If you're preparing for the GMAT, you probably have an idea of what you should be reading (HINT: pick up a National Geography magazine at Books Plus), studying, and practicing. But what should you be listening to?

I recommend listening to MBA Podcaster. This website offers free insight into the MBA admissions process through interviews with business school staff, admissions counselors, and MBA experts.

All programs are easily downloadable with iTunes or Windows Media. A few of the topics related specifically to the GMAT are:

* Conquering the GMAT
* Dealing with a Low GMAT Score
* GMAT Test Taking Tips from the Test Prep Experts
* The GMAT
* GMAT Not Required

In addition to discussions on the GMAT, there are wide variety of programs about other business school related issues. These programs will keep you informed, boost your spirits, and help you maintain a consistent GMAT prep routine. They are so easy that you can do MBA research while taking the Metro!

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. They used to be 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, they are only 1 hour long (each) and do not have essays.

There are 17 different SAT Subject 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 SAT Subject Test you need to take. 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. Some schools require you to take the Math I or IIC tests as well as a science subject test of your choosing. So, decide which colleges and universities you want to apply to and then double check their requirements before registering for a test.

Who makes them?
The SAT Subject Tests are made by ETS, the same people that make the SAT (I) and administered by the College Board. 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 test, the SAT Subject 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 the particular subject. For example, the U.S. History Subject 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. The Chemistry Subject Test has 85 questions, for example, while the Literature Subject Test only has 60. Check out the College Board's website for more information on your specific test and sample questions.

How are they scored?
All of the subject 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, though, 600 is a good score.

How do I prepare the SAT Subject Tests?
The best way to prepare for the SAT Subject Tests 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 just need a good review and plenty of practice problem. Local education institutes can also help prepare you for the SAT Subject Tests. If you need help with the Literature, Math (IC and IIC), U.S. History, World History, or Chemistry, email the Dubai Tutor.

The January Round 2 deadline is the next opportunity for business school hopefuls to apply. For those of us who have just decided we want to go to business school, Round 3 is a more realistic target.

So what's with the rounds? Rounds are business school application periods. Most schools have 3 rounds, 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. Round 2 tends to be competitive because more people apply in this round than any other. While Round 3 is less competitive than Round 2, Round 3 acceptance is still difficult because much of the class has been filled already. So while you have fewer students, you have fewer spots.

If you are applying 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. The Dubai Tutor can help you with all 3 of these.

January GMAT classes are forming now! Email the Dubai Tutor for small group classes, a flexible study schedule, and a program crafted specifically for working professionals.

When I was in college and studying hard for a big test, I often had a recurring dream that I woke up late on test day...and missed the test! Studying for a test but forgetting to register by the deadline is a lot like my recurring dream. Before you start preparing, be sure to register for the test!

Here are the upcoming test dates for SAT and GMAT:

SAT and SAT II Subject Tests
December 5, 2009
January 23, 2010*
May 1, 2010
June 5, 2010**

* If you are in your senior year and want to go to college in the U.S., this is the last available SAT before the registration deadlines.
** If you are in your senior year and want to go to college in the UAE, this is the last available SAT before the registration deadlines.

GMAT (based on application rounds)
Round 2 - early January 2010
Round 3 - late March/early April 2010
Round 4 - May 2010*

* As an international student, you should apply before Round 4 so that you can successfully obtain your F-1 Student Visa by the beginning of new student orientation.

Note: If you are taking the TOEFL or IELTS, these tests are administered quite frequently throughout the year so you don't really have to worry about registration deadlines and availability.

Any questions? Email the Dubai Tutor!

From my recent classes I am convinced that most students aren't really using practice tests to their benefit. Yes, it's a 4 hour test and you want to get the beach soon. Yes, you have lots of homework, office work...Yes, insert weak excuse here. You have other things to do, this is exactly why you should be motivated to get the most out of every practice test you take. Here's how:

On a Friday, sit down and take a full-length timed practice test. Refer to my posts for FREE SAT and GMAT resources online. Do the test in one sitting with, at most, two 10 minute breaks. After you finish, put the test aside and do not do any other studying that day.

The next day, correct your test. While correcting your test sounds simple, this should take you about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of questions you get wrong. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Use the short answers to determine which questions you go right and which you got wrong.
2. Analyze the questions for your strengths and weaknesses. You should be able to group the questions by type. Which types are you consistently getting right? Which ones wrong?
3. Rework the questions you got wrong. When you rework, read the question, go back to the book (passage) or your notes, and really spend some time on the question. Think about why the answer is A, for example, if you got E.
4. Think about why the other answers are wrong. Process of elimination is your best friend when it comes to test taking, so it's important that you refine your strategy. Underline specific words in the answer choices that make them wrong, write down the reason it should be eliminated, and look for patterns that can help you get the answer right upfront.
5. Any questions you aren't able to understand, read the solutions from your book or the practice test. After you read the solution, rework the problem using the method specified.
6. If you still don't understand after reworking the problems and reading the solutions, email the Dubai Tutor.

Happy test taking!!

Out of all the tests I prepare students for, the SAT and GMAT tend to give students the most problems. Why you ask? Because these tests are not designed to test what you learned in school or skills you should have if you speak a language. The SAT and GMAT test the more elusive analytical and critical thinking skills.

Basically, the SAT and GMAT mess with your mind in two ways: through the test formats and through the questions they ask. But don't worry, you can "beat" the test and prevent mind-messing using the strategies below. For every problem, there is a solution.

Test Formats

Problem: The tests start with writing, which requires a lot of creativity and makes many students tired before the rest of the test begins. (An extra warning for GMAT: The two essays do not count in your 200-800!)
Soluton: Outlining is the key to writing quality and quantity on the SAT and GMAT. Take 3 to 5 minutes and jot down your opinion and 3 reasons to support your opinion BEFORE you start writing. Making a quick outline is guaranteed to improve the structure, flow, and readability of your essay.

Problem: The tests have experimental sections and questions that are not part of your score.
Solution: Don't worry about which questions are experimental. Do all of them as if they count.

Problem: Math sections come in the middle of reading sections and require you to change your way of thinking.
Solution: Being able to switch between math and reading is a critical skill to develop for the SAT and GMAT. Although you may prepare for the math and reading separately, you should work several practice tests to get used to switching between the two. The key is PRACTICE.

Problem: Sections that require lots of reading often come at the end of the test. You're sleepy and tired by the time you get to them.
Solution: Practice! Practice! Practice! Pretend you are a professional runner. The only way you develop the endurance to run a marathon is by running marathons. During your study for the GMAT or SAT, you should train by doing several full-length practice tests in one sitting. A full 4 hour test. If you need some tests, check out my postings on free SATs and GMATs.

Questions

Problem: The questions on the test include "trick" answers that the average person would pick. Here's an example from the 2009 College Board SAT practice test:

In the xy-coordinate plane, how many points are a distance of 4 units from the origin?
(A)   One
(B)   Two
(C)   Three
(D)   Four
(E)   More than four

The average person would probably select D. Unfortunately, the answer is E (forgot about points that are diagonally 4 units from the origin, didn't you?)

Solution: When you practice, look for "trick" answers and figure out why they are tricks. Is there something that if forgotten applied incorrectly would have given a trick answer? What if you didn't work the problem all the way to the end? Think about these tricks and you won't fall for them on test day.

Taking the SAT and GMAT is not just about reviewing content. It's also about learning strategies and practicing so that when it's time for your "marathon," you don't have to think about it. Need more help "training?" Email the Dubai Tutor.