes long, and the writing sample is 35 minutes long. When you factor in the time for administrative formalities and breaks, the whole process takes between 4 – 5 hours. It is now offered up to 8 times a year (double the number from previous years), and consists of two 35 minute logical reasoning sections, one 35 minute analytical reasoning section, one 35 minute reading comprehension section, one 35 minute experimental section, and one 35 minute writing sample section. The writing sample is unscored but still sent along with your LSAT scores to any law schools you apply for. Starting with the October 2019 test, the LSAT will be administered entirely digitally. LSAT vs. GRE: Law programs at some schools, such as Harvard and The University of Arizona, have decided to accept both the GRE and the LSAT to give graduate students more flexibility and broaden their applicant pool. The LSAT is accepted at all law schools, whereas the GRE is only accepted at a select few. Though both are administered digitally, the GRE does have more commonly available paper options. Law school applicants who excel at Math and/or Vocabulary, might want to sway towards the GRE, as these sections are not included in the LSAT, thereby giving the test takers the opportunity to leverage their quantitative and verbal reasoning skills. However, the LSAT does include logic problems, where the GRE does not. If your law brain loves logic, the LSAT may be easier for you. At the end of the day, go with whatever test you think is going to work to your advantage in terms of substance and performance results. The LSAT/GMAT isn’t for everyone, and if you fall into this category, it’s helpful to be aware that the GRE may be an option, but always keep in mind, which school accepts what exam. Emily Gold Waldman, an Associate Dean at Pace University, says that Pace’s Law program began accepting both the GRE and LSAT with the goal of giving more options for different types of test takers. If you can’t seem to figure which test is strategically best for you, contact Write Track Admissions for a free consultation to solve this riddle! Remember this decision and your performance on the “better” standardized test can certainly have a huge influence on your chances of admissions. Aly Hartman | Write Track Communication Officer Write Track Admissions

Reading Time: 4 minutes – Every MBA program as its own timeline and number of rounds. Though most have 3, some have more, and almost all of them operate on a different schedule. Some schools, like HBS, have their first round deadline set as early as September 4. It is imperative that as an MBA applicant, you do not force yourself into a later round because you were disorganized or unprepared. However, waiting to apply during a later round can also be a strategic move. Here at Write Track, we have broken down the most commonly used 3 Round Process for you!

(Acceptance rates by round. Limited sampling of GMAT Club Users. Source: https://poetsandquants.com/2015/12/19/how-acceptances-rates-vary-by-round/)

MBA Round 1

Applying during the first round exemplifies just how serious you are about a particular school. It implies that you have planned on attending the school, and believe your request for their consideration is strong. Statistically, first round applicants see the highest chance of acceptance, as schools typically take the largest percentage of applicants from the round 1 pool, which is also most often smaller than the round 2 pool. According to a former Duke Fuqua Admissions Committee Member:

“In the end, there are more slots available in round one and more opportunities to be placed on the waitlist if that’s the route the admissions committee decides to take”.

So first round applicants have identified their top choices and are prepared to submit their application before the majority of other applicants do. Write Track Recommendation: If you have a great GMAT score, solid Letters of Recommendation, and a unique profile, or you identify as a weaker candidate that wants all the advantage possible… APPLY ROUND 1!

MBA Round 2

Round 2 is almost always the largest applicant pool – but the odds of acceptance are relatively similar to the first round. Furthermore, a solid GMAT score can usually ensure that the increase in competition is not too huge a deal. Through research and experience we have found that some applicants utilize this round to apply to schools that are lower on their list, while others will purposely wait to apply until this round because of a nontraditional background and a sparkling personal statement, which in most cases will shine extra bright. Taking the extra time to polish your application to perfection can also work to your advantage. Write Track Recommendation: If you need to wait to (re)take the GMAT to get a solid score, spend time getting that stellar Letter of Recommendation, and work on an outstanding application to a wide variety of programs (Reach – Target – Safety) … APPLY ROUND 2!

MBA Round 3

A highly unusual background or sheer desire to attend an MBA program are really the only reasons to wait until the third round to apply. The odds of acceptance are lowest in this round, and there is typically less scholarship money to be given out. Extremely strong candidates may still have a fair chance of acceptance, but the third MBA round is the most competitive and by all measures will limit optionality. Most people applying during this round only have a chance if they have used MBA Admissions Consulting services. Write Track Recommendation: If you are eager to go to business school, regardless of the rank and can not wait another year … APPLY ROUND 3! If you find yourself stuck in a later round, contact Write Track Admissions for cutting-edge MBA application assistance. We’ll ensure your application is at its strongest point so you can remain competitive even in the third round. Aly Hartman | Write Track Communications Officer Write Track Admissions

Tag: GMAT

Setting the baseline: GRE

Business School: GMAT

Law School: LSAT

MBA Round 1

MBA Round 2

MBA Round 3

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