THE GMAT Club Podcast

Episodios

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  GMAT Brain Fog, Anxiety, and Accommodations: When to Seek Real Help 19.08.2026 37m

  Can a pill, supplement, or “focus hack” help you perform better on the GMAT? In this episode of the Random Guess - GMAT Ninja Podcast, Charles speaks with neuropsychologist Dr. Ari Hall about medications, supplements, anxiety, brain fog, and testing accommodations for GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment test takers. In this episode: Do Adderall and Ritalin help GMAT performance? Why stimulants can sometimes create tunnel vision or anxiety Brain fog, fatigue, and possible underlying causes Omega-3s, B vitamins, caffeine, L-theanine, taurine, and nootropics Why test day is not the time to experiment Beta blockers and physical test anxiety When to consider evaluation or accommodations Why accommodations are not “cheating”
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  6 GMAT Stories Every Test Taker Should Hear Before Their Next Attempt 12.08.2026 53m

  In this episode of the GMAT Club Podcast, Charles and Brian Prestia bring six of the wildest GMAT improvement stories they’ve seen across decades of teaching. Then they do something much more useful than simply celebrating the numbers: they break down what actually changed, what lessons apply to most test takers, and which parts were unique to each student. In this episode: * Why some dramatic GMAT score jumps are misleading * How omissions and timing can artificially sink a score * What to do when the real problem is reading, not GMAT content * Why quality practice matters more than just doing more questions * How intense, focused prep can help * Why anxiety, ADHD, and accommodations matter more than many students realize * What parts of a score story you should copy — and what parts you shouldn’t
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  Michigan Ross: A Hands-On MBA Built Around Community, Careers & Real-World Learning 01.08.2026 46m

  What makes the Michigan Ross MBA different — and how can applicants show they truly fit? In this episode of the GMAT Club Podcast, we go inside Michigan Ross with Lysa Wang, Sr. Associate Director of Admissions and Recruitment, to understand what makes Ross’s MBA experience distinctive today. The conversation covers Ross’s action-based learning philosophy, the MAP project, the advantage of studying in Ann Arbor, consulting and tech recruiting, AI in the MBA curriculum, and what Ross really looks for in MBA applications. In this episode, we discuss: What makes Michigan Ross different from other top MBA programs Ross’s action-based learning model and the MAP project Why Ann Arbor can be a major advantage for MBA students How Ross is integrating AI into the MBA curriculum Ross’s strengths in consulting and tech recruiting How applicants should and should not use AI in MBA essays What strong Ross MBA essays actually show Ross’s interview and application evaluation process Who is the right fit for Michigan Ross
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  How AdComs Really Judge Your MBA Interview 29.01.2026 49m

  In this episode of the GMAT Club MBA Podcast, we take you inside the interview room. Our guest, Kelsey Kephart, former Columbia Admission Director and interviewer with the experience of conducting hundreds of interviews, reveals what really happens when admissions committees evaluate your MBA interview.
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  F-1 Visa Explained: What Officers Review Before Approving Your Visa 08.01.2026 1h

  U.S. visa officers are now required to check your social media and online presence before approving a student visa. If there’s any mismatch between your DS-160, LinkedIn, or public posts, it could raise credibility red flags — even if it’s an honest mistake. In this episode of the GMAT Club Podcast, we break down exactly what happens before your F-1 visa is approved and how you can prepare for the interview confidently
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  What's a Good GMAT Score? Let’s Settle the Debate 02.10.2025 47m

  Is your GMAT score high enough for top business schools? 🤔 In this episode of the GMAT Club MBA Podcast, Brian Fobi (GuruFi.com) and Maria Wich-Vila (Applicant Lab) tackle the most debated question in MBA admissions: What’s a good GMAT score? They break down how admissions committees really use GMAT scores, when it makes sense to retake the test, and how much weight the GMAT carries compared to your GPA, work experience, and essays.
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  What AdComs Truly Want? Big Companies on Resume, GMAT, or Essays? 24.09.2025 33m

  Do you need a McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, or Google on your resume to impress MBA admissions? In this powerful episode of the GMAT Club MBA Podcast, we sit down with Will Torres (Global Admissions Director, Stanford GSB) along with Maria Wich-Vila (Applicant Lab) and Brian Fobi (GuruFi.com) to uncover what admissions directors truly value when reviewing applications. From blue-chip employers to test scores and essays, we break down how adcoms really assess candidates—and why context and authenticity often matter more than the “brand names” on your resume. Do applicants from MBB, FAANG, or top banks really have an advantage? How adcoms evaluate candidates from smaller companies or unconventional paths. The truth about GMAT/GRE scores in admissions decisions. Why context matters more than numbers. How essays reveal authenticity—and what makes them impactful.
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  What MBA AdCom Really Want In Your Essay? 14.09.2025 1h 7m

  Crafting strong MBA essays isn’t just about storytelling — it’s about showing admissions committees who you are beyond your resume and test scores. In this GMAT Club Podcast episode, Brian and Maria, along with Bruce DelMonico (Head of Admissions at Yale School of Management), dive deep into the real job of MBA essays and explain how AdComs evaluate them. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: Why business schools need essays when they already have your resume How admissions committees view the use of tools like ChatGPT in essays Common mistakes applicants make and what AdComs don’t want to see The real role of MBA essays in your application strategy Examples of standout essays from top applicants Balancing professional vs. personal stories (with insights from Yale SOM) How to showcase program fit authentically What happens behind the scenes — how many people actually read your essays Harvard MBA essay insights: business-minded, leadership, and growth-oriented essays
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  GMAT Focus 725 (99 Percentile) in 3 Months with Self Preparation 10.04.2025 45m

  In this GMAT experience talk show, we talk to Anurag Wadhwa, an Electrical Engineer from IIT Roorkee who scored 725 in his last GMAT Focus exam solely by solving official questions and taking numerous mocks in the final phase of his preparation. Coming from an engineering background gave Anurag a decisive advantage in the quant section, but how did he manage to gain mastery in verbal and data insights through practice? What was his method for practice? What was his typical GMAT study routine? That's what we are going to find out in this video. Hit that 'like' button and subscribe to our channel to support us in bringing you more inspiring stories like Anurag's.
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  First Gen College Student, Army to Fortune 500 CEO via MBA 03.04.2025 41m

  Join us for an insightful conversation with Angelo Adams, First generation college student and President of Zipcar, as he takes us through his remarkable journey from the U.S. Army to becoming the CEO of a leading car-sharing company in the US. In this episode, Soojin Kwon, former Dean of Michigan Ross Admissions, interviews Angelo and understands how he transitioned from military service to pursuing an MBA at Michigan Ross School of Business, the challenges he faced in business school, and how he navigated his career post-MBA. From his first role at Johnson & Johnson to leading teams at Otis and Zipcar, Angelo offers invaluable advice on leadership, career transitions, and the power of personal branding. Get actionable insights and inspiration, whether you're an aspiring MBA student, a transitioning veteran, or someone aiming for leadership roles in the corporate world.
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  MBA Prepared me for Taking Risks and Handling Failures | GMAT Club Career Talks 27.03.2025 47m

  In this episode of GMAT Club Career Talks, Soojin Kwon, former Dean of Michigan Ross Admissions, interviews Kristen Schultz, Ross MBA, who pivoted into her dream Non-Profit sector after working for 6 years as a Management Consultant at Deloitte. Kristen currently works as a Vice President of Operations and Strategy at Planned Parenthood, a non-profit organization in the Greater Chicago area. In this video, Kristen shares her journey at Deloitte as a consultant, her lessons, and what ultimately led her to fulfil her dream of working in a non-profit. Join us as delve into her inspiring story and explore and career insights she has gained after getting her MBA.
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  Your MBA is Just the Start: How to Grab Life-Changing Opportunities 20.03.2025 50m

  Your MBA is Just the Start: How to Grab Life-Changing Opportunities What happens after getting an MBA? Is it worth the investment? To find out, I interviewed 10 GMAT Club professionals who have completed their MBAs and built careers in consulting, finance, tech, and entrepreneurship. Their answers might surprise you! 🎯 What You’ll Learn: ✅ The reality of post-MBA careers: Expectations vs. Reality ✅ How an MBA impacts salary, career growth & work-life balance ✅ The biggest regrets and best decisions from MBA grads ✅ Industry insights: Consulting, Tech, Finance & Beyond If you're considering an MBA or wondering what life looks like after graduation, this video is packed with real-world insights to help you make an informed decision!
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  10 Years out of MBA Tech Product Manager "In Retrospect" | GMAT Club Career Talks 12.03.2025 39m

  Join us for an insightful conversation with Selena Salazar, a seasoned product manager who has successfully navigated her career through industry giants like Meta and Apple. In this episode, Soojin Kwon, former Dean of Michigan Ross Admissions, talks to Selena and delves into her journey, exploring the key decisions, challenges, and triumphs that have defined her path in product management.
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  GMAT 715 - Scoring 99 Percentile in 4 Months with Self Prep 06.03.2025 55m

  In this GMAT podcast, we talk to Naman Aggarwal, an Indian Electronics Engineer who scored an impressive 715 on his latest GMAT attempt. That's a 99.5th percentile score achieved with just 4 months of effective self-study. Naman's journey stands out due to his meticulous planning, focused approach, and positive attitude towards learning from mistakes. As Naman put it, "I made countless mistakes in my preparation, just like every GMAT student, but I worked hard to ensure I didn’t repeat a single one. That’s what helped me reach the 99th percentile by studying only with the Official Guide, GMAT Club's Forum Quiz, and YouTube videos." In this interview, we will dive deeper into Naman's approach, study habits, and preparation techniques.
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  GMAT 735! Gained 90 Points by Stopping Studying 06.02.2025 38m

  Many GMAT success stories revolve around rigorous studying and relentless practice. But what if I told you that too much studying could actually hurt your score? In this video, we talked to Simon, a bright undergrad student from Texas A&M University, who faced an unusual challenge—his mock scores started dropping despite intense preparation. Just two days before his actual test, he scored a disappointing 645 on a practice exam. Instead of pushing harder, he made a bold decision: he completely stopped thinking about the GMAT, focused on relaxing, and reset his mindset. The result? He walked into test day feeling refreshed and scored an incredible 735 which is 99 percentile GMAT score. In this episode of GMAT Success Stories, we talk not only about Simon’s GMAT prep strategy but also about the role of mindset, and how sleep, nutrition, and mental well-being can make or break your GMAT score.
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  715 on the GMAT using nothing but GMAT Club and YouTube 30.01.2025 57m

  Welcome to another episode of GMAT Success Talks. Today, we are covering a phenomenal GMAT story of Vatsal, who scored 715 - a 99.5 percentile score - on his latest GMAT focus test, using GMAT Club resources, including forum quizzes, GMAT Club’s YouTube videos and official questions. Vatsal took the classic version of the GMAT in Oct 2023, scoring 710. He then took a break and resumed prep for the GMAT Focus edition in June 2024. Studying only through GMAT Club and official sources, as mentioned already, and immersing himself in intensive practice sessions, Vatsal scored 715 in 4 months. Today, we'll explore his GMAT journey, his challenges, and the unique timing techniques that propelled him to success on the verbal.
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  My MBA Admissions Journey to Wharton & Chicago Booth 23.01.2025 53m

  Meet Kseniia, a former Public Relations Head at Google in Russia, whose inspiring journey defied the odds and landed her admissions to Wharton, Chicago Booth, and Yale SOM. Coming from a non-traditional background, Kseniia shares how she overcame challenges like a low GPA, five GMAT attempts, and rejections. Learn how she crafted a compelling narrative, leveraged international experience, and aced her MBA applications to some of the most prestigious business schools in the world.
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  My Journey to GMAT 100 Percentile After Getting Rejected by ISB 23.05.2024 43m

  In this GMAT Success Story episode, we delve into the GMAT journeys of Piyush a petroleum engineer from ISM Dhanbad, India, currently working in the oil and energy sector. Piyush recently scored a 735 in GMAT Focus attempt, hitting the 100th percentile on his 4th attempt. After preparing on and off for the GMAT for almost two years, today he is here with us to share his journey and help you avoid the mistakes that he initially made. So guys get ready to be inspired as we dive into his GMAT journey!
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  Experiential Learning at NYU Stern 15.05.2024 40m

  Experiential Learning is a differentiator for NYU Stern students and a critical piece of the MBA journey for many Sternies. In this podcast with GMAT Club, Sternies' will share their individual stories about Experiential Learning opportunities.
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  GMAT Focus 99 Percentile - Speed vs Accuracy 09.05.2024 47m

  In this GMAT experience talk show, we talk to Tavishi, a young MBA aspirant from India who recently scored 725 in her latest GMAT Focus exam. It’s a 99.9 percentile score on the new GMAT Focus edition and she achieved this feat in her first GMAT attempt. Tavishi faced many problems in her GMAT prep as many other test-takers; She wasn’t able to study long hours due to her demanding work schedule; she would often lose interest after studying for a day or two; she would rush through the test for lack of time management, sacrificing accuracy. She eventually overcame these challenges, made significant improvements in her preparation & practicing strategies, made the most of the Magoosh GMAT course she had purchased and faced her actual GMAT attempt with full confidence and scored 725. In this podcast, we talk to Tavishi and try to understand her GMAT journey in her own words.